This week we talk to Bruce Lowe of Rotorua Hyundai & Isuzu who took over the business, its 11 staff and loyal client base at the start of April.
In a nutshell, what does your business do?
We are the central Bay of Plenty franchise holder for new Hyundai passenger cars and Isuzu utes plus a diverse range of top quality used vehicles. We offer full after sales service and support for our customers be they private or business.
What inspired you to set up your current business?
I have been in the automotive industry for 15 years and my goal was always to purchase and run my own dealership. I come from a strong automotive pedigree with my mother and father working in the industry for more than 45 years so I guess you could argue my future might have been mapped out for me long before I was born.
What was the best business decision you have made?
I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. My time at the Ingham Motor Group in Hamilton was a worthwhile experience and opened a lot of doors for me in the automotive world. One of those doors was coming back to Rotorua and buying Rotorua Hyundai - an opportunity that never would have arisen otherwise. I'm glad to be back in Rotorua as I have a lot of friends and family here and I find the dealings with the people of Rotorua more ethical, upfront and honest.
What do you see as the biggest opportunity for your business in the year ahead?
I believe being new to anything gives us a revitalised passion for what it is that we do as humans. Hyundai is one of the big movers and shakers in the New Zealand market place with an exciting and diverse product range so I believe there are a number of opportunities with our brands. For example, Hyundai have just launched the DM Santa Fe range which is without question an amazing all-round vehicle.
If you could do any other job for a day, what would that be?
I grew up in a small rural town in the Eastern Bay of Plenty next to a deer farm in the early 1980s, I used to watch the helicopters come and go during the deer-recovery days. So this question is easy - I would love to be a helicopter pilot for a day. Helicopters have always been my secret love much to my mother's disgust.
How do you maintain a healthy work/life balance?
Good question, I'm not sure whether I do. Any individual in business today I'm sure will testify that it's a hard balance to find, I am very lucky that I have an understanding and unbelievably patient partner at home who supports me in my bid for success.
What's the best thing about being in business in Rotorua?
Rotorua to me still has that small town feel to it, I am a country boy at heart and enjoy that type of environment. I have been away from Rotorua for three years and am delighted to say that returning has been rather easy. Everybody I had previous dealings with is still doing the same things they were when I left, which has made my return a little easier. Some might say that isn't a good thing but I disagree.