On the right track: Param Patel prides his business, Skippy Automotive, on employing local staff, as well as using Australian-made steel and car accessories.
Skippy Automotive is a quiet success story that has even surprised even its founders.
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Param Patel is a 25-year-old entrepreneur who leads a team of six tradesmen specialising in auto-electrics, mechanical repairs and fabrication.
“To be honest, I didn’t expect to be this busy so early in my career,” Param said during his lunch break.
The idea for the business originated at Swinburne University when Param studied for a Bachelor of I.T.
“I bought a cruiser to restore on weekends,” he said with a laugh. “That’s when I fell in love with cars.”
The young businessman added automotive engineering to his subjects. This was not a light decision because, as a full fee-paying international student, he was already committed to paying $22,000 for his first degree.
In 2016, the family visited Tallarook and felt right at home in the ranges. They bought a farm and then a factory on McIntyre St.
“My family has been in business for generations,” Param said. “It’s in my blood.”
Param’s brother and business partner, Parth, ran an internet site called Skippy Deals. The transition to Skippy Automotive seemed only natural.
“We opened our doors on February 2, 2021, and our first customer was Ray Davis,” Param said. “He owns a 2012 VE Commodore, and he brought it in for a service.”
The success that the business has enjoyed was not unexpected. Param counted the reasons on his fingers.
“First of all we love what we do,” he said. “And I think that shows. Secondly, we made a conscious decision to be service-based instead of product-centred. Our customers are important to us, and it’s important that we listen and give them what they want.”
“The business has a positive family feel about it,” I said.
“Absolutely,” he said. “We are a family, and our families even talk to one another.”
Along the way, the business has enjoyed good fortune.
“You missed the pandemic, and the floods did not come in your front door,” I said. “Do you think luck has played a small part in your success?
“We have been lucky,” Param said. “But you know, the harder we work, the luckier we seem to get.”
Article written by Geoffrey Johnstone, Pastor of the Seymour Baptist Church.
Spreading the word: Skippy Automotive had a stall at the Seymour Alternative Farming Expo.
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