Josh and Chiquita Pease have a thriving mechanic workshop on the outskirts of Malanda on the Atherton Tablelands in Far North Queensland. They have built it up from a home-based business in their shed in Tarzali, to a young team with bookings up to five weeks in advance. Josh took some time out of his busy day to chat to Motor Trader about JP Repairs and Maintenance.
Words by Lara Wilde.
What is your background in the industry?
JP: I did my light vehicle mechanic apprenticeship with MTA Queensland from 2001 to 2005 under Mick Bryant at Tableland Mechanical Services in Malanda. Once I finished my apprenticeship, I spent eight years in mines all over Queensland specialising in blast hole drill rigs. Eventually the novelty of mining life wore off and I came home.
How long has JP Repairs and Maintenance been established?
JP: We first opened the doors to JP Repairs and Maintenance at our house in Tarzali in 2015. We moved the workshop to Malanda in November of 2023, and it has been the best move for our business. Having an office has been a gamechanger for our business. Instead of doing our invoices at night at the dining room table, we can separate our business and our family.
Tell us about the products and services you offer at JP Repairs and Maintenance?
JP: Our bread and butter is the everyday mechanical repairs, maintenance and logbook servicing for ordinary passenger vehicles. When we were based in Tarzali, we provided mobile roadworthy inspections. With the new workshop, I am trying to move us to only doing roadworthy inspections in the workshop. We focus on giving every customer the personal touch and making sure they know we really care about them and their car.
Who is in your current team?
JP: I am on the tools in the workshop while my wife Chiquita manages the business from the office. Natasha is part-time, providing general administration support to Chiquita in the office. Seth is our second-year apprentice who started with us in early 2022 as a school-based apprentice. Kynan has just started his second year as an apprentice and also started his career in the JP Repairs and Maintenance workshop. Luke does three days per week after school and Kye does two days per week after school. Both boys help out with odd jobs like pressure cleaning, sweeping and tidying up. We also have Kieran who does some schoolwork experience.
Do you sponsor any local sport to promote the business?
JP: We are big supporters of the Malanda Junior Rugby League, the Malanda Eels for local competition. I am the Club President and I volunteer on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons to coach under-14s and run the club. JP Repairs and Maintenance sponsors the players’ jerseys. Sponsoring the Malanda Junior Rugby League is our key marketing strategy and community engagement to reach customers in town.
What other activities do you do to make JP Repairs and Maintenance stand out in the market?
JP: A part of making sure that every customer gets the personal touch is washing every car and shining their tyres before they leave the workshop. It only takes a minute, but it shows our customers that we really do care for their vehicles and are proud of the cars that leave our shed. It is a point of difference and something customers appreciate.
What are your plans for JP Repairs and Maintenance for the next few years?
JP: We are planning to continue to grow the business and support the local community. I want our two apprentices to complete their trade and then I will look at signing on more apprentices once they have finished.
What training and professional development do you do with staff?
JP: I make sure all of our staff, including myself, do any training that is available in our region, including all of the courses supplied by providers like Burson and Capricorn.
What has been the greatest benefit of your MTA Queensland membership?
JP: Late last year, we became a member after meeting with the local representative. I already knew about MTA Queensland as I did my apprenticeship with them. I signed up as a member because I was looking for support and industry development such as regulation of roadworthy certificates and advocacy for the smaller workshops.
How much importance do you place on social media for marketing for your business?
JP: I am not a huge fan of social media because I don’t like the keyboard warriors. I mostly use it for notices such as public holiday closures. Our main marketing is signage on the building and our vehicles, sponsorship of the Junior Rugby League Club, and word of mouth from our customers. It seems to be working as we are booked out five weeks in advance.
What do you see as the greatest advancement in technology for your business?
JP: The greatest advancement for our business has been having an office with instant payment options. The ability for customers to pay their bill when they pick up their vehicle has helped cashflow significantly. The previous home workshop always sent invoices after the customer picked up their car and had seven-days payment terms.
I also like the scan tools, Autodata, and Capricorn for stock.
What vehicles do you own?
JP: The shop truck is a 2019 Dodge Ram. We also have a sign-written 1981 Datsun Ute to promote the shop, but it is coming off the road soon for a rebuild. At home I have a 2007 VE HSV Senator Signature, a 1977 G60 Patrol, and a 750cc 1999 Ducati Monster.
What are your greatest challenges?
JP: Managing the workload and stress is a challenge. I love the job and bounce out of bed every day eager to work with our team and to support our customers, but it is full on and finding time for family and community can be challenging.
What do you do with your spare time?
JP: Volunteer with local rugby, caravan, and camping. Supporting two children. The staff and I also do plenty of social motocross and trail riding but nothing on a competition level.
What advice would you give to a young Josh starting out in the industry?
JP: Grit your teeth because it’s tough. Be respectful. Do it because you love it and not just because you are going to get out of school or because someone told you to.
I always tell the boys that “every vehicle that leaves the shop has to be something we can all be proud of. Every car needs to be clean, all of the items need to be checked off and every part of the car needs to be looked over.”
Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (March 2024)
15 March 2024