When someone is a car enthusiast, it is evident in every facet of their life. From their hobbies to their choice of home décor, they make cars a part of their life. Leigh Holman is such a car enthusiast. His house is decked out with black, white and red furniture and chrome fittings that remind you of racing. On weekends, he is either behind the wheel of his turbocharged Subaru at the drag strip or supporting his local speedway. On weekdays he is on the tools and running the show at SVS Auto and Dyno in Cairns working on the cars he loves to build.

On my first visit to your workshop I was amazed by the diversity of cars your customers have. There were old school muscle cars, fully optioned four-wheel drives and generic daily drivers. Tell us about the products and services offered by SVS Auto and Dyno?

LH: The list of products and services we offer is almost endless. SVS Auto and Dyno provides a very wide range of services beginning at general car and four-wheel drive servicing, general repairs and more serious repairs such as major engine and driveline repairs and rebuilds. We are a specialist dyno tuning centre concentrating on, but not limited to, four-wheel drive diesel engines. We also offer a large range of parts and accessories.

When I talk cars to people in Cairns, the name SVS Auto and Dyno comes up in conversation frequently. How long has SVS Auto and Dyno been established?

LH: SVS Auto and Dyno has been operating in Cairns for more than 30 years. We have been at our present location in the industrial area of Bungalow for almost eight years. We were at our previous address for 20 years. This is our fourth location since we started due to our growth.

Your passion for cars can’t be denied. What is your background in the automotive industry?

LH: I have been into cars and mechanical things since I was a boy. Inevitably, I became a motor mechanic. Then, in July 1984, I began to build my own business. I think I have always been a better motor mechanic than a businessman.

Working on a business is different to working in a business. Do you spend all of your time focussing on managing the business or are you still hands on with the tools today?

LH: Running the business certainly takes up a lot of time and energy but yes, I do love to get into the workshop. I love to build engines and I am constantly helping out with problem diagnosis.

With so much on your plate you must have a staff of exceptional people to make the business hum. Who is your current team at SVS Auto and Dyno?

LH: I am very happy with our team. We have had as many as 13 in the shop, but presently we are at 10 – three in the office and seven in the workshop.

The first time I met you was at Springmount Raceway where you were making some excellent times down the quarter mile with your Subaru. What role does the heavily branded SVS Auto and Dyno drag racing car play in your marketing activities for the business?

LH: Ah the “Subi”. It was our parts chaser, but our young staff members were not legally able to drive the turbocharged car so, just for fun, we turned it into a drag car. The success of the Subaru has been noticed and yes, we do get some work from it. But really, it’s just there to satisfy the revhead in me.

You are an active member of the local BNI (Business Network International) group in Cairns. How effective have you found networking as a marketing and referral tool to attract new business?

LH: BNI has been truly amazing for SVS Auto and Dyno and for me personally. The business generated, and friendships formed, from developing strong meaningful relationships with like-minded business people has been fantastic. I encourage any business owners to take a look into networking and in particular, BNI.

With more than 30 years in business you must be used to planning for the next phase. What are your plans for SVS Auto and Dyno for the next few years?

LH: It is a constantly changing industry.

In Cairns alone there are approximately 200 motor mechanic workshops, so we had to find a way of maintaining our position at the front. With so many four-wheel drive vehicles these days, we are presently turning our attention to the four-wheel drive upgrade and accessory market. We have been fitting out four-wheel drive vehicles for many years, but using the products sold by other retail suppliers makes it difficult to “Win the job”. To address this issue we have secured a range of simply amazing products unique in Cairns to SVS Auto and Dyno, such as Dobinson’s spring and suspensions, Dobinson’s range of accessories, LOVELLS GVM, GCM, BTC upgrades, Legendex Performance and off-road accessories, Stedi LED Lighting, UNICHIP, Safari Armax, and many other quality Australian products.

Managing a successful business can be all consuming. What do you do with your spare time?

LH: I am an avid car enthusiast. I love playing around with my project cars (I have a few), I like to cycle, motorcycle, dine out and enjoy the outdoors.

After 30 years in the mechanic business you must have learnt a lot of hard lessons. What advice would you give to a young Leigh Holman starting out in the industry?

LH: The industry has gone through massive changes since I began my journey. Whilst I pride myself on my broad knowledge and “have a go at anything” attitude, I suggest that a young mechanic should specialise in one area. Become the best you possibly can in one automotive system.

Source: Motor Trader E-Magazine (July 2019)

8 Jul 2019