Just Trucks general manager Logan Childs has been working at the family-owned business since the age of 16.
The dealership was established in 1986, previously trading as Just Autos Limited, starting out predominantly with cars, and then shifting towards commercial vehicles and trucks.
Just Trucks shifted from Onehunga to its present Mount Wellington stomping ground in the mid-90s.
After a recent restructure, the dealership saw Childs move from service manager to a newly created general manager position.
He has been in the new role for three months and has big visions for the company.
“It’s a lot more work, but it’s rewarding,” Childs says.
“It’s more experience in the industry … I’ve jumped into it with open arms and full commitment.”
Just Trucks aims to meet specific customer demands and is “always looking for a point of difference with product”, Childs says.
He is responsible for buying and managing stock, from purchasing in Japan right through to buying in New Zealand.
Around 80 trucks are on stock in its yard, with 12 employees on site.
The trucks range from two to seven-tonne payloads, including everything from flat decks, box trucks, tippers, refrigerated trucks, cranes and compactors.
Forming a good relationship with dealers in Japan has been a key part of the success.
“We speak constantly, not only via email but on the phone.
“We source from up to half a dozen Japanese suppliers.”
However, Childs says the most important key to success at Just Trucks is the people.
He thanks his “very long-term” loyal workers, and says he strives to make the employees feel like part of a team.
“Businesses are only as good as the people that work for it,” Childs says.
“You can’t do it on your own, you have to have as much help as you can.
You only get one chance at a first impression.
“When we’re presenting the stock, we have it as well prepared as possible.”
“You could have the truck that drives the best, engine runs the best, but if you open the door and look inside and it’s dirty, or the customer service is bad, then you’re already on the back foot.”
Childs is a fan of putting systems into place.
“If the right systems are in place then it shortens the chances of accidents and mistakes, or we could miss processes that are needed to make the stock as good as it needs to be.”
An example of this is the stock management system, which details right from the time the trucks land in the country to when they are ready for sale.
“Having systems in place means the whole process just works without too many hiccups along the way.”
Childs has clocked 18 years at Just Trucks.
Two months ago, a “very loyal” employee left after 25 years with the company.
His parents, Just Trucks owners Michael and Briar Childs, are still active in the business and are in the office most days of the week.
“They just leave us to it.They see the systems in place, see that they are working, and business should just continue turning over.”
A trained mechanic, Childs has no problems getting down and dirty when short-staffed or when there is an overflow of work.
“I have no problems helping out,” he says.
