58 | Family ties all the way Deno’s has a fleet of modern recovery vehicles and a purpose-built facility in Rolleston. CONTRACTING Deno’s Towing Service T T Kelly Deeks Reilly’s Towage & Salvage Equipped for any job T T Bernadette Cooney For more than three decades, Deno’s Towing Service has been a trusted name in the Selwyn District, offering round-theclock vehicle recovery and roadside assistance. Founded by Dean ’Deno’ Franklin in 1993, the Rolleston-based business has seen plenty of competitors come and go – but Deno’s is still standing strong, proudly family owned and operated for 33 years. “When we started, there weren’t many rules or regulations,” Dean says. “Now it’s probably one of the most regulated industries in New Zealand. You need your truck licence, your recovery licence, health and safety training – it’s the whole nine yards.” Dean started the business at age 27 with a single J1 Bedford truck, after being asked by a local police officer to help recover two stolen motorbikes from a ditch. “I borrowed $3000, bought a truck and just got on with it,” he recalls. From that humble start, the business has grown into a fleet of modern recovery vehicles and a purpose-built facility in Rolleston complete with wide, high doors and secure indoor storage for everything from cars and trucks to caravans and campervans. Established in the 1930s by the Reilly family at their Moray Place, Dunedin depot, Reilly’s Towage and Salvage has evolved through generations of ownership, while maintaining the same focus on dependable service and local commitment. For more than 85 years, Reilly’s Towage and Salvage has been the trusted name in vehicle recovery, transport, and roadside assistance across Dunedin and the wider Otago region. Today, Reilly’s operates a fleet of 12 specialised vehicles and employs a team of nine, providing a comprehensive range of towage and salvage services – from light car recovery to heavy truck and trailer work. “Whether it’s a car that needs a jump start or a 65-tonne truck that needs recovering, we’ve got the equipment and experience to handle it, says Reilly’s office manager Deanne Burrell, who has spent more than 15 years with the company. “I originally started at Reillys in 2002. My husband Phil and I bought shares in the company with Brain Lilley and Ian Smaill. In 2004, we sold our shares to Robert Williams, and I stayed on in the office.” Current owner Robert Williams bought out previous owner Brian Lilley in 2014. In 2011 Robert’s son Brendan came on board and is ready to take over the reins once Robert retires. Now 60, Dean has stepped back from day-to-day operations after suffering several health setbacks, proudly passing the reins to his daughters Ashleigh and Melissa. “They’ve both come from fashion design backgrounds,” he says. “They were designing and sewing garments one day, and towing cars the next!” Both sisters have taken to the industry with confidence and capability. Ash works out on the road, managing the company’s AMI Insurance roadside assistance contract, while Mel runs the office, handling accounts and customer service. Their retail and design experience has proven an unexpected advantage. “When you’re dealing with people who are upset or stressed after an accident or breakdown, having that customer service mindset makes a big difference,” Dean says. The business is now truly a family affair – both daughters’ husbands, Michael and Lewis, work in the company, along with Dean’s brother-in-law Mark, and another long-time team member affectionately known as Shorty. Deno’s handles everything from accident recoveries and police impounds to machine transport and heavy haulage, and remains the Selwyn Police’s first call for vehicle removals after an accident or infraction Their partnership with AMI has seen demand soar, with the team completing around 110 roadside jobs each month. Reilly’s provides towage and salvage services to customers including private motorists, commercial and heavy transport operators, all major insurance companies, and public agencies such as the New Zealand Police, Dunedin City Council and University of Otago. It is also the towage and storage provider for Manheim Auctions. The company provides services under AA Road Service and First Assist, ensuring drivers across Otago receive rapid response whenever trouble strikes. Its capacity ranges from small passenger cars to large commercial truck and trailers up to 65 tonnes. Every vehicle Reilly’s recover is stored securely and under cover, out of the weather. “Having all our storage under cover is rare for any towing company throughout New Zealand. So that offers a point of difference,” says Deanne. The Reilly’s story is deeply woven into Dunedin’s transport history. In its early years, the company operated from Moray Place, and later Great King Street, offering parking, lubrication services, and mechanical repairs under the banner Reilly’s Central Parking. The fleet’s first tow truck, a converted Studebaker sedan, had once chauffeured the Prince of Wales on a visit through Southland before the Studebaker was replaced by a new Fargo truck with a flash winch. 03 347 2155 WE KEEP OUR COMMUNITY MOTORING Friendly service, and quality workmanship you can trust From WOFs to full servicing, we’ll keep you safely on the road. FREE COURTESY CARS AVAILABLE! Call 03 347 4020 | 131 Iport Drive, Rolleston | www.jonesroadauto.co.nz Covering your bottomline. Nationwide, 100% NZ owned and operated Quality product, professionally maintained On time, door-to-door delivery Award-winning sustainable business practice Online forms ensure maximum e ciency Fully managed rental programme with no capital outlay Dunedin &Oamaru 021 969 413 | www.preensapparelmaster.co.nz Apparelmaster rent, professionally maintain and launder hardwearing workwear, mats and towels. NEWZEALAND COVERED ATWORK www.apparelmaster.co.nz Wilkinson Rodgers is pleased to support Reilly’s Towage & Salvage www.wrlawyers.co.nz Level 1, Burns House, 10 George Street, Dunedin | Ph: 03 477 9844
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