CAELEIGH PAWSON, AN OPTIMISTIC INFLUENCE IN COLLISION REPAIR
Caeleigh Campbell Pawson didn’t set out to build a career in the motor industry. In fact, her early ambition was to become a hairdresser — a career her father strongly discouraged believing she’d spend too many hours on her feet. Ironically, the industry she ultimately chose proved far more demanding.
Today, as Operations Manager at Sanrose Motors, Caeleigh has spent more than 20 years immersed in the world of panel beating and vehicle repair — an industry that was, in many ways, part of her from a young age.
Raised in Johannesburg South, Caeleigh grew up surrounded by the trade. With her father owning two panel shops, Caeleigh was exposed early to the realities of the trade. She began at the ground level — working in reception, client liaison, vehicle assessments, and even spending time on the workshop floor. There were no shortcuts — only long hours, practical learning, and a drive to understand every aspect of the business.
At just 22 years old, her life changed dramatically when her father was seriously injured in a motorbike accident, leaving him unable to continue working. Overnight, Caeleigh found herself responsible for running two workshops in different locations.
“It was one of the toughest periods of my life,” she reflects. “I had to learn quickly, adapt and push through challenges I wasn’t prepared for.”
Despite the pressure, she persevered — supported by loyal staff, mentors, and the resilience her father had instilled in her. She had grown through experience. Soon after, she took an even bolder step: opening her own panel shop and becoming one of the first women under the age of 30 to receive a government grant.
But for Caeleigh, success was never only about business. Her true passion has always been people. “I’ve always believed that leadership is about uplifting people, not just building a company,” she says.
It is her humility and ability to learn, as well as ask for help from her team and peers, that has created her leadership style. She is well respected by the company team and is a competent person in her own right. She hasn’t followed a traditional study path but has learnt everything she knows firsthand. The classroom doesn’t teach problem-solving, people skills and most importantly gut instinct. This “know-how” is only developed through tons of hard work and being hard at work consistently.
That belief is evident in her role at Sanrose Motors, where she has helped shape a business known not only for technical excellence, but for forward-thinking innovation. Under her leadership influence, Sanrose has embraced the future of mobility — positioning itself as a leading electric vehicle repair facility at a time when the industry was still finding its footing.
Her journey, however, has not been without personal loss. In 2016, Caeleigh lost her father unexpectedly — a devastating personal and professional blow. “He was my mentor, my guide, and my biggest influence,” she says. “Losing him shook everything.”
In time, she found renewed purpose. New opportunities within the industry allowed her to expand her leadership role and shift her focus from working in the business to working on it — developing systems, strengthening operations, and driving long-term growth.
Along the way, several mentors helped shape her path by challenging and supporting her growth, while helping her develop into the leader she is today. “My number one mentor will always be my father, Gavin Pawson. He taught me everything — the fundamentals, the discipline, and the grit it takes to get the job done. He showed me how to roll up my sleeves, how to push through, and to take pride in the work we do. From skill and dedication to drive and resilience — he laid the foundation for everything I am today. I am very grateful for those men who saw something in me and who took the time to guide and nurture me when I needed it most. Each of these mentors shaped my mindset as well as my resilience and the way I lead today.”
Today, Caeleigh is deeply passionate about mentoring others, particularly young people and women entering the industry. “I want people to know there is space for them here,” she says. “This industry can change lives if you’re willing to work for it.”
“The environment you create has a real impact on how people feel,” she explains. “It’s not just about the repair — it’s about the experience.”
Looking ahead, her vision is clear: to contribute to a stronger, more progressive motor industry — one that embraces innovation, prioritises people, and continuously raises its standards with smarter systems, stronger leadership, and a more people-focused future for the sector.
For Caeleigh, legacy is not measured in buildings or business success alone. “It’s about the people you help grow along the way. That’s the impact that truly lasts.”
Story by Claire Macfie
Pics by Jay Groat
