November 26, 2024

Paint & Panel Bodyshop Awards - Fortress Zane Hartley wins Apprentice of the Year!

Zane’s journey with us has been nothing short of exceptional. Starting his apprenticeship in February 2022, Zane quickly stood out for his ability to learn and adapt. Fast-tracking his progress, he is now nearing completion and consistently exceeds expectations, working at the level of qualified tradespeople.

💡 What sets Zane apart?

  • Mastering complex color matching for 3-layer pearls, candys, and challenging metallics.
  • Collaborating with Sherwin-Williams to develop innovative paint formulas that benefit his team.
  • Performing beyond the expectations of a 3rd-year apprentice, producing flawless work and passing every QC audit.

Zane’s dedication, skill, and professionalism earned him the titles of Fortress Spray Painter of the Year 2023 and Capricorn Rising Star nominee 2023. He also serves as a mentor for our first-year paint apprentices, inspiring the next generation of talent.

👏 Join us in celebrating Zane’s well-deserved recognition and his bright future in the industry!

More Fortress news
News
Jun 2, 2025
🎉 Flashback - Women in Collision Awards 2024 🎉

We’re so proud of Kylie Kennedy and Makayla Smith, who were both named finalists in the 2024 Women in Collision Awards! 💥

News
May 28, 2025
Seam Sealer Training with Teroson: Hands-On Learning

Our team had the fantastic opportunity to participate in seam sealer training, thanks to the Teroson team. David and Carlos, seasoned experts from Teroson, led the session, showcasing the Ripple Bead Gun and Multy Press Gun.

News
May 23, 2025
Funky Shirt Friday – Sparking Conversations That Matter

Loud shirts. Real talk. Every Friday, our Ormeau team wears their values—because mental health matters. 💬🧠 #LoudShirtFriday