Sean Crawley has lived in the shire all his life. In fact you could say he is a born and bred shire boy. He was schooled, played sport and got married in the shire and with a business he and his dad started 20 years ago became one the more established and well known businesses in the area and remains very much part of it.
When Sean first left school and decided that he wanted to follow on in the family business, it was decided to open Wheels Pty Ltd in Kirrawee. Kirrawee would become their second retail outlet, to go with the branch at Rockdale.
The idea was to gain a foothold in The Shire with Sean managing the Kirrawee store while his father maintained the Rockdale business. Opening Kirrawee was designed with the future in mind, as Sean was earmarked as the one to take over the family business when it finally came time for his father to retire. The intention was to eventually base the business entirely in the shire as opposed to having two stores.
Sean’s father mentored him in the early days which allowed Sean to learn the business very quickly and it wasn’t long before the future became a reality. With the business in good hands and Sean proving to be an astute businessman in his own right, Sean’s father made the decision to retire.
Sean’s dad had years of experience and knowledge to pass on and instilled in him that in order to be successful he must be hard but fair and do whatever he could to help his customers.
As business grew Sean took on more employees and like any business with employees he relies on them to maintain the standards he has set. In an effort to ensure that they do, he said that he tries to treat his staff well as he has found that in return they will then look after his customers and the business in general. He added that currently he has the best staff he has ever had.
With a knack for making the right moves, four years ago Sean decided to join the Tyre Plus Group. Even though Wheels was proving to be one of the most successful retail tyre outlets in Sydney giving Sean good buying power, the move to join Tyre Plus increased his buying power even more, through the Michelin Group, as well creating the opportunity to on sell products to other retail tyre outlets.
Joining the Tyre Plus Group has been a resounding success for both Sean and Tyre Plus. This move has also encouraged Sean to make the decision he has had on his mind for some time and that is to expand further by introducing mechanical repairs as an add-on service they carry out.
Sean said that the demand for vehicle repairs and maintenance is high and in order to provide a complete service for his customers, he felt he needed to introduce this as part of his business. With a licensed mechanic already on board at present they do small repairs however, his future plans are to provide a full service area and repair shop.
Sean said that what he loves most about his business is dealing with the public and meeting new people. He feels that these are ingredients anyone needs if they are going to be part of the retail sector.
He also said that he would like to see more professionals in his industry. He feels that sometimes the industry is let down by “fly by nighters” who come in looking for a quick buck rather than wanting to establish a good, trustworthy businesses which focuses on customer satisfaction rather than the almighty dollar.
One thing Sean said that he realised in the early days of business was that he needed to keep business and family life separate. For Sean, time at home is time at home, and business is over as soon as he walks through the front door.
He also commented that he appreciates his time away from work and with a loving wife and young family, relaxing with them around the home and in the garden couldn’t better time spent as far as he was concerned.
Retired from playing Rugby League he said that when his family are in bed he winds down by spending time with his latest hobby and rendering him as what he termed the oldest Playstation junky. Wheels Tyre Plus Sutherland
Auto Plaza 13 / 16 Waratah St
Sutherland, NSW 2232
Ph: 9545 1888 | 
