In 1968, Roy Myers had a small shed in a paddock in Scott Street in Cairns. Today the Myers family has grown the shed and the Myers Engine Reconditioning business to become a strong player in the Cairns automotive industry. We recently took time out to chat with Roy’s grandson Josh Myers who now runs Myers Engine Reconditioning.

Words and pictures: Lara Wilde

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What products and services does Myers Engine Reconditioning provide?

JM: At Myers Engine Reconditioning we have been perfecting our craft for three generations, providing engine component machining and related parts. We have customers with large freight ships and charter boats, high-performance motorsport vehicles, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles such as trucks and heavy earthmoving machinery. If it has an engine, we can machine it, balance it and provide the parts you need for it.

When was Myers Engine Reconditioning established?

JM: In 1968, this suburb was paddocks. Today it is the heart of the industrial area of Cairns. My grandfather, Roy Myers, started the business and then passed it to my dad Stephen and my Uncle Rodney. I took over the business in 2006 when I bought out my uncle.

What is your background in the industry?

JM: I grew up in this workshop, completing my trade here and learning the ropes not only of engine reconditioning but also learning how to manage the business. When I was young, I left school and started work at the shop although I took the opportunity to travel before settling into the full-time role. I spent a year in Canada and explored different parts of the world before coming home to take over the family business.

Are you still hands on in the business today?

JM: Very hands on. I am in the workshop five days per week. I focus more on customer service and office management these days, but I still get on the tools every so often.

Who is in your current team at Myers Engine Reconditioning?

JM: My dad Stephen still comes in when we need him although he is supposed to be retired. My brother Jayden works out the back of house dismantling, cleaning, machining and preparing components for reconditioning. Col manages the office for me. We have Nick, Brad, and Mick on the tools. Currently we don’t have any apprentices on staff although we have put a few through their trade in recent years.

Are you involved in local motorsport?

JM: A lot of our customers compete very seriously in local drag racing, burnouts, and speedway competitions. Because we form such close friendships with our customers, we struggle to selectively sponsor one individual over another. It is a little like picking a favourite child We refrain from sponsoring individuals with cash or in-kind, instead preferring to support them with quality work on their vehicles.

As a team we are very proud when we see our customers’ cars competing interstate and when they are pitted against each other. For example, we have been very involved with the building of cars for the new Far North Queensland Sprint Car series and we love watching our customers go head-to-head on the track.

What are your plans for the next few years?

JM: When you are a third-generation family business there is a danger that you will get stuck in a rut. My focus for the next few years is to stay relevant to the market and, where possible, modernise. We want to make sure that we are skilled up and tooled up to provide the level of service that our customer needs.

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

JM: The increase in machines that can replace work that used to have to be done by hand. Machines provide consistency to the finished product. When we combine precision machines, such as our new balancer, with gifted tradesmen who pay attention to detail and take pride in their work we have a winning combination for our customer.

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

JM: When unleaded fuel came in and leaded petrol was phased out, we were told that it would shut us down. It didn’t. Even if most cars are electric, we will still have a market with restorers and motoring enthusiasts for a long time to come.

How long has Myers Engine Reconditioning been a member of MTA Queensland?

JM: Grandad Roy signed us up a long time ago. Our member number is 43 so we were one of the earliest members.

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

JM: I really enjoy the online training videos. They are easy to use and I can do them anytime that suits me. I also appreciate the great network of other members. I have peace of mind knowing I can turn to MTA Queensland at any time for technical advice, advice to manage my staff and the latest news in the industry.

Has Covid impacted your business?

JM: On the one hand it has had an impact with tourist businesses in the region going quiet so there is less business from charter boats and tourist buses. On the other hand, we have seen an increase in restorers who are taking the downtime to work on projects in the shed at home.

What do you do with your spare time?

JM: I am a fan of all the typical Far North Queensland pastimes. Fishing, dirt bike riding, camping. We live in nature’s playground. and I love getting out of the shed on the weekends with my kids, living the good life in paradise.

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

JM: Work hard and be good to people. If you rip someone off, they won’t come back but if you are good to your customers they will keep coming back. It is much cheaper to keep a happy customer than to go and find a new customer. We don’t have a social media presence and our marketing budget is zero. We base all our marketing on word of mouth from happy customers.

Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (November 2021) 

15 November 2021