SNAP TO IT: Q&A WITH SNAP-ON FRANCHISEE, EMMA NEWELL-COURTNEY

Emma Newell-Courtney is a successful Snap-on franchisee with a fantastic 2020 Isuzu FRR 107-210 named Suzie-Q. She is also a qualified heavy diesel mechanic, parent of three, and a proud Kamilaroi and Bigambul woman. Snap-on Tools are a high-end tool and diagnostic supplier with a come-to-you mobile tool stores placed Australia wide. We caught up with Emma to get a glimpse into a day in the life of a Snap-on franchisee who takes charge in the driver's seat of Miss Suzie-Q the Snap-on Isuzu.

What's a typical day for you on the road in Southeast Queensland?

At Snap-on we have our territories, or our set list of calls. Each day has a run-down of those calls and I go out each week and we service that list or anyone in the area who needs to give me a call. I spend around eight hours a day in Suzie-Q whether that’s behind the wheel or in the back of her in my tool store. Being a Snap-on franchisee allows me the time and flexibility to spend with my three kids, however I’m out working long hours so sometimes I do have to rely on before and after school care.

How does your business work exactly?

Miss Suzie-Q is a mobile tool store, and I rock up every week and my customers hop into my truck to browse my tool stock. There’s a lot for them to shop from as I've got tool storage, diagnostics, power tools, hand tools and more. Miss Suzie-Q stores anything and everything you need for the automotive industry. I bring those high-end Snap-on tools and equipment to my clients at their work sites and sheds.

What got you into trucks?

I've grown up around trucks my whole life, from growing up on the farm and having that farm life to tinkering with trucks with my family. I have always had an interest in the way things worked and engineering became something I was interested in and curious about. I began with a certificate three in heavy commercial mechanical techniques. Then I progressed to a certificate four in mechanical engineering diesel fitting.

Prior to starting your Snap-on franchise, you were a heavy diesel mechanic, what made you swap from one truck related career to another?

I spent 10 years in the industry as a heavy diesel mechanic, in fact my final role was with Isuzu, and it was during that point I was approached by Snap-on to become a franchisee. I wear my interests on my skin, but I had reservations as I had no background in customer service or retail, my whole career was trucks and being a heavy diesel mechanic. The change was perfect though as it gave me the option to be my own boss and make choices that supported my family, for example my Snap-on territory is local to me, and I can even drop the kids to school in Suzie-Q! So, it's still trucks and tools but it's helping my client's problem solve their tricky jobs by finding the right product. It’s a different use of my heavy diesel mechanic skills.

Through community connections you have begun mentoring some young people in the industry; what hurdles do you see for them?

Things have improved a lot in the past 10 years in the industry, workplace culture is more open than it was in the past. I do see people of difference copping labels when they stand up for themselves even if they normally keep their head down focused on the job at hand. Your passion must outweigh the challenges ahead because the automotive industry is an intense place and all the jobs in it are hard work. Focusing on why you want to be there in the first place and your love of trucks is important to pushing through.

What advice do you give apprentices and people entering the automotive industry?

Do your research and most of all do it in person, see workshops and talk to women in the industry if you are a girl wanting to enter. Or talk to people of difference, see their perspectives and hear their stories. You need more than one perspective to get a rounded feel for the industry. You don’t have to aim to be a heavy diesel mechanic or operate the big rigs. You can have different goals and explore different ways of working with trucks. Want further stories about Australia's hard-working truck drivers? Head to isuzu.com.au for more.