Meet our solar power installers and the rest of our team

Everyone at First Choice Solar Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast is working toward the same goal: empowering communities with sustainable energy options while helping them save on costs. 

Founded in 2010 on the Gold Coast, our solar power installation company has enjoyed continuous growth and expansion, and we’re just getting started. Learn more about the people that form part of our dedicated team.

Kristin

Administration

Kristin is part of the engine room at First Choice Solar, supporting customer bookings and keeping the office running smoothly day to day. She’s been with the team for a while now and has quickly become known for her attention to detail and calm, friendly approach.

She joined First Choice Solar looking to learn something new and explore opportunities, and found exactly that, along with a supportive work environment and leadership she genuinely admires. What she enjoys most is the team culture, describing it as a place where people truly look after one another.

Outside of work, Kristin loves getting outdoors. You’ll often find her swimming at the beach, exploring hiking trails, or taking her dog for long walks. When she’s winding down at home, Modern Family is her show of choice.

A surprising fact about Kristin is that she used to compete in road cycling, something most people don’t expect or know! And one of her biggest dreams is to see the wonders of the ancient world.

She’s incredibly proud of maintaining a healthy balance between work, university, and life, and is a dedicated community member who spends her time fostering dogs and puppies, giving them a loving home until they find their forever families.


Nick

Energy Solutions Consultant

Nick works closely with customers to help them understand their energy needs and choose solar solutions that will genuinely make a difference to their household running costs.

He was drawn to First Choice Solar because of its outstanding reputation and strong values, as well as the people behind the business.

Nick loves the variety of his role, meeting people across the region and helping them make informed, positive changes. He stays engaged in the industry by keeping up with market trends, technical updates, and attending world-class conferences.

Outside of work, Nick enjoys anything near the water, staying busy around the house, cooking, playing guitar, and following rugby league. A interesting chapter in his story thus far; he previously owned and operated a craft brewery that supplied supermarkets across New Zealand!

Nick’s dreams right now of travelling through Europe and East Asia, taking in new cultures, food, and experiences along the way.


James

Solar Team Leader

James is a qualified electrician at First Choice Solar, working across a range of installations and contributing to the quality workmanship the company is known for.

He joined the team for its strong reputation and the chance to work locally with a solid group of people. James enjoys the variety of the work and the camaraderie on site, where teamwork and reliability are key.

Outside of work, James enjoys playing golf, watching footy, relaxing with a good movie, and spending time with his mates. 

Among his many skills and experiences, James has rates highly his time spent supporting a men’s mental health charity in the UK, helping raise funds and awareness for a cause he genuinely cared about.

A lifelong footy fan, one of James’ current goals is to attend a major football final in person, ideally watching his beloved Chelsea or England play on the world stage.


Tomas

Solar Team Leader

Tomas leads installation crews at First Choice Solar, overseeing projects on site and ensuring every system is installed safely, efficiently, and to a high standard.

He was drawn to solar energy for the real-world impact it has; helping families reduce energy costs while contributing to a more sustainable future. Tomas enjoys working in a team environment where everyone is focused, accountable, and pushing toward the same goal.

Outside of work, Tomas lives an active lifestyle. Training, swimming, running, reading, and constantly learning are all part of his routine.

Behind the scenes, Tomas has achieved some impressive feats. He holds an electrical engineering degree, has completed a 100km mountain race, and previously volunteered at a fire station overseas, helping train crews involved in life-saving work. Looking ahead, he hopes to complete a triathlon and one day climb a high mountain.


Laura

Administration

Laura is one of the friendly faces you’ll encounter at First Choice Solar, supporting the front office and helping create a welcoming experience for customers from the moment they get in touch.

She was drawn to First Choice Solar for the opportunity to learn, grow, and be part of a team that genuinely supports each other. Laura enjoys being in an environment where no two days are the same and where collaboration is part of everyday work life.

Outside of work, Laura values balance and downtime, using her evenings to reset and recharge after busy days.

What people might not realise is how much Laura enjoys learning new skills and finding better, more efficient ways of doing things. Her focus for the future is continuing to build confidence, develop professionally, and grow alongside a business that values people as much as performance.


Management

Matt McKinley

Owner/Director

Matt joined the residential and commercial solar power company over a decade ago, fuelled by a deep-rooted passion for renewables and a vision for the industry's potential growth. He brought with him a wealth of expertise: a knowledgeable sparky, and fully accredited designer/installer of solar and battery solutions with an obsession for customer service.

He now uses all these skills and more to run the ever-growing, successful First Choice Solar. Matt thrives in helping homeowners and businesses achieve their clean energy goals, always aiming to exceed the expectations of those who deal with him.

