When Harry Burgess and Sharryn Spencer took over the running of Badgingarra Motors a year ago, they were able to realise their individual dreams of running a business and see Harry return to the very workshop in which he began his apprenticeship in 2003.
Harry had gained experience as a mechanic working in Badgingarra and Jurien Bay, and after 6 years in underground mining, he was ready to leave the FIFO life behind. A trip back to Badgy with Sharryn for a friend’s wedding had his old boss joking that they should buy the business as it was for sale. The off-the-cuff comment planted a seed and the couple gave serious consideration to the idea.
“It wasn’t an easy decision to uplift our life, but it was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up,” said Harry.
Sharryn, who grew up in a country town in Upper Great Southern and is an experienced hairdresser, then started the complex process of evaluating the transition to business owners.
“I left my full-time job in Applecross and started working part-time for myself. This enabled me to be able to complete a thorough business plan, with the help of many professionals. Once we were satisfied that we were going to make the move, everything started to fall into place and we took over the business on July 12, 2017,” said Sharryn.
The couple experienced a warm welcome to Badgingarra and has at times felt overwhelmed by just how supportive the community has been, amazed that a town the size of Badgy could provide so much support and encouragement. Dedication to excellent customer service and quality work has certainly helped them along the way. “We are all about quality and have chosen to stock well-known brands and products to ensure we can guarantee our work. We will always try to be accommodating to the locals and public,” said Harry.
Badgingarra Motors now offers a comprehensive range of services, including service and repairs to vehicles, trucks, tractors, motorcycles and small motors. They also offer tyre services, scanning and diagnostics, electrical repair, air conditioning service and windscreens. Although the couple initially anticipated it would just be the two of them working on the business for some time, they found themselves needing to take on a bookkeeper last September, and an apprentice in January this year, providing much-needed local employment opportunities.
The business will be undergoing a progressive facelift in the near future, and they have plans for long-term expansion too. “Our goal is to eventually rebuild the workshop, add new fittings, and employ another mechanic. This will enable us to be more efficient, as well as better equipped for mobile and field service.” said Sharryn
“It is a work in progress, but we’ve set our goals and we can’t wait to achieve them. We are just so excited to be celebrating our first year in business and we can’t thank our staff and the community enough for all their ongoing support. We look forward to the many years ahead!” said Sharryn.
You can find Badgingarra Motors at 12 Meagher Drive, Badgingarra or contact them on 9652 9034.
