A brush full of talent

By Sheree Hoddinett

Kyle Thomson is just 21-years-old, running a successful painting and decorating business on and around the Island and making a name for himself in what he calls his hobby, cue sports. He took over the ownership of WJC Master Painters in February two-years-ago when the then owner, Bill Christie, passed away after a battle with lung cancer.

Running his own business at such a young age isn’t lost on Kyle, but he stepped up to the plate when he knew he was needed. Now it’s a mixture of hands-on work, paperwork and organising quotes for clients.

“At first it hit me realising what a big commitment it is,” he said. “Work can be on and off, so for a patch you can get absolutely hammered with jobs and then it settles down to a nice even pace. But it’s a great opportunity to be able to pick the jobs I want to do and set my own hours as well.

“I never would have thought at my age that I would be running a business by myself and that Bill trusted me enough to do it. It’s quite an honour as well.”

Kyle’s path into the world of painting came about after he left school in his early teens because it wasn’t the place for him. But it also turns out, painting was already well and truly running through the family.

“My uncle is a painter and my pa is a retired painter, so I went with my uncle for work experience over the school holidays between year nine and 10,” he said. “I loved it. I ended up finding a place to do my apprenticeship and it all went from there. “

The upside of running his own business also allows some flexibility for Kyle to participate in cue sports, something he very much loves and which keeps him busy three nights a week. His interest also stems from his family, with his Pa guiding him into the sport and his uncle used to play as well. He also has a lot of respect for the Bribie Snooker Club, who have looked after him in the snooker domain since he was 14.

“I have played cue sports since I was eight-years-old,” Kyle said. “In my junior career, I won the under 12’s Australian Title, came second in under 18’s for 8 Ball and I have also won an under 18’s Australian Snooker Title. I’ve played in most Queensland sides and went to England to represent Australia for the World under 18’s. In November last year I travelled down to Albury New South Wales for the Men’s Australian Titles and in May this year I’m off to Morocco for the World under 23’s, which is a pretty big deal.”

With so many achievements already to his name, what are Kyle’s plans for the future?

“I’ve always wanted to do excavating and earth moving,” he said. “So I’m looking at ways to make that happen by getting the licences I need. I’ve got that dream, but for now I want to keep this business running as long as I can because I feel I would be letting Bill down if I didn’t.”

Eventually Kyle would love to make more of his cue sports hobby with his next biggest focus his trip to Morocco. He puts in as much practice as he can with tables at his mum and stepfather’s house, as well as at his grandparents’ house. He regards his Pa as very much his mentor and idol.

“I’ve always looked up to him. He achieved so much but he tells me he didn’t do anything like I have,” Kyle said. “A lot has changed in the sport over the years even since I started, so imagine what it’s going to be like in 10 years’ time.”

If you would like to find out more about WJC Master Painters, contact Kyle on 0457 066 509.