Hard work and a strong belief in good-old fashioned family values have proved a winning formula for Grahamstown’s Van der Merwe family again and again.
Hard work and a strong belief in good-old fashioned family values have proved a winning formula for Grahamstown’s Van der Merwe family again and again.
In addition to father Len van der Merwe recently notching up 25 successful years as the friendly face behind Len’s Auto Repairs, his sons Robert and Mark celebrate another family success – the third birthday of their store, Hi-Q Len’s Auto, on Saturday 20 June.
For born-and-bred Grahamstown mechanic Len, the success of the Bathurst Street family-run businesses – in which his wife Julia and daughter Louise are also involved – has been the fulfilment of a life-long dream. “It took hard work and the Lord’s blessing,”he says.
To celebrate Hi-Q’s big day, customers can look forward to Super Saturday (as is the Hi-Q tradition) with free boerewors rolls and cooldrinks, jumping castles for kids, and a host of giveaways and prizes up for grabs. Festivities will last from 8am until 1pm.
There will also be tyres available in-store at special prices thanks to Goodyear throughout the birthday period in July. That’s while stocks last, catering for all cars from small run-arounds to 4x4s.
With firm family values at the heart of their trade, it is not surprising that the Hi-Q store is not your average tyre dealership. It is a one-stop shop, offering “good products at good prices”, says co-owner Robert, and service that is both personal and thorough. In fact, customers can quite literally expect staff to go the extra mile.
In addition to a broad range of services – including tyres, shock absorbers, brakes, exhausts and wheel alignment – the store provides assistance during breakdowns, and offers contracts for a 24-hour puncture repair service. It even attends to trucks and fleets – clients or not – within a 50km radius of the town.
Robert, who also runs his own Hyundai dealership next to Len’s Auto Repairs, said: “We have technicians on standby (working breakdown service shifts) any time of the day or night – that’s 24-hour availability. It is an after sales service unique to this area, and it is not offered by any of the other tyre dealerships here.”
With regards to their products, they strive to keep quality up and prices down. “In these tough economic times, we are trying to be positive in our approach, by keeping the store well-stocked with value for money brands,” said Robert.
Robert’s sister Louise, who is in charge of administration and finance at Hi-Q Len’s Auto, said they are a close family, committed to their loyal customers.
Commenting on the Super Saturday birthday celebrations, Hi-Q business development manager Xolile Tatana said: “The aim of the day is to generate excitement around the store. It is also an opportunity for suppliers to interact with customers.
Some suppliers will be putting up displays and giving advice to customers. From Goodyear, there will be a representative to tell customers about their range – including three brand new technologically-advanced products – and also check tyre tread depth, to advise whether new tyres are required.”
Hi-Q Len’s Auto’s 24 after-hours number for tyre-related breakdowns is 072 533 0121.
