People in business: Peter Davis

Peter Davis and his wife, Tania, own and operate One Stop Parts and Zero to 100 Automotive, which won the Rotorua Business of the Year supreme award in 2008. They are seen at the workshops on Old Taupo Rd and Ngongotaha from time to time but now mostly work on developing their automotive parts store One Stop Parts. Their first franchise is well under way with plans to establish more national franchises.

Briefly outline your current position and career to date.

I did my apprenticeship in Rotorua and managed my first workshop here also. I then managed workshops overseas and upon returning home I went into business for myself. I am currently director and shareholder of four companies.

What was your first job and what did you learn from it?

In a hay bale gang. When you pick up and stack 30,000 conventional bales of hay in 12 weeks you certainly learn what hard work is all about. It ingrained an excellent work ethic from a young age.

What do you see as the greatest opportunity and greatest challenge in your sector in the year ahead?

The greatest opportunity is using technology to sell automotive parts not just locally but nationally as well. One Stop Parts looks like a little shop in Ngongotaha but looks are deceiving as we import parts from overseas and sell them nationally and globally. It is also the greatest challenge in this business to keep up with technology. It can change so fast.

What three skills or qualities are essential in your role?

Having the experience, knowledge and understanding of what owners of automotive workshops have to do to become profitable. A wide knowledge of vehicle makes and models. Leadership.

How do you maintain a healthy work/life balance?

I don't. Running four businesses is nothing less than hard work. When my wife or staff tell me to take a break then I enjoy longline fishing and deer hunting.

If you could do any other job for a day, what would it be?

I'd love to drive a V8 touring car and be paid for it no matter how bad I was at it.

What is one thing most people don't know about you?

When I am outside of my work environment, which I guess is my comfort zone, then I am shy.

What achievement to date are you most proud of and why?

In a relatively short time my wife and I have developed several businesses and doing that alone is quite an achievement. But none of that can top becoming a parent.

What piece of advice do you wish someone had given you when you were starting out?

Recently we began working on structuring our businesses to run by proper governance. We wish we had structured the businesses this way from the beginning.

If you could choose anybody to be your business mentor, who would it be and why?

We would not choose anyone else other than who we have had. You cannot choose anyone better than those local and close to you. These people have been in business and have been kind enough to share their knowledge with us. Ash Gribble from Holmac, Brenda Tahi and Anthony McBreen - thank you.