Business
In this episode of the Regional Roar Podcast, co-founders Melissa Dickfos and Cath Fowler chat with Mick Tighe.Mick founded Mick Tighe 4x4 & Outdoor 26 years ago, as a locally-owned and family operated business located in Toowoomba, in Queensland. They’re Toowoomba’s home of Ironman 4x4, and supply and fit great quality 4x4 accessories. They also have a mechanical workshop providing vehicle servicing and repairs for all makes and models and specialise in 4WD servicing.In this episode we coverMick commenced his working career with an apprenticeship as a diesel mechanic.How a business was born from a simple picture in his head, a leap of faith and nothing more than a tool box and Holden Ute.Being based regionally has never limited Mick with his business. He is able to maintain a customer base Australia wide without the need to expand to a bigger region to find work.Having a business in a regional town has benefits such as less travel time between sites, it also serves as an advantage by being able to tap in to local schools programs and find up and coming talent for apprenticeships.The overheads of business is more affordable regionally as you are in a better place to purchase or rent property of a reasonable size.Daily highlights of being able to find a solution to a problem for a customer.Mick’s biggest opportunity came from being able to get involved with the Iron Man 4x4 products. The enjoyment he finds from being able to get customers set up so they can travel.The highlights and personal satisfaction in seeing young men take on apprenticeships and grow in the business; become family men and active community members.The businesses ongoing programs with Land Cruiser builds, projects with the Toyota 78 series troop carriers and branching into tourism products.The need for every business to look at what it’s doing on a regular basis and ensuring they are still suiting the customer’s needs and providing solutions for their problems.The importance of knowing your customers and understanding what he or she needs.Links mentioned in the showMick Tighe 4x4 & Outdoor WebsiteMick Tighe 4x4 & Outdoor FacebookMick Tighe 4x4 & Outdoor InstagramRegional Roar WebsiteRegional Roar FacebookRegional Roar Instagram