Page 38 - Australasian Paint & Panel Jan-Feb 2020
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PEOPLE MATTER
PAINT&PANEL JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 WWW.PAINTANDPANEL.COM.AU
KILLING IT IN CAIRNS
THIS HARD WORKING COUPLE HAVE IMPLEMENTED ADVICE OFFERED AND REAPED SUSTANTIAL REWARDS SUCH AS A 60% INCREASE IN SALES AND MORE TIME TO THEMSELVES.
AINT & PANEL CHOSE EAST
Coast Paint and Panel (ECPP) in Cairns as its business transfor- mation case study at the end of 2018, as it seemed representative of many small, independent shops. The concept is to encourage the owners to take advan- tage of industry help available to grow the business and follow ECPP’s progress so that other independents might be in- spired to follow their example and enjoy
growth and increased profits.
Partners Mark Debono (spray painter)
and Cara Lewis (background in hospi- tality) started their own business five years ago. Like most people they began in a small shed doing yard work and re- sprays. When we met them they had re- cently moved to larger premises and while doing ok, they clearly weren’t sure of how to grow the business and were so busy working in the business that they weren’t working on it.
The results of this business tran- sormation project have been impres- sive. In just 12 months turnover is up 60%, profits are up 61% compared with 2018. The implementation of iBodyshop, Parts Check and using Capricorn has led to such improved efficiency that this has all been achieved with the same number of staff.
WHAT MADE THE DIFFERENCE?
If you’re willing to work on the business and implement and invest time into the right areas, you can get amazing returns on your efforts.”
All this against a backdrop of buying their first house, a family death and oth- er family issues which drew focus from the business.
The efficiencies in processes thanks to Valpar’s Quality First program and other initiatives has meant Debono has re- versed 80% of his time spent in the work- shop to 80% of his time in the office. That means turning around many more quotes and winning more business.
At the end of the year ECPP treated Debono to a Ford GT and the couple closed the business for two weeks over Christmas for their first proper holiday since they opened.
In the last monthly session with their business coach Ben Fewtrell (the couple
will continue with Max my Profit in 2020 with fortnightly coaching), he warned that when a business starts making profit, it can lull owners into a false sense of security. You also have to consider tax implications. Do you pay more tax, invest in new equipment, take on more staff?
PLANS FOR 2020
ECPP still doesn’t have a website which needs to be remedied in January, how- ever being listed on Google and a strong Facebook audience, along with distributing brochures and some local sponsorship has contributed to a growth in business. A website will help even more.
Business coaching with Max My Profit Installing I-Bodyshop
Adopting Parts Check
Joining Capricorn
Utilising Valpsar’s Quality First program I-Car training
Implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
Joining Car Craft


































































































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