| 63 Auto Recovery Services AUTOMOTIVE 09 430 3728 | 14-16 Herekino St, Whangarei | kellysauto.co.nz DRIVE SAFE. DRIVE CONFIDENT. DRIVE KELLY’S. DRIVE SAFE. DRIVE CONFIDENT. DRIVE KELLY’S. • MECHANICAL SERVICES • VEHICLE SERVICING • WARRANT OF FITNESS • PERFORMANCE TUNING • BREAKDOWN SERVICES • PRE-PURCHASE INSPECTION Option 2. 14-16 Herekino St, Whangarei 09 430 3728 kellysauto.co.nz • MECHANICAL SERVICES • VEHICLE SERVICING • WARRANT OF FITNESS • PERFORMANCE TUNING • BREAKDOWN SERVICES • PRE-PURCHASE INSPECTION Going the extra miles... The company contracts to NZAA, First Rescue and NZRA. T T Sue Russell Whangarei’s Auto Recovery Services dates back to the early 1990s, when Tony Gordon established it to complement his panel beating and spraypainting business. Leigh Johnston, who is now the owner of the business, started working for Tony fresh out of school, and trained as an automotive refinisher before becoming involved with driving the recovery trucks. He understands the business well, and knows how it grew to become the success it is today. As he explains: “We travel everywhere from our base in Whangarei, and there are some amazing places we’ve gone to help customers. You can find yourself going into rugged, isolated places and you need skilled operators and very good equipment to work well in these conditions.” Leigh has an exceptional team, with all of Tony’s team members continuing to work with him. Senior drivers, Craig and Dennis, have been with the business for over 20 years and have been very supportive, with a wealth of knowledge. Kevin, Jim and Neil complete the driver team, all having extensive knowledge of the automotive and transport industries. “Kylie, our dispatcher, has recently joined us. She lights up the place with her friendly, ‘can do’ attitude,” says Leigh. “Kim, who was also with Tony for many years, has a wealth of business knowledge and was instrumental in a smooth transition.” Leigh has now made the decision to step back a little from full-time driving to work on the business, and feels it is the perfe t time to be entering this next phase in the company’s journey. He remains hands-on, relieving drivers and helping in dispatch, but is focusing more on the business side, Health & Safety etc. The company’s fleet includes three slidedeck trucks and a patrol wagon, capable, Leigh says, of doing 99% of the work that is offered. The company contracts to NZAA, First Rescue and NZRA. “We also deal with all insurance companies, and trade and retail customers. Our work focuses on transport, recovery, accidents, breakdowns and minor repairs,” he says. To be an efficient breakdown/roadside assistance operator, Leigh says it is essential to be competent in the diverse requirements of the role, have the ability to relate easily and show empathy to clients, and do it all with a smile. “You’re coming into a stressful situation,” he says. “They’re dealing with the fact that something unexpected has happened, so staying calm and positive are very strong attributes in a good driver. You must be able to cope with people who are stressed and still do your job well.” Another aspect to running a towing company is the fact that each day has an unexpected element to it, calling for flexibility and being OK working outside normal business hours. A roster ensures coverage 24/7, with adequate breaks for the drivers. Leigh says he takes great pride in the quality of the work the team delivers, regardless of the time, day or night, and the circumstances of the call. “We are members of the National Road Carriers Association, and this supports us in achieving the high professional standards we strive for. I know it’s the quality of our work that has created the success we’ve enjoyed to date, and I don’t take anything for granted.”
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