Meet the Thunderbox Team
Meet the talented and dedicated team behind ThunderboxPortaloos! Our team is made up of professionals who are passionate about providing top-notch service and ensuring our customers have a great experience. From our drivers and portaloo technicians to our support staff, every team member plays a vital role in delivering our exceptional portable loo toilet solutions. Get to know the faces behind the names and learn what makes our team tick!
Dean Sampson
Owner
Founder of Thunderbox Portaloos, Dean is no stranger to the local community and has a proven track record of building successful businesses. He previously founded Albany Tyres in 1994 which has become an iconic landmark at the top of Albany Hill.
Dean’s secret to success lies in his firm belief in relationship building, superior customer service and client confidence. He prioritises effective communication, issue resolution, and long-term vision. Dean has an uncanny ability to assemble the right team of people, using their skills and developing their strengths. Dean’s primary focus at Thunderbox is team support, ensuring every team member feels valued and empowered to excel. He takes a hands-on approach to leadership, fostering a positive work environment and encouraging collaboration.
Born and bred on the North Shore, Dean is a local through and through. Despite growing up in the suburbs, he’s a country boy at heart and loves the great outdoors. His ideal day would be relaxing with mates - a fishing trip, 4WD, hunting or playing sport. Dean and wife Annalie have two children and a Golden retriever called Ned. Dean enjoys taking his daughter horse riding and watching his kids grow and develop their passions.
Simon Redpath
Operations Manager
Meet Simon, our operations manager and resident problem-solver extraordinaire! With a degree in Environmental Science and a background in Horticultural Science, Simon brings a unique perspective to the Thunderbox team. His nickname ‘Mr. Fixit’ says it all.
Simon oversees the Thunderbox team, handles accounts and ensures seamless customer liaison. He’s often the voice on the other end of the phone, answering your calls and addressing any concerns. With his wealth of experience, Simon is the master of finding practical solutions that keep our operations running smoothly and our customers happy. Simon is hard-pressed to meet a challenge he can’t solve.
Ex-Queenslander Simon, made the move to Murrays Bay on Auckland’s North Shore with his Kiwi wife 13 years ago and has been enjoying the best of both worlds since. The family embrace the seaside lifestyle and are all keen sailors.
A one-time Abalone fisherman in Tasmania, Simon’s idea of a perfect day is yachting with wife Sarah, their two daughters, and loveable Spoodle Bailey – or indulging in a round of golf at his favourite, Pupuke Golf Course.
Dylan Hawkins
General Manager
Taranaki raised, Dylan brings a fresh approach to the Thunderbox team. His former life as a deep-sea fisherman taught him the value of hard work and perseverance, which he now applies to ensuring our customers receive exceptional service.
Dylan’s can-do attitude and ‘solutions not problems’ approach means he’s always finding ways to deliver the best possible experience for our customers. He thrives in challenging high-pressure environments and is passionate about building strong network relationships and helping others to achieve their goals.
Outside of work, Dylan loves to stay active – whether it’s running a cheeky marathon, taking on the latest fitness challenge with mates, or enjoying his favourite water sports like surfing, diving or fishing. His love of the sea never fades!
Dylan and partner Sam have three young children and two dogs - a Huntaway and a Staffie. They call West Auckland home.
PJ Taylor
Driver/Portaloo Technician
Meet PJ! Our portaloo technician with a heart of gold, PJ brings a high level of expertise and dedication to the Thunderbox team. With many years of experience driving vacuum pump trucks, PJ has perfected his craft to deliver top-notch customer service. He accredits the secrets to his success to being honest, reliable mixed with good old-fashioned hard work – values that shine through in all that he does.
Originally from Mangonui (home of the famous fish shop) in the far North, PJ now lives in Massey, West Auckland with wife, Arianne. Family is PJ’s happy place – he loves creating memories with his kids and grandkids.
When the lawns are done and the Holden is polished, you can find PJ enjoying one of his favourite pastimes: fishing, diving, touch rugby, and pool – he’s a pool shark with multiple competition wins under his belt!
James Smith
Driver/Portaloo Technician
James is known for his friendly, polite and helpful demeanour, always going the extra mile to ensure our customers are happy and our toilets are in top shape. He is a dedicated member of the Thunderbox team who takes pride in his work, delivering exceptional service no matter the location or challenge. With a background in operating heavy vehicles from his time at a transfer station, James is no stranger to hard work and tackling tough jobs.
James has called Auckland home for the past two years, having moved from Thames. He spent four years in Northern Queensland as a teenager, where he met his partner Bo who now works as an apprentice sign maker for Big Ideas Group here in Auckland.
When he’s not on the road or servicing loos, James loves to lace up his hiking boots and hit the trails, always seeking out the best views.
Camille Pound
Sales & Customer Support/HR
With a background in hospitality and real estate sales, Camille has a natural talent for building relationships and making people feel at ease. She’s always ready to lend a hand, whether it’s supporting Simon with admin tasks, helping Dylan with sales or hitting the road in a Thunderbox truck.
Camille’s passion for people is matched only by her passion for baking! She loves whipping up delicious treats for our customers, and her culinary creations are legendary. Camille’s kindness and compassion extend beyond the Thunderbox team. She’s an active volunteer in the community, using her life experience to help those in need.
A North Shore local, Camille loves staying active through swimming, kayaking and running with her partner Bevan. She’s also a devoted Grandma to baby Mila and enjoys spending time with her four grown children and two furry felines.