Who We Are

Ross Hill-Rennie

Owner / Managing Director 

Hastings & Taupo

AKA “Boss Man” or “Roscoe”

If there’s a deal to be done or a problem to solve, you can bet Ross is already two steps ahead of it. As our go-to for all things Business Development and Commercial, he’s the guy making sure Tile Shed keeps growing, thriving, and staying just that little bit cooler than the competition.

You’ll usually spot him either glued to his phone (don’t worry, he’s actually working) or chatting with clients on the showroom floor—because when it comes to customer service, Ross likes to lead from the front.

He’s not just a business brain, however. Ross sits on the boards of the Hawke’s Bay Chamber of Commerce, the Hastings Business Association, and the Central Hawke’s Bay Aero Club—because clearly, one committee just isn’t enough.

Fun fact: Ross is a 4th-degree Black Belt in Martial Arts and once ran his own schools across Cambridge, Hamilton, and Coromandel. So yes, he can literally kick butt in and out of the showroom.

When he’s not talking tiles, you’ll find him chasing adrenaline—whether it’s motocross, snowboarding, or training for his private pilot’s license. Basically, if it’s fast, loud, or airborne, Ross is in. 

June Benefield

Website / Marketing / Imagery / Human Resources

Hastings & Taupo

AKA “The Real Boss”

The creative brain behind The Tile Shed brand (and this very website), June is the reason everything looks effortlessly stylish. She’s the face behind our social media, the storyteller of our projects, and the one ensuring Tile Shed’s personality shines through every post, photo, and campaign.

These days, you’re less likely to find June on the showroom floor and more likely to find her behind the scenes—camera in hand—bringing the Tile Shed vision to life through photography, design, and marketing magic.

Her happy place? Dreaming up creative campaigns, styled shoots, and helping clients visualise how their dream spaces can come to life (industrial-inspired looks still hold a special place in her heart).

When she’s not designing or snapping tiles, June’s probably cooking up a storm—or chasing down the perfect americano, croissant, or wood-fired pizza.

A proud Central Hockey Club player and dedicated committee member for local schools and sports clubs, she somehow balances creativity, community, and chaos—with plenty of wit and warmth along the way.

Sarah O'Leary

Store Manager

Hastings

If there’s anyone who can keep a team running like clockwork while juggling clients, commercial projects, and design consults, it’s Sarah. With a background that reads like a masterclass in leadership, she’s known for building high-performing teams and creating spaces that don’t just function—they shine.

Before joining Tile Shed, Sarah made her mark in Auckland, first as a buyer and store manager at Snow Centre, and later in IT and at TRG Imaging, proving she can thrive in any environment (and make it look easy while she’s at it).

These days, she’s the heart of our Hastings showroom—leading a team that respects and trusts her.  A talented consultant in her own right, Sarah oversees most of our commercial projects for Hawke’s Bay, bringing precision, practicality, and polish to every job.

She’s also no stranger to a good renovation—having tackled plenty herself and even built her dream home with her partner in Maraekakaho.

Tracey Smith

Store Manager

Taupo

If you’ve ever met Tracey, you’ll know it’s impossible not to leave smiling (and maybe wiping away a tear of laughter). She’s the heartbeat of our Taupō store—fun, fearless, and the kind of woman who can charm the socks off anyone while keeping everything running smoother than a freshly grouted floor.

Don’t be fooled by that quick wit and cheeky grin, though—Tracey means business. She’s known across the Taupō region for getting the job done (often while saving everyone else’s bacon in the process).

 Whether she’s driving the forklift, styling a display, or helping clients nail their dream look, she somehow makes it all look effortless.

Her team adores her, her customers trust her, and even the trickiest tradies know when to fall in line—because Tracey has that rare mix of heart, humour, and total authority.

When she’s not moving tiles like a pro, she’s likely smashing out a workout at the gym before most of us have even found the coffee machine.

Simply put: Tracey’s the boss, the banter, and the backbone of Taupō.

Blair Ingram

Business Support Specialist

Hastings

When it comes to trade sales, tile orders, and keeping the Hastings trade running like a well-tuned machine, Blair is our behind-the-scenes superhero.

With an eye for design and a knack for problem-solving, he’s just as comfortable helping clients with layout and colour choices as he is crunching numbers or tracking deliveries.

Originally from Auckland, Blair made the move to Hawke’s Bay with his wife and young family a few years back—and we wasted no time snapping him up!

Before joining The Tile Shed family, he honed his skills with our retail partner, Tile Space, in Albany, bringing a wealth of industry knowledge (and calm efficiency) to the team.

