TRADE TALK
THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED The Chief Executive Officer of All Vehicle Accessories, Melissa Sangster, has had quite the journey so far In what is a predominantly male-dominated space Melissa, or Mel as she prefers to be known, has run a successful business for more than 20 years. Mel’s journey is both inspiring and interesting. Today, she’s considered a ground-breaking business leader, with a wicked sense of humour and a passion for singing. She was born in Melbourne into what was already an automotive family. Mel’s father opened Sangster Windscreens in the bayside town of Frankston and after building the business, it was sold so the family could move north. “My dad was a car guy, and that just rubbed off on me,” said Mel. “He worked on cars his whole life, and we were around cars from when we were very young.” Mel’s personal car collection is as eclectic as she is and includes a restored 1962 Kharman Ghia, a fully decked out Toyota Prado 4WD, a 1970 Leyland Moke, and a 1971 Kombi Van. “I also have a 2014 Soft Tail Harley and a 2021 Fonzarelli electric scooter, and my brother is currently restoring a barn find XY Ute that I found,” Mel added. Mel also recently purchased a 1957 Woodie, which is currently at the signwriters being set up as a show car for another business venture, Farmcare. Apparently, it will be a real head-turner when it’s done.
“At the time, it was hard changing schools so frequently, but now when I look back on it, I know those challenges set me up for success in my career,” Mel explained.
Following the family’s move to Queensland, Mel attended five primary schools and four high schools that she believes contributed significantly to the highly adaptable person that she is today.
Throughout high school, Mel had worked at the family business, Towbar City, during the holidays, which helped her develop her skills as a salesperson.
“The frequent moves taught me how to be resilient and how to quickly get a read on people, and today I’m as comfortable in the boardroom as I am on a bush track.” Mel’s family eventually moved back to Victoria, where she would finish Year 12. “I’ve always liked having fun a little too much, so I didn’t attend school that often in my final year, but I managed to pass and was accepted into Applied Science – School Teaching majoring in Physical Education as I always loved sport, before changing my major to Myotherapy. But I quickly discovered that University just wasn’t for me,” she explains.
“I have a natural affinity with people that allows me to build great relationships and quickly identify mutually beneficial opportunities,” Mel explained. Mel’s first job outside of the family business was in retail fashion. While she knew it wasn’t for her, it certainly helped develop a set of valuable skills that have served her well throughout her successful 20 plus years in business. “I am not into fashion, but my time there wasn’t wasted,” Mel explained. “It taught me to sell at a retail level and also built my resilience and empathy.” Mel’s career has included marketing at several gyms across Australia, which ultimately led her into a role at Fernwood Female Fitness centres, where she helped build the brand into the household name it is today. Following her stint at Fernwood, Mel accepted a marketing position in sports medicine with Elastoplast. Still, the lure of the automotive aftermarket was too strong, and Mel took the plunge, purchasing the family business, Towbar City, from her father. “I have a passion for the automotive industry, and when my father approached me in 1997 with the offer to purchase the family business, I knew it was the right move,” Mel said. “But it wasn’t all easy sailing.” Mel’s father purchased Towbar City in 1985 from Eric Hayman, the founder of Hayman Reese Towbars, but Mel had big plans for the business after her acquisition. “In 1998, I purchased Van & 4WD Extras in Bayswater,” said Mel. “It was in receivership when I acquired the business.” Ironically, the business had been owned by Mel’s father and his brother many years before, so she knew it had the potential to be a success again.
100
Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine November 2021
