franchise.co.nz – PUTTING PEOPLE IN BUSINESS
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“No is not in our vocabulary,” says Reuben Cutts with conviction. At 24,
he’s Pit Stop’s most recent franchisee and one of the youngest. Reuben’s
commitment to customer service is earning some great online testimonials
for his team’s can-do attitude. More importantly, it is contributing to returns
that already exceed projections in his new business.
At secondary school Reuben knew university wasn’t for him – his ambition
being to work with motor vehicles but not necessarily as a mechanic.
“Working all day on vehicles and then going home to work on my own cars
didn’t appeal.”
Little did Reuben know that in his early 20s he would be going home to share
parenting of two young daughters, the youngest born just a week after he
took over the Pit Stop Petone franchise in September.
In business for himself and family
On leaving school, Reuben got involved with cars by working in car parts at
Repco, making his way up to sales rep with a call cycle that included Pit Stop
Petone. This led to a friendship with the franchisee who eventually confided
that, as much as Pit Stop had helped him build an ideal life-work balance, he
felt it was now time to seek new business opportunities. Reuben shared this
news with his partner Madison, a health care assistant, and the couple began
to talk seriously about Pit Stop as an opportunity for Reuben to get into
business for himself and his family.
“The outgoing franchisee helped us a lot with due diligence, confirming the
high level of franchisor support, superior equipment and other purchasing
benefits of being part of a long-established and trusted brand. An accountant
went through the books and gave the thumbs up, as did our lawyer who
reviewed the franchise agreement. We had capital for the deposit so then just
needed to finance the balance.”
Computers on wheels
When Reuben first contacted Stacey Bree, Pit Stop’s Franchise Division
Manager, Stacey says he wasn’t surprised to hear a young voice full of
ambition on the phone. “More and more, we’re hearing from younger
people keen to become a Pit Stop franchisee,” he explains. “They represent
a generation unfazed by the fact modern motor vehicles are basically
computers on wheels, a complex, networked system of dozens of specialised
engine control units (ECUs) wrapped in sheet metal.”
Reuben says that Pit Stop’s technological leadership in the field is also
bringing in new business in emission control exhaust systems. Where vehicle
repair garages in Petone and nearby Lower Hutt would once compete with
Pit Stop Petone by handling less complex exhaust system repairs themselves,
these businesses now provide Reuben with a regular flow of exhaust systems
diagnosis, repair and replacement income.
For Reuben and his team of two qualified, computer-savvy mechanics and
an apprentice, complicated exhaust systems and engine sensors and other
hi-tech issues are all in a day’s work. “If ever we come across a really difficult
issue, we can put the word out to fellow franchisees or contact the franchisor
team. Either way we usually get a call and advice within minutes. That’s great
for us, and importantly, for our customer service reputation.”
Pit Stop is one of New Zealand’s largest automotive services chains, with over
44 franchises nationwide. Current opportunities include exclusive greenfield
and established franchise territories
starting from around $150,000.
Reuben is already talking about
additional Pit Stop franchise territories
and Stacey Bree is keen to meet more
ambitious youngsters like him. “If you’re
into motor vehicles, know your way
around computers, and want to become
a young gun in business for yourself,
think Pit Stop. You’ve definitely come to
the right place.”
New Pit Stop Petone owner among
a growing number of ambitious
young franchisees
YOU’VE COME
TO THE RIGHT
PLACE
Opportunity: Auto Services
Pit Stop
www.pitstop.co.nz
Contact
Stacey Bree
09 634 3666
027 406 3744
staceyb@pitstop.co.nz
Advertiser Info
Franchisee Reuben Cutts (left) with team
members Frank Cooper and Kieren Yates
I bought a
Pit Stop franchise
and I’ve never
looked back
Franchise opportunities nationwide.
Call Stacey 027 406 3744 for a chat.
Visit www.pitstop.co.nz/franchising