A former tradesman’s personal battle with dementia has sparked a movement that’s reshaping his family business, and could set a new standard for workplaces.
Bill Leavey, the founder of Loganholme-based glazing and glass repair business True Blue Glass, was diagnosed with dementia earlier this year.
Ever since the former CEO has advocated for dementia awareness, using his experience and voice to transform businesses, and encouraging them to make a difference.
In just a few months, Mr Leavey has set up a peer-support group for people living with dementia, spoken at community events to reduce stigma, and partnered with local businesses to train staff to better support customers showing signs of memory loss or confusion.
Mr Leavey’s own company, now run by his son Sean, has implemented dementia-awareness training for all staff, and developed customer communication protocols that prioritise empathy, patience and care – particularly with older clients.
“I built this business from a ute and some printed flyers in 2006. Today, I can’t read a tape measure properly or remember what someone said 10 minutes ago,” Mr Leavey said.
“But that doesn’t mean I can’t contribute. That’s what I want people to understand.”
Sean said the new changes to True Blue Glass had already made a “noticeable impact”.
“Dad’s story has opened our eyes and shaped how we train our team to show respect and understanding, not just complete a job,” he said.
“We visit people’s homes every day. We now have more understanding that a customer who forgets why we’re there, or seems upset, may be dealing with more than just a broken window.”
While some days for Mr Leavey are harder than others, he said he remained committed to advocacy.
“This is about treating people like you’d treat your own grandparents – with kindness and clarity,” he said.
“We might not be able to stop dementia, but we can absolutely stop the stigma.”
This last seven days marked Dementia Action Week, which Mr Leavey hoped encouraged other trade and service businesses to make small but meaningful changes.