He is dedicated to supporting the wider community, too, with charitable initiatives. And, like any great leader, he understands that the strength of any organisation lies in its people, so he nurtures a culture of trust, respect, and collaboration within his company, prioritising a happy, safe, and enjoyable working environment for all. Matt now leads the operations and ongoing growth of First Choice Solar, combining technical expertise with a people-first approach to deliver outstanding outcomes for customers and team alike.

Guided by the mantra, "The teacher appears when the student is ready," he remains committed to lifelong learning and personal growth, embracing every opportunity for self-improvement. He champions a culture of continuous learning and development with his active involvement in industry events and educational opportunities, ensuring he and his team always stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving renewables industry.

Outside of work

Matt spends most of his time out of the office with his loving wife and children, watching his NRL favourites, the Sea Eagles, or out fishing on his boat.

Returning home from a busy day at the office, he slips quickly into dad/husband mode, cooking up the family dinner himself before putting the tribe to bed. He then finds solace in casting a line off the boat out on the creek, relishing in a reflective moment of peace and quiet.

On his bucket list is a seven-day fishing expedition to the Tiwi Islands in the beautiful Arafura Sea just north of Darwin. And amid a sea of professional accomplishments and community contributions, Matt's greatest accomplishment, either professionally or personally, with pride, remains his four beautiful boys, who serve as a daily reminder to him of his purpose in life.


Operations

Miranda

Administration

Miranda keeps things ticking behind the scenes at First Choice Solar with her contagious calm, can-do attitude and a warm sense of humour that makes her a favourite around the office. Drawn to the team’s supportive culture and the chance to be part of a progressive business, she loves that no two days are ever the same.

Before stepping into admin, Miranda worked as a qualified pastry chef,  a skill that shows in her attention to detail and her knack for keeping things perfectly balanced! She takes pride in helping wherever she can, always bringing care and precision to every job.

Away from the desk, Miranda’s happiest spending time at the beach or camping with family and friends. She’s a loyal Gold Coast Titans fan, dog lover, and travel dreamer with Turkey and Croatia next on her list. Recently ticking off a huge life goal by buying her dream home on the Coast, she’s proof that hard work and heart go a long way.


Keagan

Accounts and Administration

Keagan has been the beating heart of the First Choice Solar family for the past three years, running our accounts and administration department.

Drawn to our company by its longstanding reputation as a family-run business, Keagan sought a work community where she could really ingrain herself and develop. Keagan thrives in the hustle and bustle of busy days, finding fulfillment in their friendly interactions with her colleagues and the variety of tasks that come her way.

Keagan loves spending quality time with her family and friends and unwinding with a little Netflix binge session. With a world of adventures waiting to be explored, Keagan's ultimate bucket list item is to embark on a trip around the world, soaking in the sights and sounds of different cultures from across the globe.


Bobby

Energy Solutions Consultant

Bobby, First Choice Solar's maestro of sales and operations, has been orchestrating out of our Burleigh Heads and Sunshine Coast solar factories/showrooms for over six years now. He found in the company the fun work environment and promise of growth that he had long been searching for.

When he's not managing the ins and outs of our solar company, he’s spending time with family and friends, hitting the waves for a surf, or practicing his swing at the local golf course.

Lurking behind the operational and organised front, Bobby's secret skill is as a noteworthy musician. One of his greatest achievements to date was performing at the Gold Coast's premier entertainment venue, The Playhouse. He aspires to one day release his own album.


Solar power installers and roofers

Leighton

Warehouse Coordinator

Leighton may be one of the newest faces at First Choice Solar, but he’s already made his mark as a reliable warehousing assistant with a great sense of humour and a strong work ethic. He quickly discovered the workplace he was looking for, full of camaraderie, support, and opportunities to grow. He enjoys the fast paced nature of the job and the satisfaction that comes from keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes.

When the tools are down, Leighton’s world revolves around family and fun. He loves spending time with his kids, relaxing with a good book or movie, and watching ice hockey whenever he gets the chance. Few would guess he’s also a talented 1950s–60s swing dancer; a skill that adds to his easygoing charm. A lover of travel and new experiences, he’s already conquered the Great Wall of China and has his sights set on visiting Ireland next. Always community-minded, Leighton’s also lent his time to organisations like Camp Quality and the Kooly Kats Dance Championship, showing that his sense of community extends well beyond the warehouse.


Max

Warehouse Manager

Max is First Choice Solar’s' powerhouse warehouse guru and labourer. He joined our team in search of job stability in a closely connected family business environment. What he loves most about his role is the lively banter that fills our company corridors, keeping spirits high and energy flowing.

Outside the warehouse hustle, Max spends his time strumming his guitar and spending quality time with his mates and the family. The Lord of the Rings trilogy is one of his all-time favourites, and he relaxes after finishing a hard day's work with a hot shower, good food, and an early night.

He highlights distinguishing inverter covers as a proud accomplishment. Max’s bucket list ambition currently is to one day purchase his own home.


