aBr May 2014 | Page 78

Midas franchise | by Tristan Wiggill King of the North Far North Midas in Mokopane in the Limpopo province is a massive Midas franchise that has boomed as a result of sound management and increased mining activity in the vicinity. ➲ Car enthusiasts, young and old, flock to Far North Midas The hands on approach and creativity of the Le Roux family is what sets them apart from their competitors in the region. You can immediately feel the Midas touch when you enter their store, which makes for a pleasurable shopping experience. We are also happy to have Klasie on the National council, helping steer the future of the Midas brand. ➲ Frontline staff members beam with pride T he impressive premises was, since 1929, a motor services garage that bought and sold new and used vehicles. In 1991 it was converted into a Midas store, under the watchful eye of Klasie le Roux. Later on, Le Roux’s son, also named Klasie, took over the reins and is still in charge today. The doublestorey parts retail business currently employs 37 people on a permanent basis and boasts a 1 200 sqm2 ground floor and 400 sqm2 top floor. Makopane used to be a predominantly farming community and the business supplied parts to the agricultural sector. But in recent years that has changed, with a subsequent boom in the safety and tools departments. “We are also very big in fishing supplies and accessories, with guys coming in to buy their own hooks and tackle. We have had to be innovative to get guys into the store,” says Le Roux. Also popular is the car care section, with Makopane customers having a propensity for the latest car - Gerhard Braun; Midas franchise director care chemicals, additives and washing accessories. “Ten years ago there was nothing here. But now there are a lot of new developments. Makopane is a growth point and everyo ne wants a piece of the pie,” Le Roux substantiates. “We never argue over price, but rather focus on our stockholding,” he says in fleeting reference to his competition. Le Roux boasts a stockholding worth some R6 million at any given time. “Business is very good at the moment,” he says. “The area has grown and has been developed and industrialised due to the mining industry. These days we do a lot of business with mining sub-contractors.” Far North Midas has kept its focus on parts retail and is not in the business of parts fitment. Speaking of the Midas brand he says, “You can’t do business without belonging to a franchise and Midas is one of the biggest and the most well-known of all. | words in action 76 may 2014 Midas stores are known to stock high quality parts at the right price and of course, the big name brands are all here.” Le Roux also has a positive attitude towards management. “Midas head office is very helpful. We are ably assisted by the Midas dealer advisory council, which helps and guides us. Midas management talk to us all the time. They allow us the chance to speak and really listen to what we’re saying. They assist us to source quality parts and in general, we work hand-in-hand with them. Midas has always been there for me,” he gushes.