Under the business banner of Lightning McQueen Services, Dominic Hoyal and wife Peta operate two workshops in Cairns – Danny West Autos in Manunda and Rob7 Automotive in Bungalow. Motor Trader took time to visit Dominic and Peta to learn about the evolution of their business.
Words & Images: Lara Wilde
Dominic what is your background in the automotive industry?
DH: I have been working on engines for well over 20 years. I started my apprenticeship with Irelands of Cairns back in 1997 and after my apprenticeship I took the opportunity to work at an approved RACQ mechanical workshop that also serviced outboards.
Taking a slightly different path, I then worked for a popular and successful motorcycle business as service manager, which I loved. In that job I learned a lot about people, team dynamics, customers and rode motorbikes on weekends. I fell in love with riding motorcross and represented Queensland at enduro events. I still haven’t given up that hobby.
For 12 years, I took a career hiatus and worked in Real Estate, which emphasised the importance of building relationships and customer service.
When I learned that Danny West was retiring in 2018, I took the plunge, bought his business, and haven’t looked back. It is funny how the wheel does a full circle.
How long have you been established?
DH: Although Danny West Autos was originally established in 2005, we only purchased the business six years ago when Danny retired from the industry. We are lucky to have Danny frequent the workshops for a chat and casual work
on the tools from time to time.
In March of this year, we purchased Rob7 Automotive which was established by former owners Rob and Alex. Rob7 has had a logo birthday recently and we are super-pleased with the new design thanks to Rhonda and Bernard from Visual Imaging.
Tell us about the products and services you offer between the two workshops?
DH: Both workshops focus on light vehicle servicing and fleet maintenance. We offer Road Worthy Certificate inspections, Certificate of Inspection for commercial vehicles, air conditioning maintenance and repairs, tyres, auto electrical diagnosis and repairs.
Are you still hands on in the business today?
DH: Absolutely! But in a different capacity than on the tools. I feel it is important to be a good leader and lead by example when needed.
The team will always come to me when they have a query or need to bounce ideas.
I like to interact with the customers and make it my priority if there is an issue at any time to ensure the customer is happy and feels valued.
I do like to keep a tidy and safe workshop, so I am very hands on when it comes to that.
It is important to me that both teams can function without me on a day-to-day basis. My wife and I can fit in and cover every aspect of the business should someone be on leave.
Who is in your current team?
DH: At Danny West Autos, our team is led by Chris, who is my right-hand man and has continued to impress me with his abilities as a tradesman and is developing as a leader. He has a passion for all things Euro and is also a computer wizard.
Lovely Lyn looks after all things admin and accounts and puts up with my questions and messy handwriting. I’d be lost without her and her attention to detail.
Chris C is our 4WD guru, a solid, reliable worker and all-round team player. Never does he come to work unhappy.
Heath is our pocket rocket, fourth-year apprentice with a super-charged work ethic. There’s nothing he won’t tackle. He also loves his fishing. Jaxon is our second-year apprentice and is quickly absorbing all he can from the team.
Logan is our school-based apprentice and is ready to step into full-time work next year. He has such potential and a great approach to work and life. We can’t wait to see him go from good to great next year.
At Rob7, it’s run a little different. Gavin looks after the bookings, parts and customers. He is a wealth of information and loves his coffee.
Josh is our Leading Hand and has been with Rob7 for several years. He is a great tradesman, is solution focused, considerate of others and his maturity exceeds his years. Ralph has joined the Rob7 team from over at Danny West Autos and is happiest when working on old-school vehicles. Jake is our casual and brings the good tunes and extra laughs when he is back from FIFO life to join our team.
John is a fourth-year apprentice and has a contagious laugh. He is passionate about his road bike and footy, and Hayden is our school-based apprentice and ready to step into a full-time apprenticeship. He is quickly learning how to keep things super clean and tidy.
What training do you do with staff?
DH: Our apprentices are continually studying, and our tradesmen engage in courses that are relevant to the changes in technology – both office software, systems and vehicles. This year our team have successfully obtained EV qualifications, a RW licence, and obtained a trade qualification – converting via Recognition of Prior Learning from Europe to Australia.
Each year we host work experience students from local high schools to give them an opportunity to see if they are on the right career path.
What are your greatest challenges?
DH: Quality control – making sure that the quality of our workmanship is upheld consistently, day after day, job after job.
What do you see as the greatest advancement in technology for your business?
DH: One of the greatest advancements is scan tools. They are an essential tool for diagnosis.
The internet and instructional YouTube videos provide valuable insight as to what people have tried and tested. I am a believer that you will never know everything, and there is never just one way to skin a cat.
Do you consider that the advancements in electric vehicles will have an impact on your business?
DH: Yes, for sure in the long term, particularly for servicing. At this stage in Far North Queensland the uptake is slower than metropolitan areas, but our employees are trained in electric and hybrid vehicle systems.
What has been the greatest benefit of your MTA Queensland membership?
DH: The regular updates of changes to industry and legislation, and access to
the business portal.
Do you sponsor any local motorsport and individual competitors?
DH: We sponsor local motorcross events, and also mountain biking events, including the Cairns St Augustine’s High School mountain bike team, and the Atherton Mountain Goats Elev8 mountain bike event each year.
We also provide a complimentary servicing for the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation vehicles in support of the Cardiac Challenge (a bike ride from Cairns to Cooktown) held each September.
What are your plans for the next few years?
DH: My wife and I are keen to continuously improve our businesses, upskill our employees, and provide a good service to our customers. We are keen to develop our employees through on-the-job training and any other relevant training. I am also in the process of obtaining my motorcycle mechanical licence so we can provide a comprehensive service for two-wheeled customers as well.
Being “green” and “environmentally responsible” isn’t traditionally linked to the auto industry. However, we are motivated to improve our current green credentials and practices.
What advice would you give to a young you starting out in the industry?
DH: Be patient and communicate well. Look after your customers, understand what motivates your staff. It is important to understand that they don’t know what you do, nor do they see things through your eyes.
Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (November 2024)
26 November 2024