Based in Tolga on the Atherton Tablelands, 4×4 FNQ has been servicing customers in Far North Queensland – including the Gulf and Cape – for more than two decades. Lara Wilde took the time to learn a little bit more about the business with owner Clinton Stroud.

Words and pictures: Lara Wilde

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How did 4×4 FNQ come to be?

CS: The business was started about 30 years ago. In 1997 my parents bought 4×4 FNQ as a going concern. I worked for them in the shop before purchasing the business from them in 2013. After 24 years at the helm of 4×4 FNQ I am proud of how the business has grown and evolved.

What is your core business?

CS: At 4×4 FNQ we sell new and secondhand vehicle parts with many orders being shipped out by courier to customers throughout Far North Queensland including remote properties in the Gulf and Cape York. We have a mechanical workshop providing a full range of repairs to two-wheel and four-wheel-drive vehicles. We specialise in sourcing four-wheel-drive spare parts. In particular, we have become experts at supplying the hard-to-find parts for major repairs, including but not limited to suspension, transmissions and drivelines.

Who currently makes up the 4×4 FNQ team?

CS: Our team at 4×4 FNQ is constantly growing and evolving. Currently, Jason is my spare parts interpreter sourcing and supplying parts to customers, and Michelle takes care of our accounts and administration. Out in the mechanical workshop, Matt and Jacob work on cars and dismantle wrecked cars for parts. I am actually looking for an experienced motor mechanic to hire with the intention of then employing an apprentice to learn from them and become a skilled qualified mechanic in the future.

Is there a focus on professional development and training at 4×4 FNQ?

CS: Very much so. Both Michelle and I have completed our Diploma of Business Management, and I hold a Motor Dealers Licence and am a qualified Spare Parts Interpreter. I am currently going through the training required to complete my qualification as a motor mechanic. Many of our past employees have completed their apprenticeships with 4×4 FNQ, going on to follow careers as fully qualified motor mechanics. We place a lot of value on having access to a skilled workforce and making sure that our team is fully prepared to provide the best service to our customers.

How much importance do you place on social media for marketing the business?

CS: Our Facebook page has a consistent base of followers giving us an online presence that complements the other marketing we do. I have not had enough time of late to make it a bigger priority but building our online presence through social media is a part of our plan for expansion in the next few years.

What do you see as the greatest advancement in technology for your business?

CS: The internet. Being online is an excellent form of affordable marketing and an important sales tool. The internet also allows us to easily and efficiently source information from our suppliers about parts.

Do you consider that the advancements in electric vehicles will have an impact on your business?

CS: The remote location of many of my customers means that the advancements in electric vehicles will be slower to have an impact on 4×4 FNQ. In the meantime, we are staying abreast of the latest training and developments through the information and resources provided by MTA Queensland.

What plans do you have for the 4×4 FNQ business in the next few years?

CS: The team at 4×4 FNQ has a lot to achieve in the next few years. We are expanding the specialist workshops to meet our customer needs. There is a plan in place to increase our tyre sales and the amount of business driven through the dismantling and wrecking department. We also have a focus on developing our online presence to drive online sales. By increasing our online capabilities, we will be better prepared to deal with future Covid restrictions and service our more remote customers.

Has Covid impacted your business?

CS: Very much so but we are learning to adapt and improvise.

What strategies have you put in place to address the impact of Covid for you and your customers?

CS: We have paid more attention to our cashflow strategies and business management to safeguard against future lockdowns and government-sanctioned restrictions. We have also invested heavily in educating our customers about our new style of contactless purchasing and the expectations that our customers have.

What is the greatest challenge facing your business right now?

CS: Like many businesses, we are struggling to find skilled staff. 4×4 FNQ needs to hire an experienced lead mechanic to join our team. Until we can find that person, the business is being held back as we turn down opportunities to take on more work and expand the business.

There is a large hole in the skilled workforce with high-paying employers, such as the mines, taking many of our skilled potential employees. We need more training and support for people to join the industry and become skilled. MTA Queensland does a great job of addressing this issue.

How long have you been a member of MTA Queensland?

CS: 4×4 FNQ first became a member of MTA Queensland when we bought the business 24 years ago.

What has been the greatest benefit of your MTAQ membership?

CS: The Human Resource team provides great advice and resources. They are an amazing tool to utilise to manage our staff.

What cars do you own?

CS: Of course, owning 4×4 FNQ means I have to drive a four-wheel-drive. I have two Toyota Hilux utes that are very reliable and useful for day-to-day activities in the business.

What do you do with your spare time?

CS: I am a massive fan of the V8 Supercars and Rugby League. When I feel like getting out and getting physical, I ride my mountain bike on some of the great local trails.

What advice would you give a young Clinton starting out in the business?

CS: Business isn’t always easy, so my best advice would be to prepare for tough times and be a strong leader.

Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (April 2021)

8 April 2021