Northern District Times Article on Ryde Toyota
David Tompkins was in fifth grade in 1974 when his father, Graeme and partners Ken Mountford and George Laird decided to take on a Toyota franchise. Since then, more than 28,000 new and used Toyotas have been sold from Ryde Toyota's twin lots on either side of Riverview St, at 1046 Victoria Rd, West Ryde.
The company's brochure proclaims that this is the place to come for the ``Ryde of your life''. That has also been true for the members of the small group of families which have owned and operated the business for those 36 years and for some of its key staff.
After serving in the Australian Army, Dave Tompkins (pictured) joined the business and is now its managing director.
Peter Martin, a mechanic at Ryde Toyota in 1974, is now an owner and the service director. His colleagues are quick to confirm there is nothing he does not know about Toyotas, service and Ryde. Barry Hardy, another of the original employees, is also an owner now.
The team includes Alan Zeid for new cars, John Borg for used vehicles and Diego Morales, who fits the accessories that each buyer chooses from an extensive range to "trick out" their Toyotas.
Daniel Basalamah heads the finance team, while John Atkins is said to be able to pluck parts from out of the air, or his warehouse, to ensure cars are back on the road without delay.
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Dave Tompkins |
Toyota's on site |
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