Page 131 - KZN Top Business LEADERS-eBook

JAY PATEL

ay Patel, the chairman of Royal Tyres, began his GROWN ITS REACH members that have been here for more than 25 years,
career in January 1973. After his dad had passed which I think shows that management does look after
away, and in order to look after the interests of In the beginning, the business only occupied 15% of their staff.”
Jhis family, Jay was thrust into the business then the premises and their rental was R 5000 per month.
known as Royal Vulcanizing. As the business was Over time Jay steadily increased production and Recently, Royal Tyres has introduced a graduate
established in 1939, Royal Tyres celebrates its 85th expanded their operations. When the opportunity programme in collaboration with Durban University
anniversary in 2024. arose to buy the building in 1988, they saw the of Technology, placing nine graduates in various
potential for further growth. As the family did not departments across the organisation. Additionally,
Jay’s successful journey started off filling petrol at have the finances required at the time, they obtained they have provided 53 placements through Shukela
the service station, one of the departments of the a loan from the Industrial Development Corporation Training Centre, enabling trainees to gain valuable in-
company, which included a tyre fitting bay, spares, a (IDC). Royal Tyres progressed from there, eventually service training.
workshop, and a retreading factory. He progressed to occupying the entire building, which is about six and
become a tyre salesman where he learnt about tyres a half thousand square metres. DOING SOMETHING DIFFERENT
and related matters.
Ove the years the company has continued to grow Speaking of who has inspired him along his journey
HICCUPS ALONG THE WAY its reach; a shop was opened in Port Shepstone in Jay said that Ratan Tata, the former chairman of the
2001, in Harding in 2013, in Phoenix in 2023 and in Tata Group stands out for him. “His philosophy was
Royal Vulcanizing history was not all smooth sailing as February 2024 in Johannesburg. very simple. Every year he gave a percentage of his
some hiccups were experienced along the way. The profits to charity.”
family business was run by Jay’s father Raman Patel Commenting on the success of Royal Tyres, Jay says
and his two brothers who between them had seven that the business is going well and that they have no Included in Jay’s many accomplishments over the
sons, including Jay, who was the youngest. Around complaints. He added that the family pride themselves years are those in his role as chairperson of the South
1982, the family split ways and Jay joined three of his on giving good advice and always conduct themselves African Tyre Dealers Association. He successfully
cousins who together ran the business. with integrity and honesty. “And obviously,” he mooted the idea of getting rid of import duties on
remarked, “The tyre prices have to be right and with casings that were used to retread tyres. While the fight
Another hiccup was caused by the Group Areas Act. our buying power we manage to do that very well.” with the customs and excise department took a long
As their company was positioned in Epsom Durban, time and cost the Association a fair bit of money, they
the property was taken away from the family. They BEST ADVICE eventually won and got rid of the duties.
were given an alternate site 30 kilometres away in
Chatsworth. This property was nowhere near the The best advice that was given to himself, Jay says, Over the years, Royal Tyres has received recognition
size of what they had, which comprised a two-story was by two friends who were qualified chartered that attest to its excellence and impact. In 2024 the
building with a ground, first and second floor. accountants. After the split formed in the family, company won the Standard Bank KZN Top Business
they advised Jay not to let the factory go. He was Award in the family category.
As the company had operated from the Epsom Road consequently successful in bidding for the equipment.
location for 30 odd years a sound customer base “I must tell you that without that advice, I wouldn’t Three generations later, Royal Tyres remains loyal
had been built up. “And no matter how loyal the have been where I am today,” he explained. to family and its directors include Jasmeena Shiba
customers were, I don’t think they were going to travel (daughter), Pranav Patel (son), Akshay Patel (son)
30 kilometres to put on a set of tyres. I knew then that I “I think in any business, more so in a family business, and Mr Nayan Shiba (son-in-law). The family plan to
had to find a place in and around Durban to keep that you are always going to have your conflicts. I try and continue to grow the company. From 2023 to 2024
clientele,” explained Jay. overcome these conflicts the best that I can and Royal Tyres has already doubled their profits, while
up till now it has worked. It’s not a question of only other companies are struggling. Royal Tyres believes
Jay looked at many different properties and finally overcoming them. It’s the manner in which you do it,” that they are doing something different which is
settled for the premises where Royal Tyres is currently said Jay. working for them.
situated in Umgeni Road. This relocation was one
of the biggest challenges faced by the business, He added that the company is strong on upskilling In conclusion, Jay has a motto that he says he keeps
however Jay commented that they resolved the staff, across all levels of the company, on a continuous telling his children. “Remember one thing in life, is
matter successfully and made the new premises work basis. He commented, “I don’t have to tell you what that you’ll make the money. The day money makes
very well. that does to you as a company. We have about 15 staff you; you’re going to go downhill from there.”
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