Zach

Roofer

Zach has been the resident roofer extraordinaire at First Choice Solar for some time now. Drawn in by the company’s family vibe and solid culture, he’s found his stride working with a crew that knows how to graft hard, laugh harder, and finish the day proud of a job well done. For Zach, nothing beats that moment when the last panel’s in place, the sun’s shining, and the site looks slick.

Off the roof, Zach’s all about sport, sunshine, and good times. You’ll catch him on the field playing rugby league or basketball, glued to the NRL, or kicking back with a movie or a few video games. He’s got a cheeky sense of humour that keeps the team on their toes, and he’s not afraid to shake things up. With dreams of travelling the world one day, Zach’s already had a few standout moments, like making his A-grade debut with Burleigh Bears, a milestone that proves his dedication and drive both on and off the field.


Anton

Solar Installer

First Choice Solar welcomed Anton as a keen learner of the solar trade who was eager to get hands-on experience in a positive team environment. He enjoys the variety each day bribngs and of course, the strong sense of camaraderie that is felt across the crew.

Outside of work, Anton’s often on the footy field, in the gym, or spending time with family and friends. As a proud Mal Meninga Cup champion, sport plays a big role in his life, teaching him teamwork and perseverance from a young age.

When he’s not keeping active, he enjoys laid-back weekends, good food, and planning his next adventure. One day, he hopes to travel the world, but for now, he’s making the most of life on the Coast surrounded by good people.


Hunter

Installer

Hunter joined the First Choice Solar team after scoping out a solid place to kick off his apprenticeship.  He wanted hands-on experience and a solid start in the trade, and found exactly what he was looking for: a crew that’s easy to learn from, good to be around, and always ready to back one another on and off the roof.

When he’s not getting stuck into solar installs, Hunter’s winding down with a solid gym session, watching footy, or tucking into a good feed. A proud Manly Sea Eagles supporter, he backs his team as fiercely as he backs himself, especially when it comes to proving someone wrong (a skill he swears is a hidden talent).  He’s no stranger to adrenaline, or achievement.

Skydiving tops his list of life thrills thus far, but it’s earning a place on the nationals NRL team and competing in Coffs Harbour that stands out as his own defining moment, showing the same fearlessness and drive he brings to every challenge.


Taj

Installer

Taj jumped straight into the solar game with First Choice Solar, fresh out of school and keen to get stuck into hands-on work. It was the welcoming crew that sealed the deal for him; good people, good energy, and a team that made him feel part of something from day one. For Taj, the best part of his job is being surrounded by good blokes.

Outside of work, Taj keeps his days packed and his energy high by playing footy, lifting at the gym, or cooling off at the beach.  He’s always on the move. His hidden party trick? Pulling off a backflip on flat ground! Outside of sport, Taj is proud to share his culture through community talks and dreams of travelling the world. One standout milestone in his journey so far has been earning a rugby scholarship to TSS, a real reflection of his grit, discipline, and drive to succeed both on and off the field.  


Sam

Solar Installer

Originally from New Zealand, Sam joined the First Choice Solar team in search of a reliable trade and a supportive crew. He values the genuine mateship and easygoing atmosphere that make every day on the job enjoyable and rewarding.

Away from work, Sam keeps active with footy and gym sessions and loves spending time outdoors soaking up the Coast lifestyle. A former New Zealand rugby league representative, he carries the same focus and discipline into everything he does.

When it’s time to switch off, you’ll find him catching up with mates, relaxing by the beach, or tucking into a good meal. His long-term goal is to build a stable future on the Gold Coast, starting with a place to call his own.


Liam

Solar Installer

Liam joined First Choice Solar on the hunt for an electrician trade with knowledge and experience learned from what he calls “The Best Gold Coast Solar Crew.”

He highlights spending time collaborating and learning with good folks and soaking up the sun as the absolute highlights of his workdays.

Outside of business hours, Liam loves hitting the green for a quick 9 at the golf course, playing guitar, or watching a little Prison Break on TV.

But, his ultimate unwinding method – a soothing hot shower.

His greatest accomplishment to date was proudly getting accepted by First Choice Solar to complete his electrician apprenticeship alongside the best. One of his life goals right now is to fly a plane one day.


Warren

Electrician / Solar Installer

Warren is a lead electrician and solar system installer with a rich background in the renewables industry. Initially attracted to First Choice Solar for its strong reputation and emphasis on teamwork, Warren deeply values the collaborative spirit and mateship that exists when working alongside a dedicated crew.  Whether he's tackling complex technical issues or mentoring fellow team members, Warren is always ready to offer his expertise and support, making him an integral part of the team.

After a busy day, Warren shifts his focus to family time and getting outdoors. He’s passionate about being active, being outside, and spending quality time with his loved ones— and, of course, watching English football too - he never misses a match.  With a bold sense of adventure, Warren has set his sights on conquering Mount Everest one day, reflecting his drive and determination in all aspects of life.