aBr November 2014 | Page 50

Midas franchise Midas Power Bonanza Midas in Kriel, Mpumalanga, is something of a powerhouse when it comes to quality automotive parts retail in the coalburning province. ➲ Bonanza Midas is easily the largest store of its kind in Kriel Midas’ strength is built on our family values. The McKenzie brothers’ hands on approach with their motivated team is what sets them apart in their community. - Gerhard Braun; Midas franchise director ➲ Staff attitude and work ethic are exemplary A family business, the outlet is run by the McKenzie brothers, Angus and George. It is a unique business that has successfully combined Midas motor parts retail with Mica hardware and Mica building supplies. If ever there was a one-stop shop this is it, and apart from the traditional Midas fare, garden tools, leisure and camping accessories and even sporting goods can be bought here. A total of 28 people are employed at the Midas Bonanza store, which, when combined with the Mica operations, totals a massive 2500m2. Angus explains that he has been involved with automotive parts retail since 1991 and learnt much from his father in this regard. The Midas/Mica association commenced in 1994, with the business becoming a fully-fledged Midas franchise in June 2011. “We benefit from the Midas association in that it is an established brand that people know and trust,” he says. Angus adds that being a Midas franchise means his shop and others in the group benefit from ongoing national advertising and promotional efforts. “We also like the fact that we give something back to the community through several CSI programmes. For example, we supply soccer kits to local teams and schools here in Kriel and we also sponsor community and policing forums or provide beverages to these functions,” he says proudly. ➲ All needs and budgets are adequately catered for | words in action However the location of the business has its challenges, with strikes and major water supply disruptions forcing Angus and his staff to adapt and think on their feet. Angus says his customers prefer to buy name brands like NGK, Ferodo, Holts, Fram, Champion, ATE, Partquip, 48 Payen, Ram and Motopart of which there is always efficient supply. The business performs daily deliveries to various powerstations in the area, including Kriel and Matla and also supplies the likes of the Total coal group, Exxaro, Anglo Inyozi and Sublime Technologies. He also counts the general public, informal mechanics and farmers among his best customers. Running and maintaining a successful business like Bonanza Midas takes commitment, complete dedication, decent service levels from all sides, the right attitude from staff and an integrated, high quality point of sale IT system, he says. “Midas is in our blood and we share the same values,” he explains before adding that since joining the group the businesses turnover has increased. Operating weekdays from 08:00 to 17:00 and on Saturdays from 08:00 to 13:00, Angus says a high level of customer service and the right product mix are vital to success. “We’ve always believed in the age november 2014 old adage of the right part at the right time with the right warranty and support,” he concludes.