Leando Nibbs

Offering a wide variety of services including, auto sales, parts and servicing, proprietor Leando Nibbs said renovation and expansion works will begin shortly, adding that customers will soon be able to access the various services in comfortable surroundings.

The company is a ‘stand alone’ company that started in 1962 as a husband and wife partnership.

“This business was initiated by me and my wife. Running a family business is not easy. The husband 99 percent of the time wants to go, but my wife is somewhat conservative. Sometimes you just have to take the initiative and do what you have to do,” Nibbs stated. He said that the business was operating as a garage in its early stages and later moved to an auto-parts and automobile service.

“I used to be under the tree in those days, but these days its all about electronic. We try our best to keep up. Each model vehicle has a scanner, which cost between $10,000 and $8,000 and every two years or so, you have to change it. Sometimes the software cost more than the machine,” Nibbs alluded.

In 1984 Nibbs moved the business to its current location and later bought an adjacent property.

“I have been operating as an automobile and service and general merchandise. We sell just about anything you can think about, if you name it we carry it,” Nibbs stated.

He said that with the changing trends locally in the auto industry, businesses must keep pace with technological advances.

“The only thing I can do is expand on what I have and I have many features I want to implement, including upgrading the entire compound to make it look like a unique and modern automotive operation. Hopefully we are going to start construction soon and maybe in another year we should have it completed,” Nibbs stated.

He said that the upgrade is important since it has been his goal to have it completed during his lifetime.

“We are hoping that when customers come into our upgraded facility, they can see an operation that is second to none and the service will be the best. Right now we are doing a whole lot and trying to expand on many areas of service,” Nibbs stated.

Noting the challenges of operating in the Territory, Nibbs said that businesses have to adopt a strategy of spreading to various areas of expertise, but they are still held to the same standards of larger companies who specialize in a single area of business.

“In a small place it’s very hard to do one thing. You have to do a lot of things to make out. In big countries you will fine one company selling one type of car, but if we do that here we will fold,” Nibbs stated.

The ardent businessman said that he is also committed to giving back to the local auto industry.

“In the shop we do all the training in general for company employees and workers from auto mechanic shops. Sometimes we have up to 60 guys on courses that are conducted three to four times a year. I feel very proud that I can give back a service to the community because some companies don’t really invite competitors to be part of their training programnmes,” Nibbs pointed out.