
MICHAEL VAN DER ZANT
Second Generation Director
1986 - 2025
I started working with my father (Fred) when I was 17 as a Painting and Decorating apprentice. Once I was qualified, I worked closely with him to learn everything I possibly could about the painting trade and the business.
After Fred retired in 1995, I took everything he had passed down to me and become the second generation to lead Freddy’s, making it my own. I expanded the business into the commercial sector, modernised our operations to meet updated WH&S and business standards, and more than doubled the size of the company.
In 2013, I had the privilege of welcoming my own son Adam into the business, the next generation of Freddy’s. After decades of dedication, I officially retired in 2025, proud of the legacy we’ve built and confident in the future of the company in Adam's hands.