Not every tradie story starts the same way, and Reece Gately’s journey into running Wardrobe Refractories is proof that life doesn’t always follow the expected path.

Growing up, Reece’s earliest memories of the trade world came from his dad. Like many kids of tradie parents, weekends and school holidays meant helping out at the factory, mixing buckets, and lending a hand on site. But unlike some families, Reece’s dad was determined that his children wouldn’t follow in his footsteps. He didn’t want them working seven days a week in tough, dangerous environments. Instead, he encouraged Reece to choose a different future — one in an office, away from the tools.

And for a while, that’s exactly what happened. Reece went on to university, studied chemistry, and even completed a PhD in 3D printing and medical research. But when his mum passed away and his dad began stepping back from the family business, Reece found himself drawn into the trade he thought he’d never join. By 2020, he’d swapped the lab coat for high-vis and taken over the reins of Wardrobe Refractories.

The work he and his team do is highly specialised — high-temperature insulation for everything from boilers to cremators. It’s work that often comes with no warning, high risk, and plenty of pressure. Planning is difficult when breakdowns and emergencies can change everything at a moment’s notice. Reece admits it’s been a steep learning curve, not just technically but also in building systems, managing compliance, and keeping a trusted team around him.

What makes his story powerful is the reminder that trade businesses are about more than tools. They’re about resilience, adaptability, and community. For Reece, it’s also about proving that even the most unexpected path can lead to a business worth building.

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