meet the DEYOUNGS team!

Troy DeYoung, the owner and Head of Management at DeYoungs, is both a kid at heart and a passionate advocate for sustainable retail practices. Driven by a mission to share his sense of wonder and excitement for the unusual and bizarre, Troy strives to foster a community that embraces sustainability and reduces reliance on mass production and consumerism driven by greed. His home, a museum in itself, reflects his unique vision, which he has expanded through the DeYoungs store. Under Troy's leadership, we are fortunate to be part of a journey that celebrates the extraordinary while promoting ethical and sustainable practices.

With 35 years of industry experience, Ben Sawtell brings unparalleled expertise to our team. Having dedicated 15 years at Stepneys and 20 years at DeYoungs, Ben’s extensive background makes him an invaluable asset. His exceptional skill in glass cutting is complemented by his passion for collecting clocks, a testament to his meticulous attention to detail. Ben's cheerful personality lights up the workplace, often accompanied by his melodious singing or humming to tunes on the radio. His infectious positivity and vast knowledge make him a cherished member of our team.

Mark McMillan has been an integral part of our team since our beginnings in McLaren Vale in 1993, bringing with him nearly three decades of experience. Known affectionately as the "go-to guy" at DeYoungs, Mark is a math whiz with an uncanny ability to solve just about any query that comes his way. His admiration for Mid-Century artifacts and his deep appreciation for past craftsmanship make him a true connoisseur in his field. Mark’s extensive knowledge and unwavering dedication have been pivotal to our success, making him a cornerstone of our team.

Arabella Kernick spearheads our digital marketing efforts, overseeing the website, social media platforms, email campaigns, and third-party marketplace integrations. With an impeccable sense of aesthetics, Arabella curates content that blends beauty with the intriguing and unconventional. A philosophy and English literature major, she continually expands her knowledge through courses in classics and history. Her passion for collecting unique items and her keen eye for detail ensure each piece resonates with our audience's love for rediscovery and renewal. Arabella also manages product merchandising, display designs, and floor planning, bringing our vision to life with a woman's touch and creating an inviting shopping experience.

Steve Austin, our go-to Sparky, has been the primary electrician at DeYoungs for around 17 years. With a specialization in commercial practices, Steve ensures the safety and functionality of our products through meticulous tag testing. His expertise not only promotes sustainable practices but also facilitates the reuse of previously loved goods. Beyond his essential role in product safety, Steve is the mastermind behind the maintenance and setup of the cool neon signs and working memorabilia that add character to our shop. His dedication and skill are integral to the smooth operation and unique charm of DeYoungs.

Wayne McMillan, the Project Manager for demolition jobs at DeYoungs, has been a vital part of the DeYoungs family for over three decades. His extensive experience and developed skills are evident in his expert management of demolition projects. Wayne's long-standing commitment to DeYoungs underscores his invaluable contribution to the team and the success of every project he oversees. His playful nature is well-known among the staff, exemplified by the light-hearted pranks he has been known to play on staff (including the boss!) This sense of humour contributes to the camaraderie and positive atmosphere within the DeYoungs team.

John Lawton oversees general administration and customer liaisons at DeYoungs, including handling demolition enquiries. With roughly 18 years at DeYoungs, John is the "Swiss Army Knife" of the team - a "jack of all trades" who is highly valued and respected by his colleagues. Whether you have a question about demolition or need assistance with other matters, John is the go-to person ensuring smooth operations and excellent customer service.

Steve, known affectionately around the workplace as "Pimmy," is a new addition to our retail storefront. What he may lack in retail experience, he more than makes up for with his extensive trade knowledge and practical know-how. Pimmy has a remarkable ability to understand exactly what you need to get the job done right and efficiently.

We greatly value Pimmy's down-to-earth nature and comforting demeanor. Whether he's operating a forklift or moving large items with a sack trolley and his impressive strength, Pimmy is always ready to lend a hand and ensure everything runs smoothly.

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