Simon’s Auto Centre, the Engen service station in Vasco Boulevard in Goodwood turned 20 this month.

A year younger than the Engen brand itself, and an institution in the ‘hood’, the site started off with five pump attendants in 1995, says owner Wayne Simon. “Today it employs 15 pump attendants.”

The forecourt itself has undergone some changes, he says. “Back then we had the old mushroom canopies. Since then we’ve added a Quickshop to serve our customers better, a workshop to cater for mechanical repairs and services, and an auto-electrician.”

The filling station also has the only generator on Vasco Boulevard, and introduced automated, cash-less refuelling with eFuel in April 2015 to service council cars.

Setting the tone
Simon says the site’s steady growth over the years and leadership with innovative payment and convenience offerings have paved the way and set the tone for others to follow.

But even sound businesses encounter challenges. He says sustaining service excellence is one of the business’s toughest tasks. “Finding, training and retaining trained personnel is a big part of staying ahead. Fortunately this is something we excel at.”

He advises new franchisees to be hands-on as owners. “You have to lead by example and outwork the opposition. Listen to your customer and implement their needs.”

With us you are Number One
To be part of the Engen brand is a privilege because of what the brand means to customers, he says. “Wherever you’re located – be it in Pofadder or Paarl - you have to offer consistent quality and let the customer always feel they are Number One.”

He says with the recent “reinvigoration” of the service station, Simon’s Auto Centre can be confident of giving customers the best service and products possible. “They will always have a clean, safe, well-lit site to fill up at, where they can feel comfortable and know they’ll always come first.”

Celebrations
Their 20th anniversary was celebrated on Saturday, 13 June 2015.

“We had a Cape minstrel band and a jumping castle to get the festive mood going.  Some of our customers, who have been coming here for 20 years, joined the party and we toasted to the next 20 years together!”