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| Our guest speaker Jack Hillis pictured at Rotary in 2017 with his Dad. |
David Hodge, a longtime friend of Mark, introduced Jack whom he has known since he was a "little Tacker" David recalled how Jack and his young brother while still only boys, travelled to Philip Island on the back of motor bikes with their father and David. He said Jack was here to speak about the Caravan Industry and how that story has evolved since Jack took over from his Dad in 2017.
 Jack, pictured with his family, is the Managing Director of Wagga Caravan Centre, located at Gumly. He began his talk by saying that he is often recognised as Mark's son by the way he walks. He is proud of his heritage and pays tribute to his Father and others who have mentored him into the business. Caravanning is the new travel mode for those who have been unable to venture overseas, but surprisingly the main demographic buying new caravans is the 25 to 40 age group. Low interest rates have enabled people to borrow and buy a $60,000 van for $250 per week. Many purchasers have children so multi accommodation vans are very popular. The new technology in vans allow free camping providing you have sufficient water. There are 240 + caravan manufacturers in Australia. Most of them are small operators who outsource all the componentary and provide little after sales service. Wagga Caravans pledge to service all components e.g. fridges, air conditioners, plumbing etc. This is a fairly unique service and is appreciated by customers who come from as far afield as Darwin. In fact only about 20% of their customers are from the 2650 postcode. Wagga caravans has enjoyed an 800% increase in sales in the past eighteen months. The demand is so great that there is an 18 month wait for new van orders.
Wagga Caravans was started in 2008 by Jack's Dad, Mark. At the time Golf caravans were their brand. The move to the leisure centre was dampened by the GFC. Jack entered the industry in 2017 to work with Mark but 5 months later Mark had his third heart surgery and decided to call it quits and left the business in Jack's hands. Turning around the very poor customer service was the first priority Jack had to deal with. This exercise has been successful and the same 5 mechanics who started four years ago are still employed.
Wagga Caravans has four major offerings. Their premier brand is Lotus. A lower priced offering is Retreat Caravans. Coldstream fill the pop-top category and Cub Campers are the low cost offering suiting a different type of camping. Each year about 100 Premier brands are sold, while 250 vans in total are sold annually. The average sale price is $119,000. Working for the next transaction is is Jack's business philosophy which he instils in his employees. In addition to caravans, Barbecues and other auxiliary equipment is sold to entice a flow through of customers. Jack thinks the future may not be so certain with the prediction of rising interest rates but to him it is a challenge and not an obstacle. A vote of thanks was given by Peter Clucas who was formerly employed at Hillis Ford and who has also know Jack since he was a small boy. Peter was full of praise for Jack and advised him to follow his Father's example. Everyone enjoyed the talk and gave Jack a round of applause |
