Features

Second generation now at the helm

The founder of a Dubbo-based truck dealership established over 30 years ago, has passed the baton onto his daughter, who looks to steer the family business into the future in her new role as dealer principal.

Located in the Great Western Plains region of NSW, Tracserv was started from the back of a ute by Richard Kirby, together with his late wife Sharon Kirby and a mate.

His daughter Leandra Gale says her foray into the business started when she was just two years old – though she officially came onboard as an employee around 10 years ago.

Tracserv is an Isuzu dealer, and Gale is the first female dealer principal in the Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) network.

Kirby officially handed over the reins to his daughter on September 19, 2022, which was Tracserv’s 33rd anniversary.

“I went out into the big wide world but wanted to return to Dubbo, so I began in the service department in 2012, then moved up into stock controller, business accounting, then business manager and now dealer principal,” said Gale.

“I’ve grown up around the people who I’ve watched expand and lead our business and now I get to work with them, so it’s like a full 360. Our current management team has been with Tracserv for over 15 years. My brother Daniel is also an integral part of the business, and I would often spend our weekends here in the workshop because dad was a mechanic.”

Leandra Gale with brother Daniel Kirby and father Richard Kirby.

Gale said she hoped her appointment would help inspire other women to consider a career in the automotive industry.

“It’s an awesome opportunity for women in the industry. We’re not just going to be the receptionist, we can be the dealer principal, we can do anything.

“We have women in every department at Tracserv now, spare parts, in service, we don’t have any in the workshop just at the moment. We love a bit of girl power around here.”

Gale explained that one of the biggest challenges of her career was getting her work-life balance right after becoming a mother.

“Trying to fit everything into my day and then still being present as a parent as well, that was a challenge,” she said.

“As my two boys grow, they get to learn more of what I do in my career – it’s always exciting for them to see a new fire, rescue or garbage truck in the dealership.”

Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) chief of sales and aftersales Ben Lasry congratulated Gale on her appointment.

“I can say with great confidence that truck customers in and around Dubbo remain in the safest of hands with the Tracserv family,” he said.

Gale’s business leadership has since been recognised by the Dubbo Chamber of Commerce, who named her a finalist in the Outstanding Young Business Leader category of their 2022 Rhino Awards.

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