While there are plenty of young folk opening the doors to their dream automotive business for the first time, there are still more than a few multi-generation workshops which bear the family name and carry on the family trade. Glenn Chaillon is at the helm of the workshop that his father Jim established in 1968, and his son Jarrod has commenced in the trade, possibly taking the reigns in years to come. Glenn took time out of his busy day to talk to Motor Trader about his business, Jim Chaillon’s Auto, in Townsville.

Words: Lara Wilde, Pictures: Jess Donoghoe, Sweet Spot Photography

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Your business has been here for a little while now Glenn. Tell us about how it came to be?

GC: My father Jim started the business in 1968, just a few doors up on this street. In 1970 we moved to the current location at 25 Casey Street and we haven’t looked back. In a way, we have become a landmark in Aitkenvale. All the locals know us.

So how did you come to be involved in the business?

GC: My father was very clear that he would not take me on as an apprentice. He wanted me to go out into the industry
and see how other businesses ran. I completed my apprenticeship at Carmichael Ford.

Once I completed my trade, I spent another three years with Ford before I came back to the family business. I worked under Terry for the next five years before buying into the business.

In 2002, I bought the business off dad allowing him the opportunity to retire.

My son Jarrod is doing a school-based apprenticeship now and I completely understand why my father sent me to another workshop to do my apprenticeship. It is better for Jarrod to learn new techniques and I hope he brings some of those new skills back to the workshop here. It is also much better for our father-son relationship.

What is the core business at Jim Chaillon’s Auto?

GC: We focus on the general servicing and maintenance of four-wheel-drive and passenger cars. Many of our customers are mums and dads who have been bringing their daily-driver car to us for servicing and maintenance for decades and in some cases, generations. We are a family business and we focus on looking after our customers and their families.

Apart from the general servicing and maintenance, we also enjoy the opportunity to work on classic cars. We assist customers to restore their passion project then repair and maintain them.

Who is in the current team?

GC: I am still on the tools five days per week. Terry Smith is a trade-qualified mechanic who did his apprenticeship under my father starting back in 1976. He has been here for 45 years and has a passion for classic cars. Dean Hill is our other trade-qualified mechanic, starting his journey with us as a school-based apprentice in 2013. Dean is a four-wheel-drive enthusiast.

I will be looking to put on another mechanic in the near future. I find having four mechanics on the floor is ideal.

Natalie is our office manager and an invaluable member of the team.

Do you sponsor any local motorsport and individual competitors? What role does it play in your marketing activities for the business?

GC: While we don’t focus on sponsoring motorsport, we do sponsor sporting clubs and the local Life Savers. We also donate to Rotary, the Special Children’s Christmas Party, and the National Serviceman’s Association. Our marketing relies heavily on our reputation and word of mouth.

We advertise with Localsearch who take care of managing Google AdWords and other search engine optimisation strategies.

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

GC: We really don’t rely on social media. We have it, but after more than 50 years we have a solid reputation in the community and a solid customer base built through good service and word of mouth.

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

GC: Modern vehicles are becoming more and more technologically advanced. We need to keep updating our knowledge base to keep up with industry best practice. The ability to research online and study via webinars and other online classes has been invaluable.

What cars do you own personally?

GC: Perhaps it was my apprenticeship at Carmichael Ford – or maybe I was born this way – but I am a Ford man through and through! I have an XE Falcon ute
and a Ford ranger.

Do you or your staff actively compete in motorsport?

GC: Terry is a member of the Marque Car Club in Townsville and competes in bitumen sprints and also volunteers as a scrutineer. He did a lot of rally driving when he was younger. Terry’s involvement is a good opportunity to promote the workshop.

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

GC: We haven’t seen any impact from the electric vehicle market yet, but it is coming. Our main concern is that electric vehicles require so little servicing and maintenance. We have begun to prepare by training staff and assessing our workshop.

How long have you been a member of MTA Queensland?

GC: We have belonged to MTA Queensland for a long time. Our member number is 52.

What has been the greatest benefit of your MTA Queensland membership?

GC: I really appreciate being able to ring up and get answers, particularly for issues with human resources, technology and best practice in the industry.

Has Covid impacted your business at all?

GC: Originally, we felt a negative impact from Covid. That lasted for about a month. Since then, business has boomed and hasn’t stopped.

What do you do with your spare time?

GC: There is no point in having a healthy business if you don’t take care of your own health. When I am not at work I like to get outside and road cycle, water ski, and go
to the gym.

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

GC: Listen, learn and be patient. Too many young people think they know everything already. It is wise to take the time and patiently listen to others and learn from them. People of all ages and backgrounds have something to teach us all.

Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (December 2021/January 2022) 

22 December 2021