Plonked in a paddock between potato crops and avocado orchards is McMullen Paint and Panel. Remote it may be, but the business delivers quality service – from general insurance work to helping to create trophy-winning show cars – and owners Michael and Terri-Anne McMullen took a moment to tell Motor Trader about their business located on Kaban Road near Ravenshoe in Far North Queensland.

Words and pictures: Lara Wilde

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Most Paint and Panel workshops are tucked away in industrial areas in town. What made you choose such a remote location?

MM: We live out here and so we wanted to keep our business close by. Council did not have any industrial land available in the area and there definitely was not a designated industrial area. We purchased rural land with great frontage on the main road and then we went through the process of obtaining Material Change of Use to suit our needs for the business.

While it is remote and that reduces the amount of drive-by or drop-in traffic that the shops in busy industrial areas get, we have a beautiful location with plenty of space to grow and there are no neighbours to speak of who might get upset about the noise.

How did you get started in the industry?

MM: I began as a trade qualified Engineering Tradesperson specialising in Vehicle Building more than 30 years ago. I completed my Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing and grabbed any opportunity I could to learn new skills and techniques.

What services do you provide at McMullen Paint and Panel?

MM: Insurance repairs are our bread and butter, but we also provide rust and restoration work, custom fabrication, windscreen repairs and replacement, and vehicle detailing. Our customers bring in a variety of cars ranging from their brand-new daily drivers through to rare and exotic collector cars.

When did McMullen Paint and Panel first open its doors?

MM: Terri-Anne and I first opened the business in 2004. We built the business slowly through word of mouth and we have had cars brought to us from all along the east coast. Customers have entered their finished cars in shows and taken home trophies. In 2018, we purchased our current block of land and built our new premises. The opportunity to design and build the workshop we always wanted has been excellent.

Who is in the current McMullen Paint and Panel team?

MM: I am very hands on in every aspect of the business, from the office to the spray booth. Terri-Anne takes care of the administration side of the business. She manages the office, marketing, human resources and finances. David Cassels is our third-year apprentice panel beater, and Keith Kennedy is our first-year apprentice spray painter.

Do you have a product that you are loyal to?

MM: For more than 30 years I have used PPG Paint products. I trust their quality and the results they produce. We promote the PPG brand on our website and in our workshop. I believe that our customers have confidence and peace of mind knowing the quality of product we use and that we are experienced in the best way to use it.

What are your prime marketing activities for McMullen Paint and Panel?

MM: For the most part we focus on word of mouth to bring in new and repeat customers. Our work, our attention to detail and our commitment to perfection speak for us long after the client’s vehicle has left our workshop. However, we do advertise regularly in the local paper the Ravenshoe Weekly and we have a website mcmullenpaintpanel.com.au which showcases our services. We don’t do much on social media and at this stage it is not a priority for us.

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

MM: The greatest advancement for us being in a remote area and doing a large number of insurance repairs has been desktop assessing. Insurance repairs are approved quickly and efficiently online over the computer. This also allows us to update our customers with clear images and progress reports.

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

MM: The increase in the electric vehicle market has not been noticeable locally yet. I do not feel electric vehicles will have a great impact on our business. From a paint and panel point of view, people will continue to have accidents and require their vehicles to be repaired.

Has Covid impacted your business at all?

MM: Due to our remote location we have not been as heavily impacted as many in the cities have been. Of course we have implemented the Government-recommended steps such as social distancing, signage and hygiene practices.

What advice would you give to a young Mick McMullen starting out in the industry?

MM: Listen and learn from people in the industry who have the skills and knowledge you admire. Go with your passion, work hard and you will achieve your greatest goals.

McMullen Paint and Panel have only recently joined MTA Queensland. What made you join and what have been the greatest benefits so far?

MM: As small business owners located in a remote area, we were noticing the benefits that MTAQ members received and we wanted access to the network and resources. In particular, we appreciated the advice that MTAQ members received regarding training, human resources and legal matters. The greatest benefit so far has been the training of our two apprentices and assistance to manage our legal responsibilities, particularly with staff.

What are your plans for the next few years?

MM: From the first day it opened, McMullen Paint and Panel has been very much a family owned and run business. We take pride in our quality of work and will continue to provide this service to our valued customers past, current and new. Over the next few years, we will continue to find ways to improve the service we deliver to our customers. With the assistance of MTAQ we will also continue to train quality staff, not only seeing our current apprentices complete their trade qualifications but also taking on new staff when the opportunity presents. Outside of the business, we will continue to spend time as a family and enjoy life in Far North Queensland.

Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (September 2021)

20 September 2021