YOU'VE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE

“No is not in our vocabulary,” says Reuben Cutts with conviction. At 24, he’s Pit Stop’s most recent franchisee and one of the youngest. Reuben’s commitment to customer service is earning some great online testimonials for his team’s can-do attitude. More importantly, it is contributing to returns that already exceed projections in his new business.

At secondary school Reuben knew university wasn’t for him – his ambition being to work with motor vehicles but not necessarily as a mechanic. “Working all day on vehicles and then going home to work on my own cars didn’t appeal.” 

Little did Reuben know that in his early 20s he would be going home to share parenting of two young daughters, the youngest born just a week after he took over the Pit Stop Petone franchise in September. 

In business for himself and family

On leaving school, Reuben got involved with cars by working in car parts at Repco, making his way up to sales rep with a call cycle that included Pit Stop Petone. This led to a friendship with the franchisee who eventually confided that, as much as Pit Stop had helped him build an ideal life-work balance, he felt it was now time to seek new business opportunities. Reuben shared this news with his partner Madison, a health care assistant, and the couple began to talk seriously about Pit Stop as an opportunity for Reuben to get into business for himself and his family. 

“The outgoing franchisee helped us a lot with due diligence, confirming the high level of franchisor support, superior equipment and other purchasing benefits of being part of a long-established and trusted brand. An accountant went through the books and gave the thumbs up, as did our lawyer who reviewed the franchise agreement. We had capital for the deposit so then just needed to finance the balance.” 

Computers on wheels

When Reuben first contacted Stacey Bree, Pit Stop’s Franchise Division Manager, Stacey says he wasn’t surprised to hear a young voice full of ambition on the phone. “More and more, we’re hearing from younger people keen to become a Pit Stop franchisee,” he explains. “They represent a generation unfazed by the fact modern motor vehicles are basically computers on wheels, a complex, networked system of dozens of specialised engine control units (ECUs) wrapped in sheet metal.”

Reuben says that Pit Stop’s technological leadership in the field is also bringing in new business in emission control exhaust systems. Where vehicle repair garages in Petone and nearby Lower Hutt would once compete with Pit Stop Petone by handling less complex exhaust system repairs themselves, these businesses now provide Reuben with a regular flow of exhaust systems diagnosis, repair and replacement income. 

For Reuben and his team of two qualified, computer-savvy mechanics and an apprentice, complicated exhaust systems and engine sensors and other hi-tech issues are all in a day’s work. “If ever we come across a really difficult issue, we can put the word out to fellow franchisees or contact the franchisor team. Either way we usually get a call and advice within minutes. That’s great for us, and importantly, for our customer service reputation.”

Pit Stop is one of New Zealand’s largest automotive services chains, with over 44 franchises nationwide. Current opportunities include exclusive greenfield and established franchise territories starting from around $150,000. 

Reuben is already talking about additional Pit Stop franchise territories and Stacey Bree is keen to meet more ambitious youngsters like him. “If you’re into motor vehicles, know your way around computers, and want to become a young gun in business for yourself, think Pit Stop. You’ve definitely come to the right place.”   

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