In it for
The Long Haul The life long dream of Graham Thomson was to open his own custom built-facility and that dream came to fruition when he purchased farm land from the sons of well known Shepparton orchardist, Shepparton United Footballer and President, Norm (Curly) McPherson. Graham opened Graham Thomson Motors in its current location on New Dookie Road, Shepparton in 1997.
Bryan Thomson
Bryan Thomson Motors GV Highway 1974
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ON January 17, 1942 a child was born who would, in the future, significantly contribute to the Shepparton transport industry. Graham John Thomson was born in Rochester, one of nine children, the son of Mr and Mrs Gordon Thomson and younger brother to Bryan Gordon Thomson who ironically shared the same birthday, although seven years apart. The two Thomson brothers’ passion for mechanics and vehicles of all kinds was inimitable from a very young age, as was their competitive nature and unyielding determination; characteristics that would later lead them both to great achievements in their professional lives as businessmen and in their personal lives. In the early sixties, Graham began his journey toward becoming owner of Graham Thomson Motors as a truck driver, driving Leyland Comet trucks during the summer season for the late E.C (Ted) Phillips, founder of Phillips Transport. During this time, the rapid growth associated with the Shepparton agricultural industry opened an opportunity to establish a business supplying reconditioned trucks to accommodate the growing needs of Graham Thomson the market. Bryan Thomson recognised the consumer demand and established Shepparton Truck Sales and Service in 1964. From small beginnings, at the Shepparton Truck Sales and Service business, located on Verney Road, Shepparton, Graham enthusiastically worked his way through the ranks learning every aspect of the business from the ground up including; sales, service, parts and later general management. Between 1972 and 1983 the Thomson brothers achieved many milestone moments ensuring the ongoing success of the business on a local and national level. In 1984, Bryan retired and Graham who was then 42 and General Manager, purchased the business from his brother re-naming it Graham Thomson Motors. Applying his own style to the business, Graham implemented strategies focusing on raising Shepparton Truck Sales & Service the benchmark within the industry with a particular emphasis on customer satisfaction and Verney Road Premises 1964-1970 ongoing staff development.
The establishment of a strong relationship with Volvo and their first franchise following the success of local tomato and orchard production, significantly expanded and enhanced by European immigrants to the region Shepparton Truck Sales and Service was re-named as Bryan Thomson Motors Bryan Thomson Motors re-located to purpose built premises on the Goulburn Valley Highway, north Shepparton (where O’Connors is located today.) The establishment of a strong relationship with Nissan UD and the implementation of Bryan Thomson Motors second franchise.
Grahams business strategy, compassionate heart, focus on people, passion for the industry and determined attitude created a strong leader and a strong team environment which resulted in the provision of products and services that drove the business toward continued growth and then on further to become the recipient of many prestigious awards including; Kenworth Dealer of the Year Award in 1985, 1987 and 1997. Sadly, Graham passed away suddenly in 2002 but not before experiencing the satisfaction of; seeing his son Guy and daughter Carla follow their dreams and achieve success in their lives, sharing a joint passion
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Following heavy influence from E.C Phillips Transport founder Ted Phillips the significant franchise appointment of Kenworth was realised and a long association with the brand was born. The first Kenworth was sold to Lawrence and Rex Telford of Tamleugh, Victoria. The first Kenworth was delivered to Ted Phillips on 24th December. Ford was secured as the third franchise for the business. The brother’s hard work was recognised and Bryan Thomson Motors was awarded the inaugural Kenworth Dealer of the Year Award. Graham obtained the Mitsubishi Franchise, now known as FUSO The DAF franchise was included to Graham Thomson Motors product line. “I would like to say thank-you to the staff and businesses who travelled with Graham and I on our journey towards realising our dream and those who continue to work with and utilise the services of our business today. We are proud to be an independently owned and operated local business and we look forward to continuing to be of service to our customers and the wider community in the years to come.” Joy Thomson, Dealer Principal of Graham Thomson Motors.
and interest in life with his wife Joy and selling his 100th truck to Phillips Transport, just months prior to his death. Today Joy Thomson, a professional, adept and equally determined woman, continues Graham’s legacy at the helm of Graham Thomson Motors which now holds the franchises for: Kenworth Trucks, DAF and FUSO sales, aftermarket parts and service. Joy’s strong focus on providing quality products and professional service, and the loyal support of her highly skilled and professional team, will no doubt ensure the journey for Graham Thomson Motors will continue on down the road and into the future for the longer haul.
GRAHAM THOMSON MOTORS
Joy Thomson Cnr of Doyles & New Dookie Rds Shepparton Phone: 03 5821 3977 Email: parts@gtm.com.au
The Adviser – Shepparton’s 150 years of progress – September 2010 – Page 49