But Blair’s talents don’t stop at tiles. He’s also a national-level netball player, children’s basketball coach, and a tech whizz who can talk cryptocurrency and trading faster than you can say “bitcoin.”

Whether he’s sorting trade accounts, fine-tuning a design, or quietly winning championships on the court, Blair brings skill, smarts, and a down-to-earth charm that make him an absolute standout on our team.

Annette Leigh

Sales & Design Consultant

Hastings

Suppose you’ve ever visited our Hastings showroom. In that case, chances are Annette’s bright smile has greeted you.

Even Leo, our resident shop dog, can’t resist Annette’s magic — he turns into a tail-wagging tornado the second she walks through the door. Clearly, she’s got that special something that wins hearts, human or otherwise.

With her kind, cheerful nature and natural eye for colour, Annette has a special knack for helping clients feel instantly at ease. She’s a whiz at pulling together gorgeous colour palettes and tile combinations that make every space feel perfectly “you.”

Before joining The Tile Shed family, Annette was a familiar face at Spotlight, where she built a loyal following of customers — many of whom still pop in to see her today.

Fun fact: Annette was born in Chile and can speak Spanish — which comes in handy when Leo wants his “treatos, por favor.”

When Ross and June head out of town, Leo gets his favourite sleepovers at Annette’s house — because honestly, who could say no to her?

Victoria Nicolle

Sales & Design Consultant

Hastings

Victoria is our quiet achiever — calm, capable, and always one step ahead. She’s the kind of person who quietly gets things done while everyone else is still figuring out where to start. Efficient, quick to learn, and with a work ethic that leaves us all a little in awe, she’s fast becoming a pro at just about everything she touches.

Most recently, she’s been perfecting her forklift skills — much to the horror of the men, who may soon need to hand over their “master status” crowns.

With her beautifully calm manner and easygoing sense of humour, Victoria has a way of making even the most overwhelming tile decisions feel effortless. Her clear communication, spot-on design sense, and knack for time management mean every client leaves feeling confident and cared for.

 Fun fact: Victoria, Sarah, and June are all Iona College alumni — proud Iona Old Girls who once walked the same school halls (though in slightly different years). Talk about a full-circle moment!

Losa Emani

Sales & Design Consultant 

Taupo

If you’ve been to our Taupō store, chances are you’ve already been greeted by Losa’s calm, friendly smile — the kind that instantly makes you feel at home.

A familiar and much-loved face, Losa recently took a short break to complete some study, but when she returned, there were a lot of happy faces — both clients and teammates alike.

These days, she’s back in action in a part-time role. She proudly holds the unofficial title of “Tile Transportation Specialist” — because “Tile Delivery Driver” doesn't have the same ring.

Reliable, efficient, and genuinely loved by everyone who crosses her path, Losa handles everything from trade sales and tile consultations to making sure the right tiles land exactly where they need to be (and on time, of course).

Fun fact: Losa and Tracey have been work colleagues more than once — clearly, some dream teams are just meant to stick together!

Lucy Collins

Sales & Design Consultant 

Taupo

Watch this space — Lucy’s bio magic is currently in the making ✨

 What we can tell you is that she’s a seriously talented Interior Designer who also lends her design eye to G.J. Gardner Homes projects on the side.

We can’t wait to share more about her soon — stay tuned!

Brenden Southall

Trade Consultant

Watch this space — Brenden’s bio magic is currently in the works ✨

What we can tell you is that he’s a valued member of our Taupō Trade Department, working mornings and keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes.

After a well-deserved family getaway, he’s back and ready to roll.

Fun fact: Before joining Tile Shed, Brenden was a Cookie Time rep in Hawke’s Bay — talk about a career shift! 🍪

Leo the Shop Dog

Pat Expert

Hastings & Taupo

AKA Chief Greeter & Resident Good Boy 🐾

Meet Leo, our four-legged team member and undisputed heart of Tile Shed. He’s been part of the crew since he was just 8 weeks old, growing up among tiles, clients, and far too many pats to count. From day one, it was clear — Leo was born for the role of Chief Greeter.

You’ll usually find him stationed by the showroom door, waiting to welcome clients. His calm, loving nature has a magical way of making everyone feel instantly relaxed — suddenly, tile consults feel less like decisions and more like therapy (the furry kind).

Leo’s professionalism occasionally wavers when his beloved Aunt Annette walks in — all composure goes out the window, and the happy chaos begins.

And in recent news, Leo has proudly taken on a new title: Dad! His pups are already showing signs of his gentle temperament and chilled-out vibes.

Whether he’s snoozing in the sun, greeting customers, or sneaking cuddles between consults, Leo reminds us daily that design might be serious business — but joy, warmth, and a wagging tail never go out of style.