Our Core Values

At TPM, we operate by a set of core values that shape our daily work and decision-making – defining who we are as a team.

Team
One Team

More than just a motto; "playing as one team" is our commitment to dependability, reliability, and mutual support. We pride ourselves on being punctual, safe, and transparent — fostering trust within our team and with our clients. Together, we bring out the best in one another, recognising that collective success is built on individual dedication and collaboration.

Problem Solvers
Problem Solvers

A core trait, ingrained in our approach. We encourage every team member to take ownership of challenges and address them proactively to prevent surprises. Rather than dwelling on problems, we focus on finding solutions and contributing positively to the resolution process. This proactive, solution-oriented mindset is key to our success.

Trust
Building Trust

We prioritise “we can” over “me,” promoting teamwork, cooperation, and respect. We challenge one another constructively, creating an environment where continuous improvement thrives. Our commitment to building trust ensures that we consistently deliver quality results and maintain strong, lasting partnerships.

Meet Our Team

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Matt Taylor

Director

Meet Matt, the visionary founder of TPM. With a natural drive and relentless entrepreneurial spirit, Matt is the driving force behind the company's success.

His deep motivation to achieve excellence in every endeavour he takes on has shaped TPM into the thriving business it is today. With over 25 years of industry experience, Matt’s journey from trade time-served to senior management positions showcases his unwavering commitment to blending hands-on expertise with innovation. This unique combination is the cornerstone of TPM’s continued growth and success.

As a seasoned project manager, Matt has successfully overseen numerous high-profile projects across diverse sectors, including Food & Dairy, Brewing, Water Treatment, and Pharmaceuticals. From process piping and design to major factory upgrades and new builds, Matt’s leadership ensures TPM consistently delivers exceptional results for its clients.

Above all, Matt’s genuine care for clients sets him apart. He is deeply invested in understanding their challenges and strives to be the "solutions guy," always looking for innovative ways to solve problems and deliver value. His hands-on, client-first approach is central to TPM’s mission of providing not just services but long-term solutions. Under Matt’s guidance, TPM remains focused on achieving excellence and providing top-tier results.

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Michelle Davis

Administration & Compliance Manager

Michelle, co-owner of TPM, has played a crucial role in our success, leaving anindelible mark with her unwavering dedication and commitment. As our Administration & Compliance Manager, she is the operational backbone of the company — ensuring that our administrative processes are efficient and effective, ultimately enhancing the overall performance of the business.

With a background as an Executive Assistant and Office Manager, Michelle brings a wealth of expertise to our day-to-day operations. Her career journey is as diverse as it is impressive, having also served as a Service Delivery Manager in New Zealand before transitioning to Chief Stewardess on superyachts across the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean. In both roles, Michelle demonstrated exceptional leadership, organisational skills, and the ability to manage complex operations.

Her proactive attitude and natural ability to connect with others extend well beyond the workplace.

Michelle is actively involved in networking, building meaningful relationships, and contributing to discussions and causes that align with her values. Her leadership, strong business acumen, and commitment to TPM’s growth make her an invaluable asset to the company. Michelle’s dedication to driving results continues to play a vital role in TPM’s ongoing success.

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Paul Armstrong

Chief Operating Officer

Paul is a seasoned professional in the process piping and mechanical installation industry, with a wealth of experience spanning across Australia and the South Pacific. Starting as a time-served tradesperson, he has cultivated an extensive background in supervision, project management, and executive leadership.

With years of hands-on expertise and a deep understanding of operational efficiency, Paul has consistently demonstrated his ability to successfully oversee and manage multiple projects and teams running concurrently. As a leadership powerhouse, he excels in driving operational success and ensuring seamless project delivery.

Paul is instrumental in steering the entire operational end of TPM — providing strategic direction and optimising processes to achieve excellence in performance. His leadership and vision are key to driving growth and ensuring the highest standards in safety, quality, and innovation within the industry.

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Martin Ellis

Advisor & CFO

Martin has been involved with TPM in various capacities since its inception, providing advisory support and serving as CFO to assist the directors and management team. He holds a degree in Business Management Studies and is a member of both Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, and the New Zealand Institute of Directors.

Martin’s previous roles include serving as Finance Director at Heat and Control Ltd., a multimillion-dollar international manufacturer of large-scale food processing machinery. He was also CFO and later CEO of Sleepyhead Manufacturing Group, a company with an annual turnover of $300 million and approximately 1,200 employees.

Alongside his professional career, Martin and his wife, Jane, have held shareholdings in a number of agricultural, kiwifruit, and genetics companies across New Zealand, Australia, and the UK. Martin has also held long-standing governance and chairman roles within these ventures.

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Darren Hall

Estimating & Procurement

Darren is a highly experienced Lead Estimator with over seven years at Total Piping & Mechanical (TPM), where he plays a key role in project estimation, supplier engagement, procurement, and operations coordination. With a strong background in process piping and fabrication, Darren brings both technical expertise and commercial insight to every project.

Before joining TPM, Darren worked extensively as a self-employed pipefitter, delivering process pipework and TIG welding solutions for major pharmaceutical and food & beverage facilities across Australia. His hands-on trade experience is complemented by earlier roles with AD Mechanical and BAE Systems UK, where he gained valuable skills in marine engineering, fabrication, and site-based installation.

Darren’s practical knowledge, combined with his sharp analytical and negotiation skills, make him an invaluable contributor to TPM’s project success — from accurate budgeting and supplier vetting to driving cost-effective outcomes.

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Matt Hoefnagals

Project Supervisor

Matt or Hoffy as he likes to be referred to, brings an immense amount of experience and an attention to detail that is second to none.

Hoffy’s trade background, vast piping and mechanical experience, and deep understanding of construction and constructability challenges, gears him perfectly to add value to all TPM customers.

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Scott Moen

Project Supervisor

Scott is a highly skilled tradesmen, we comprehensive experience in Sheetmetal work, process piping works for food, pharmaceutical and industrial sectors.

Scott brings a passion for excellence, with an inherent desire to build the next layer of leaders and tradespersons within TPM.

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Declan Varapodio

Project Supervisor

Declan is an efficient, detail-oriented professional with a strong trade background in piping, fabrication, and installation.

His expertise and commitment to quality have a significant impact on every project he leads. A natural problem solver with a passion for continuous improvement, Declan consistently delivers outstanding results. His drive, focus, and leadership position him as one of the industry’s promising rising talents.

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Bevan Leary

Project Manager

With over 25 years of experience in the heavy industry sector, Bevan has developed deep expertise in project supervision, piping systems, welding, and mechanical construction. Holding multiple trade qualifications and a Project Management Diploma, he has progressed from hands-on roles to senior leadership positions.

His experience spans oil & gas, petrochemical, cryogenic, and food & beverage industries. As a certified Welding Inspector, Pipe Fitter/Welder, and Boilermaker, Bevan combines technical precision with strategic oversight to ensure safe, high-quality project outcomes.

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Adrian Cox

Leading Hand

Adrian is an experienced Leading Hand with over 25 years in the construction and industrial sectors. His expertise covers piping, welding, rigging, and cranage coordination.

Known for his strong leadership and hands-on approach, Adrian has spent more than 15 years supervising teams on complex civil and industrial projects. His technical knowledge, safety-first mindset, and ability to mentor others make him a key contributor to TPM’s ongoing operational excellence.