Meet our founders
sana bahtic
I first entered the Tyre industry in a junior operational role at Otraco, where my curiosity quickly transformed into a passion.
That initial experience revealed the scope and possibilities within the field, and I knew I wanted to be more involved.
This led me to join Tyre Response Group (TRG), which was still in its early stages when I came on board.
Taking on a key role in such a young company was a big challenge, but it was also an opportunity to make a real difference.
Over the years, I've been proud to help TRG grow into the thriving organization it is today.
In my role as Operations Officer at TRG, I oversee multiple mine sites and work closely with clients to ensure our operations run smoothly and efficiently.
My responsibilities span a broad range of tasks—from managing logistics and mobilization to coordinating personnel across diverse locations and overseeing recruitment.
Each site has its own unique requirements, and I make it a priority to stay closely connected with our teams on the ground, supporting them in delivering the high standards our clients expect.
Alongside my work at TRG, I co-founded Women in the Tyre Industry (WITTI) with Melissa, driven by a passion for uplifting and supporting other women in our male-dominated field. WITTI is something that was missing in our industry—a platform for connection, development, and support where women can thrive and forge meaningful careers in the Tyre industry. I love being a part of WITTI and am dedicated to seeing it grow into a community that empowers more women to succeed and make their mark in the industry.
melissa latter
I have a fair amount of family history within the Tyre industry starting with my grandfather who worked for Rimtec for as far back as I can remember and even to this day allows me to stay in contact to a great number of people that worked with him before he passed. My dad also known in the Tyre industry worked for Rimex and Otraco for many years.
I had always admired the gentlemen that would fit the giant tyres, so much so that led me to apply with Otraco to become a Heavy-Duty Tyre Fitter. Albeit I had absolutely no Tyre experience at all. Green to the industry. With a lot of persistence and constant contact from me, Otraco finally gave me a shot and I was signed up to be their first female Tyre fitter in 2008. This led me to work at two different mine sites and under some great guys I still call friends to this day.
The only thing was, I was the only female. I had no network, no one to bounce ideas or questions off, no one to share milestones with. All my girlfriends are hairdressers and in clothing retail. I had no one to relate to. At the time I did not think too much into it as my work crew looked after me and treated me with respect. I had a brief gap in my career to start a family and when my children were of school age I got another job at a Tyre retail store in Perth. There I learnt more skills from passenger and truck fitting, retail, procurement and basically office Jill of all trades. I then made the career shift to Techking Tyres Australia as their WA BDM Mining & Construction. A role of which I absolutely love as the balance of corporate and site visits suits me perfectly.
It was in a casual conversation about wanting more females to join the Tyre industry I founded the idea of WITTI- Women in the Tyre Industry in June of 2024. A network of knowledgeable women within the industry to come together and encourage, empower and educate each other, established or new to the industry.