Qualified mechanic and diesel fitter, Raymond Reynolds, has been in and around cars and engines for decades. If there’s something wrong with your car, he’s the go-to guy in the Burdekin to get you back on the road in a jiffy.
Prior to taking over at Burdekin Automotive, Ray spent three successful years in Innisfail. He only came up to Ayr after he found out that former owner, Robert Timms, had passed away in July last year.
“The most recent owner, Robert Timms, shifted over from West Toyota to be here, and he had it going quite well. He was due to sign a new lease the week he sadly passed away.
“Since we've taken over ownership in late October, we've also added hire cars as well, that because they’re older vehicles, they're budgeted to price. Primarily though, we do mechanical servicing, mechanical repairs, auto electrical repairs, and mobile auto electrical services. That’s our main business,” Raymond says.
While they have the car rental hire ticking over quite nicely, their main focus is, and always will be, automotive repairs.
“At Burdekin Automotive we do servicing, repairs, brakes, shock absorbers, battery replacement, and wheel alignments. But come March, we will also be selling brand new tyres. It’ll be a one-stop-shop for all your automotive needs,” Ray adds.
For the past 20 years, Ray has been his own boss where he’s seen and done a lot in his time. Originally from Brisbane, Raymond spent time in Papua New Guinea, where he was the manager for Lae Port services, which is the second largest Port in PNG. He’s also done a stint in Afghanistan.
“Basically, I was teaching armoury and mechanical repairs in Afghanistan back in 2014. But then I came back to Australia, where I worked the cane season. From there, I went up to Cairns airport, doing electric hydraulics and all their ground equipment before I started my own business in Innisfail, as a mobile auto electrician,” Raymond smiles.
“It’s been the best thing I ever did,” he declares.
“From the turnover of vehicles we get, to the attitude of customers here, they don't mess around. They know what they want. They pay without any hassles, and away they go, happy and very satisfied with our work.”
Open Monday to Friday from 8am in the morning till about 6-7pm, and 8am-2pm on Saturdays, and on-call Sundays (if a customer is desperate), Burdekin Automotive has fast built a great reputation among its many customers. Raymond attributes it to two key factors.
“We have good staff, and we have great customers who know what they want and appreciate our advice and expertise.
“Soon, I’ll have two more boys coming in to help – one that’s a Toyota specialist, the other an auto electrician.”
With customer satisfaction at an all time high and business booming, be sure to get on down to Burdekin Automotive for any car issues. Raymond and his boys will take great care of you and your car’s needs – guaranteed!
Raymond Reynolds, the man to see for your car. Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen