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FORMER MECHANIC TURNS SNAP-ON FRANCHISEE

Experienced mechanic and Snap-on Rookie of the Year, Max Hardy, tells us what it’s like to be a Snap-on franchisee.

Snap-on is a leading developer and manufacturer of tool and equipment solutions providing premium tools for professional tool users across Australia that has a reputation for outstanding quality. It has a unique mobile franchise model that transports its impressive tool range direct from workshop to workshop, customer to customer, day in, day out. Snap-on began in 1920 and says today it is one of the longest-running, most successful franchises in the world. Getting involved is simple and satisfying for anyone wanting their own business, it says, noting that it is never too late to give it a go. Max Hardy is someone that made the jump from employed mechanic to a driven Snap-on franchisee, and he’s reaping the benefits. Having spent 12 years as a mechanic, Max started his own Brisbane-based Snap-on franchise 14 months ago, and with hard work his business grew rapidly. In fact, his efforts saw him recognised as Snap-on’s Rookie of the Year at its annual conference. “I was getting bored doing what I was doing as a mechanic, but I didn’t really know anything else,” Max said. “My experience with Snap-on started during my apprenticeship, my boss introduced me to Snap-on products. So, when the opportunity came up to join the Snap-on team as a franchisee, I thought it was perfect as I was still able to be around the industry without being directly in it.” With no business background, Max didn’t know where to start when it came to setting himself up, but he quickly realised the support from Snap-on was there whenever he needed it. “The advantage with Snap-on is that there is a lot of training, guidance and support from the very beginning,” Max said. “The support from head-office is really impressive, whether it’s IT, advertising, purchasing, technical backup or marketing, they’re multi-faceted in their approach and support. When you think of what we all went through in 2020, Snap-on never left my side, and we were able to keep operating. “The support from head-office was incredible. They are there to help you out, and knowing that they’re with you the whole way, fills you with confidence.” But it’s not just assistance from head-office that ensures success, says Max, who notes the support from the franchisee network is also invaluable. Snap-on explains that franchisees are there to give tips on products, demonstrations and advice on working with customers and it is the relationship with the customer that pays dividends. “I love it when a customer comes to me with a problem and I can offer them a solution,” Max said. “Whether it be a new or existing customer, you build really close relationships with the customers through regular contact. “I meet people at their workplace, or their home, whatever works best for them. Dealing with people, communicating with them and showing them how you can help is extremely satisfying.” The advantage with owning a Snap-on franchise is the opportunities for growth and Max is already looking for an assistant, and plans to be a multifranchisee, running a second Snap-on truck as soon as he can. His advice for someone considering a Snap-on franchise is to talk to your local franchisee and to take the discovery tour. “They’ll explain all the methods and the advantages of having your own business, I wish I had done it sooner,” Max said. “Other than that, just give it a go. Get around people. Don’t stand back, grab the opportunity and make it yours. You won’t regret it for a second.” For Snap-on franchise opportunities, visit www.snaponfranchise.com.au

