MTA Queensland members are often known for their generosity. While many members give their time, resources and cash to support the community, Mark Billingsley of Marks Mechanics in Townsville is the first member we have met who is giving his business away. Mark, who is also a member of the MTA Queensland Board, took a moment to tell Motor Trader all about his business and his remarkable plan.

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

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Marks Mechanics is a well-known business in the automotive industry. Tell us a little bit about the business to date.

MB: My wife Annette and I opened the doors in 1991. Our focus is on servicing and maintaining late model vehicles. We take care of logbook servicing, warranty work, and our close proximity to the Department of Transport means that we see a lot of cars coming in for last minute repairs to pass roadworthy assessments. Our customers bring in passenger cars and light four-wheel-drives and we also have a great relationship with Defence Force military personnel and Government employees. We work hard to create a culture that delivers a friendly, trustworthy service centre. Due to our relationship with Repco, our customers have a nationwide warranty.

What is your background in the automotive industry?

MB: I was a RAAF kid born in Wagga Wagga, NSW. I completed my trade as a motor mechanic and as a diesel mechanic before going on to work for Holden and Toyota. I managed a mechanic shop for about 3 years before choosing to become my own boss and open my own shop.

Are you still hands-on in the business today?

MB: Very much so, although I only step in on the tools when I am needed. My focus is as a supervisor and manager, mentoring and training staff. I also provide support and business consultation through the Repco network to mechanic shops across Australia.

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

MB: Two bits of advice come to mind. The first is to embrace technology and invest in the best scan tool you can afford. Technology and the right tools can make your life much, much easier. The second is to network as much as possible. The more people you know and the more people who know you, the further you will go.

Who is in the current Marks Mechanics team?

MB: Greg McDonald is my manager. We have worked together for more than 22 years. Greg finished his apprenticeship under me, and he has been a good friend and colleague for more than two decades. Greg’s son Damien is a mechanic at the shop, as is Rod Brander and Adrian Ries. Chris Eathorne is our apprentice mechanic. I like to take on apprentices at the shop and at one point we had three apprentices on the tools.

How do you play a role in the professional development of your team?

MB: Greg and I monitor the staff closely to assess the training needs of each individual. We have staff attend training facilitated by Repco and MTA Queensland when it is in the Townsville area. We find that face-to-face training is always much better than virtual training.

What is your marketing strategy?

MB: Townsville isn’t a huge town and so word of mouth is very useful, particularly with Defence Force military personnel and Government employees as their communities are fairly tight knit. We support the Starlight Foundation and have done so for more than 10 years. It is a great cause and we like to give back to our community when we can. As part of the Repco network, we advertise nationally and heavily support their campaigns. We have a very active Facebook Page.

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

MB: We place a huge amount of value on social media as more and more people turn to Facebook and Google to check up on their options for car maintenance and repairs. We encourage our customers to do their research not just on their car but also on the workshops they are considering going to. Google is excellent for reviews, and we prompt our happy customers to go on Google and leave a review for us.

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

MB: Without a doubt it is the scan tools and the ability to instantly access information on the internet. This means we can efficiently and effectively diagnose an issue and order the specific parts required, saving us and the customer time and money.

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

MB: We love electric vehicles. They are the future and we are preparing for them to have a massive impact on our business. There is not a lot of face-to-face training for electric vehicles available in Townsville, but we embrace every opportunity we can to learn more. I look forward to seeing more electric vehicles as I know we need to look after the planet.

What else do you do to look after the planet through your business?

MB: Six years ago, I made the Marks Mechanic workshop completely solar powered. The solar panels are good for the planet and they have made the shed much cooler by shading it during the day. We also place a heavy focus on recycling in the workshop. From office supplies to workshop consumables, we recycle, reduce and reuse whenever possible.

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

MB: We joined MTA Queensland about 5 years ago. I appreciate the strength and unity that being a member gives me. It is great to have the industry specific expertise available especially for advice on topics such as human resources and legal matters.

What do you do with your spare time?

MB: I have a 2015 Chrysler 300c as my daily driver, but my true passion is motorcycles. I love to ride my 2015 Indian Chief whenever I can. I also love traveling and taking in more of the world. Annette and I take every opportunity to travel and explore Australia, America and Europe.

Covid must have put a dampener on your love for travel. What are your plans for the next few years now that Covid travel restrictions have eased?

MB: I am ready to retire. Annette and I are going to travel and ride motorcycles and enjoy the world. I am going to give the business to Greg to run as his own. Greg has been with me for more than two decades and he has built this business with me. It is only right that he should own it now that I am stepping down.

Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (April 2022) 

18 April 2022