A “relentless”, “human radio” ,“god’s great hustler”, “weatherman”, “top-notch bloke”, “AI-obsessed” and “endurance engine pushing past every limit”.
That’s how AJ is described by his fellow sales team.
But what’s the story behind the nicknames? Glad you asked…
At MM Kembla, the notion Unrivalled is about more than the products we make — it’s the people behind them.
Our Regional QLD/NT Sales Manager, Adrian “AJ”, is a perfect example. Whether he’s supporting customers across Queensland and the Northern Territory or squeezing in hours of training before and after work, he brings the same commitment and determination to everything he does.
The dedication it takes to juggle a demanding sales role, being a devoted family man, while preparing for one of the world’s toughest endurance events hasn’t gone unnoticed. It’s a reflection of the resilience, unwavering work ethic and attitude that make AJ such a valued part of our Kembla team.
After months of early mornings, long training sessions and balancing life on the road with his role at Kembla, AJ recently took on the full Ironman 140.6 in Cairns, and we were lucky enough to tag along for the ride (and the run and the swim).
For AJ, success isn’t about talent — it’s about showing up, staying disciplined, persevering when things get tough, and always keeping your focus on the bigger picture.
On the Road
AJ’s journey into sales wasn’t accidental.
“I loved building relationships with a diverse range of people, contractors and merchants, and understanding their needs and helping solve their own unique problems. Finding solutions is what keeps it interesting.”
It’s that variety that still drives him today.
When asked what gets him out of bed each morning, the answer is simple.
“No two days are the same. You’re always looking for ways to go above and beyond and improve on what you did yesterday, and there’s always a challenge thrown in to keep you on your toes.”
Monday is spent reviewing the week ahead, following up quotes, tracking projects and booking accommodation. By Tuesday, he’s on the road — whether that’s Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton, the Fraser Coast or somewhere in between — visiting merchants, contractors and customers before heading home on Friday.
It’s a lifestyle built around kilometers, conversations and relationships. However, it’s a fine line to tow.
The biggest reward?
“I enjoy the variety, meeting different people, visiting different locations and knowing every day is something new.”
The biggest challenge?
“Being away from the family. We have an eight-year-old daughter and a 15-month-old son who both want me to stay home with them.
Also, trying to fit all the training in outside of work.”
And when the travel days get long? AJ unwinds in true Aussie fashion.
“Looking forward to enjoying a nice dinner and a beer of course, at a restaurant that night.”
It all comes down to the work horse in you.
AJ's commitment doesn't stop when the workday ends.
His Ironman journey began years ago.
"Watching my dad do an Ironman when I was 12 years old, I thought one day I'd follow in his footsteps."
Since 2020, he's completed four half Ironman 70.3 events and three full Ironman races (we're exhausted just reading this), just completed the Sydney Marathon and has another Cairns event already on his horizon.
Each race requires around six months of preparation and up to 12–14 hours of training every week — all while managing a busy sales territory and family life.
So how does he make it work?
"I often take my running shoes or goggles with me when I travel and run late in the afternoon or head to the local pool for a swim."
Like anyone, AJ admits there are moments when motivation disappears.
“Plenty of times you wonder why you signed up for all the torture and hard work. But the thought of quitting in front of my kids keeps me going. I want to be the best role model I can and challenge them to dream big, back themselves and achieve whatever they set their minds to.“
Ask AJ whether sales and endurance racing have anything in common and he doesn’t hesitate.
“They’re both hard work, and you have to be patient to achieve the goals you set yourself.
Plan tomorrow, today. Know exactly who you’re seeing and what you want to achieve from every visit or session.”
Those same qualities help him manage long weeks on the road, at times demanding customers and thousands of kilometers of training each year.
The Fine Line
Balancing a demanding career, family life and personal goals isn’t easy, but AJ believes it’s always possible.
“You only live once, so get after it before it’s too late.”
And for anyone who’s been putting off chasing something they’ve always wanted to do?
“You can make it work—you just need to be creative with how you structure your days and weeks.”
According to AJ, it all comes down to the importance of discipline, perseverance, and staying focused. That’s what he has learnt over the years.
More Than a Job
When reflecting on his last two and a half years at MM Kembla, what stands out most isn’t just the products or the sales results.
“The strong sense of pride in the company’s long and proud history is something I haven’t experienced in other workplaces.”
It’s representing a business with more than a century of Australian manufacturing behind it.
“Representing the company and its proud history— all the people, values and achievements that have helped shape it into what it is today.
MM Kembla has been around for over 110 years manufacturing copper tube in Australia through the good times and the bad, and it’s still going strong today. The culture and the people really stood out.”
AJ describes the MM Kembla culture in three words:
Proud. Supportive. Ambitious.
And when asked what Unrivalled means to him?
“Better than the rest. Unmatched. Incomparable.”
Want to see more Faces of Kembla? Read the Scerri family’s story and stay tuned on our socials.
