FIX AUTO AUSTRALIA WELCOMES NEW STRATEGIC PARTNER FIX AUTO LAKE MACQUARIE

Owner-operator Jason Whittaker moves business over to Fix Auto to secure growth following success operating as Kel Whittaker Smash Repairs.

Lake Macquarie (NSW), June 29th 2018 - Fix Auto Australia Head of Business Terry Feehan proudly announces the addition of Fix Auto Lake Macquarie, owned and operated by Jason Whittaker, to the Fix Auto network, effective immediately.

Owner-operator Jason Whittaker began his own career in the collision repair industry in 1999, inspired by his mother and father; Kel and Sue Whittaker. Kel Whittaker Smash Repairs was established in November 1979 by Jason’s father, and has been an integral part of the community ever since. In 2007 the Pasha Bulker June long weekend storm hit Newcastle and the workshop had about 1.4mtrs of water through the entire facility, destroying everything. The family resolutely rebuilt everything. Jason began as an apprentice as a motor mechanic at the local Holden Dealer, Brian Kelly Holden. His dad refused to apprentice him, insisting he must follow his own path and if the still had the desire to join the business he would be brought on board then. After finishing his apprenticeship, Jason sold cars for the same dealership before travelling the world. Upon his return home, Jason entered the family business in 1999 and has been heavily involved in all aspects ever since, culminating in taking over as Managing Director last year.                                                                       

Changing the name of a much loved and respected family business was a huge decision for Jason and one he did not take lightly, however the rapidly changing pace of the industry, the focus on consolidation from work providers and the positive commercial trend of franchising in many industries persuaded Jason to make the switch. “What I personally liked about the Fix  Auto model was that as owners, we get to retain independence as to how we operate our own business. Fix Auto also adds so many other benefits  such as looking at opportunities with  potential work providers, and following the latest industry trends, which are then passed onto us. I see being part of the Fix Auto brand as major competitive advantage for the future, because we will offer customers national coverage from a brand they can trust, and whose standards are world class. I believe multi national companies will want to deal with a national network, getting the same service in Lake Macquarie as they do in Perth. Being owners of the business, we have our own personal goals – let’s face it, it’s our own money on the line. Managers of these other groups can walk away as they haven’t invested their own money.”

Jason adds that he isalso excited by the potential offered by combining the striking Fix Auto branding with the existing businesses superlative reputation. “The presentation of our shops will also set us apart from other shops. Our reputation and the fact we have been in business for over 38 years is a big thing in a community like Lake Macquarie. We now have 3rd generation families coming to us. We treat all our clients the same, whether they have a $2,000 dollar Hyundai or a $200,000 Mercedes Benz.”

Fix Auto Australia Head of Business Terry Feehan concludes “We are delighted to have Jason and his skilled team join the Fix Auto network. For such an established family business to embrace change and join the Fix Auto network shows just how influential Fix Auto has become in just over a year. Collaborating with driven, enthusiastic individuals like the Fix Auto Lake Macquarie team is key in our plans to grow into the ultimate collision repair solution in Australia. We proudly welcome Fix Auto Lake Macquarie to the Fix Auto family and wish them much continued success.”

ENQUIRIES
Terry Feehan
Head of Business
Fix Auto Australia
tfeehan@fixauto.com

Jason and the team from Fix Auto Lake Macquarie

Shop owner, Jason Whittaker

Fix Auto Lake Macquarie