After 28 years of service and servicing, SW Rhodes Garage in Temuka has closed its doors.
Steve and Bev Rhodes officially shut up shop last Wednesday after having owned and operated the garage since February 1996.
They purchased the existing business, Spillane Auto, after moving from Millers Flat in Central Otago.
Up until 2006 the garage had also served as a BP station but the pumps and tanks were taken away, leaving the couple to focus more on the vehicle servicing and repairs side of the industry.
Looking back over the 28 years, Mr Rhodes said he had thoroughly enjoyed life in Temuka.
‘‘It’s been quite a good business and we certainly had some good people and good customers.
‘‘For 28 years there must have been something good about it.
‘‘It’s been work, work, work but it’s like they say: it’s not really hard work if you’ve enjoyed doing it.’’
He said that this year finally felt like the right time to move on.
‘‘I’m 10 years past retiring and noticed that probably this year old age is starting to creep in.
‘‘You can get under a car in 10 seconds but it takes about an hour to get out.
‘‘If it had been 10 years ago I’d have probably been upset about it but I’m reasonably happy as it’s inevitable.’’
Mrs Rhodes now said it was time for them to just simply enjoy life.
‘‘We’ve got no big travel plans; we’ve got family in Australia so we may go over there for a visit but that’s about as far as we’ll go.’’
Mr Rhodes said the industry had changed a great deal over his tenure.
‘‘The vehicles are very different, the repair side of the garage business has changed a lot.
‘‘There is a lot less repairs and more just servicing, warrants, tyres and stuff like that.
‘‘People don’t put reconditioned motors in their cars any more. You junk it and go and buy another one.’’
He said it had been quite difficult to find a buyer.
‘‘The biggest problem for people has been trying to get finance to buy it.
‘‘In spite of what all the banks say they just do not support small business.
‘‘Traditionally over our life the banks have supported us to get where we are. We started with nothing.
‘‘Now they’d certainly rather lend you money to buy a million-dollar house rather than a half a million dollar-business.’’
Thankfully for Mr and Mrs Rhodes it all worked out in the end with, Temuka-based Alltech Auto Electrics buying the garage.
Mr Rhodes said he wished the new owners the best for when they move in over the course of the month.
‘‘I hope everything goes well for them and the people of Temuka support them and what they do.
‘‘I’m pretty pleased we’ve sold it to them. They’re nice people, they work hard and do some horrendous hours.
‘‘It’s time for us to just sit back and watch someone else have a go at it.
‘‘The industry is also moving more into the area of their situation that it was in mine.
‘‘Cars are more electric with gadgets and all sorts of that stuff.’’
The couple said they were very thankful for all the wellwishes and messages of support from the community after closing.
They also appreciated their customers over the years.
