Capricorn Travel

WHY STICK TO THE RIVERS AND THE LAKES THAT YOU'RE USED TO?

There’s something about being on the water that really makes a holiday for Paul Armstrong.

The smash repairer from Albany, on Western Australia’s stunning south coast, has been travelling extensively since 2005 and his most memorable holidays all seem to have involved some of the world’s most famous bodies of water.

“We did Amsterdam to Budapest on a

river cruise,” he said. “I’d do that again in a

heartbeat. We did the Rhine, the Danube, right through to the Black Sea and Turkey. We did a river cruise in Portugal. We’ve done the Croatian coast; I’d do that again, too.”

But the most memorable of all was an 11day cruise, sailing the Mediterranean on a remarkable 88-metre, three-masted yacht, called Le Ponant.

“The whole trip is stuck in my mind,” Paul said. “We went from Malta, sailing right up

the Italian Amalfi Coast, visiting the islands, and finishing up in Monaco.”

The yacht carries 32 passengers and 34 crew and turns heads wherever it sails.

“It was a fabulous trip. That one impressed me best of them all.”

This year, in July, Paul retired after a long career in the auto industry. A Capricorn Member for at least 25 years, he’s booked all his holidays through Capricorn Travel.

He said a big motivation for booking with Capricorn Travel had been gaining rewards points, which could then be put towards more travel when he used his trade account. But he’d also found the team to be “excellent”.

“We found dealing with Capricorn Travel , and their skills in organising our tours and making everything come together, to be

brilliant,” he said.

“We’ve travelled extensively to Europe. We’ve been to Vietnam, Cambodia. And in all that time we’ve only had a couple of very minor glitches — things totally beyond their control. “On the whole they’ve been fantastic. They’ve really looked after us and have really gone out of their way for us a few times — we’re really comfortable travelling with them.”

For now, thanks to coronavirus, Paul’s retirement travel plans (a grand tour of Honolulu, Canada, Alaska and the United States) have been put on hold. But when travel restrictions have lifted, the Capricorn Travel team will be happy to help him plan his next big adventure.

Happy retirement, Paul!

With more than 35 years of experience, the Capricorn Travel team is still available to help you plan your next Australian adventure. Charge your travel to your Capricorn Trade Account and enjoy the additional benefit of earning Capricorn Rewards Points. Contact Capricorn Travel today.

1800 655 077 I travel@capricorn.coop capricorn-travel.com.au

racing towards success business

Rock Hard Motors is a family run mechanical workshop in Silvan, in Yarra Ranges on the eastern outskirts of Melbourne. Owner Rocco Molluso has been servicing vehicles for local businesses, farmers and residents for 25 years.

Rocco said the biggest challenge he faces is finding the right people to meet the high standard of work and cleanliness he expects. What’s his best advice to other Members, based on his years of experience?

“Customer service should be high on your agenda,” he said. “And get to know the services in your Capricorn book, so you don’t put all your eggs in one basket and you have a range of people to use.”

What does the future hold for Rock Hard Motors (apart from hopefully a few wins at the racetrack?) Rocco plans to expand into machinery servicing.

The business has grown to employ four people and has had success in a variety of areas — including the workshop’s apprentice, Antonio Molluso, coming runner-up in the Apprentice of the Year competition for the Casey region. Rock Hard Motors won a scholarship that allowed members of the family to travel to Italy to study car racing, and they’ve since set up Molluso Motorsports and race their Hyundai Excel on the weekends.

Rock Hard Motors became a Capricorn Member 23 years ago, after an Area Manager popped in to say hello. Rocco said membership had linked his small business to many larger companies and that the mutual support had contributed to his success.

“We have also been using Capricorn Risk Services for ten or more years, and that helps us because it’s all under one banner and it’s tailored to the automotive business, so they understand us,” Rocco said.

Capricorn Member Profiles

Capricorn Preferred Suppliers are an integral part of our cooperative model. We recognise the achievements of our high performing Capricorn Preferred Suppliers through our Million Dollar Preferred Supplier Awards. These awards are presented to Preferred Suppliers who reach million dollar milestones in total Capricorn Member sales. It is great to see Capricorn Preferred Suppliers reaching these outstanding milestones. Congratulations to the following Preferred Suppliers.

Daimler Trucks Somerton

Daimler Trucks Somerton has been selling Capricorn Members Daimler, Freightliner and Fuso parts since 2002 and provide Capricorn Members exceptional customer service. Daimler Trucks Somerton dispatches parts to Melbourne metro, Victorian rural, and interstate. Jeff Frazier (pictured) and his team of professionals carry on that tradition.

Natrad

Natrad have been Capricorn Preferred Suppliers to Capricorn and its customers for close to 20 years. Natrad is Australia’s most trusted cooling specialist, with over 70 stores and 40 warehouses nationwide. Natrad is the most recognised and iconic brand in cooling systems and are the market leader in radiator and air conditioning repairs. Natrad Trade Online is the newest initiative in Natrad’s ever growing offerings to the trade and boasts many benefits along with a wide range of new automotive and industrial product ranges.

Ringwood Mazda

Ringwood Mazda has been a Capricorn Preferred Supplier for 9 years, they are great supporters of Capricorn having a member account as well. Themi and his team have years of experience behind them and always have a customer first focus. Ringwood Mazda carries a large range of Genuine Mazda replacement parts and accessories, which include body panels and mechanical parts.

Whites Powersports

Whites Powersports has been a Capricorn Preferred Supplier for the past 6 years. They supply motorcycle and ATV parts including gasket kits/ clutch kits and service items. All covering various makes and models. Recently relocating to Boronia, VIC, into a larger warehouse has allowed them to grow and service our Member network throughout Australia.

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