BURSON AUTO PARTS CONTINUES WA GROWTH

New stores open in Geraldton and Bunbury

Australia’s Burson Auto Parts, a preferred supplier of parts, tools, equipment and accessories to the trade, has increased its regional automotive trade reach with two newly opened stores in Albany and Bunbury, joining the existing Geraldton store, making access to its range of quality service and replacement automotive parts easier for the regional automotive trade in Western Australia. Along with the regional stores, there is also a total of ten Perth metropolitan Burson Auto Parts stores located in close proximity to automotive repairers and service centres in Welshpool, Bibra Lake, Canningvale, Joondalup, Malaga, Mandurah, Midvale, Myaree, Osborne Park and Rockingham. To celebrate the opening of the Geraldton and Bunbury Burson Auto Parts stores, major trade nights were held that attracted hundreds of local trade customers. These events also saw the major prize draw of the special opening trade promotions for both of these regional Western Australian stores. Two John Papas Trailers filled with quality outdoor, camping and electronic products to the value of $8,000 were given away at these bumper events. In a major vote of confidence for the Perth automotive aftermarket industry and to provide even better service to local repairers, Burson Auto Parts has several more stores planned for metro and regional Western Australia. These new stores will also create several exciting employment opportunities for local people seeking to start or continue to develop their automotive aftermarket industry careers. The Burson Auto Parts Welshpool store replaces the former Belmont store and is located adjacent to two BAPCOR Group warehouses providing this and all Perth stores with access to more than 10,000 square metres of Western Australian based stock. This directly translates to more Burson Auto Parts customers gaining immediate access to more parts, delivered on demand. Being actively involved within the local communities of each Burson Auto Parts store is an important part of the Australian company’s business philosophy. So, it made perfect sense that the company got behind one of Albany’s biggest and colourful motoring events. The Burson Auto Parts Albany Classic “Around the Houses” motor race event was held on June 5 and 6. Celebrating its 30th Anniversary, this historic race saw over 150 classic cars take part in front of more than 10,000 spectators. This popular local motorsport event aligned well with the many Burson Auto Parts’ 50th Anniversary celebrations taking place across the country during 2021. Burson Auto Parts also secured the naming rights sponsorship for the Western Australia based Australian Automotive Service Dealer Network (AASDN) Annual General Meeting and Gala Dinner held on June 19 at the Crown Entertainment Complex. “The last six years since we opened our first Western Australia Burson Auto Parts store, to now having 13 and with more to come, has been, in typical Burson style, a truly whirlwind ride,” Burson Auto Parts Western Australia State Manager, John Wood, said. “In Western Australia we now employ around 100 full time team members with a fleet of more than 40 dedicated delivery vehicles that provide quick and efficient delivery of the biggest and best brands of automotive parts, tools and equipment. “I am looking forward to the next phase of our continued Western Australian growth in line with the growth of the entire Burson Auto Parts nationwide store network.” For more information, call 1300 BURSON (287 766) or visit www.burson.com.au

NEW FULCRUM SUSPENSION STORES

The Fulcrum Suspensions team is springing into action and making tracks

Fulcrum Suspensions has two new additions to the bricks and mortar side of the business. It explains that the first is the modern, exciting, and spacious new Capalaba workshop based in the Redlands on 30 Neumann Road, Capalaba. Fulcrum Capalaba’s Branch Manager, Michael Sargent, is a passionate 4X4 enthusiast and says the move came as it was purely time for them to expand their operations as they outgrew the workshop where they originally were. Fulcrum Capalaba’s customers also had to wait a gruelling five weeks on the regular due to book in times blowing out which they are hoping to reduce drastically in the next few weeks. The new Fulcrum Capalaba site is also a massive 500m2 larger than the old with hopes to employ more staff, implement additional lift bays and an extra wheel alignment bay which will help in reducing customer wait times. Fulcrum’s Retail and Franchise Operations Manager, Alan Moon, states that Fulcrum Capalaba’s site is made for the future: from ease of deliveries of product, to storing product, to saving time operationally, it will take them a little while before they realise the full potential at the site. Fulcrum Suspensions says that you can have a digital tour of the new Capalaba workshop by visiting its YouTube page. The second addition is Fulcrum Suspensions’ new Sydney distribution centre (DC) that complements Fulcrum’s surrounding Eastern states (QLD and VIC) warehousing locations and provides the greater Sydney area readily available suspension products. Fulcrum’s new Sydney DC is located on 41 Huntingwood Drive, Huntingwood, which is only five minutes away from the old DC location. The new Sydney DC is said to be a huge and innovative facility that boasts more than 1500m2 of space, meaning they can carry more suspension goods for better supply. Fulcrum Suspensions says its main aim is to provide improved availability, service and ongoing support to dealers, partners and more in New South Wales. Upon moving its Sydney DC, Fulcrum states that nothing has changed in terms of its team providing exceptional service and delivering the same fast driver delivery with the continuation of stocking leading suspension brands. These brands include Formula 4x4, SuperPro, Whiteline, Bilstein, Airbag Man, Raw 4x4, King Springs and much more. For more information, visit www.fulcrumsuspensions.com.au