Yandina businessman celebrates 50 year milestone

Nicklin MP Marty Hunt with John O’Leary on January 22.

Yandina’s John O’Leary achieved a remarkable milestone last month, ticking over 50 years in the tyre industry and 30 years in business on the Sunshine Coast.

“I never planned to go into this industry, it was pretty much forced on me by my School Principal,” John laughed.

“I was 16 years old, in high school in Chinchilla, and my Principle, John McDonald, drove me to the local tyre dealer for a “job interview”. I started my first job as a tyre fitter on the very same day,” he said.

“I couldn’t work out why he was being so nice to me, but I since realised they had had enough of me at school!”

In 1984 John purchased the Chinchilla business he had worked in since he was 16, and over the decades that followed, bought and sold 5 tyre businesses from Chinchilla to Yandina, Maroochydore, Gympie and Nambour.

John was joined by his brother Peter in 1996 and they have run their business together since then, ultimately rebranded as Dunlop Super Dealers.

There are few people in the tyre industry with the level of experience and knowledge that John O’Leary has, and this has been recognised with a number of prestigious industry awards. In 2004 prior to their current rebranding, they were recipients of the Beaurepaires Store of the Year award, and a Dunlop Super Dealer of the Year National award in 2019.

“We have certainly learned a few things about tyres over the years,” John said.

A passion for business coaching has been at the heart of John’s business journey and he has coached dozens of business owners, mentored his own team, and been an active and constant member of the Yandina Chamber of Commerce.

Today, under the banner of All Coast Tyre Solutions, John and Peter employ a total of 40 staff at their 4 workshops, Dunlop Super Deal Yandina & Gympie, Goodyear Autocare Nambour & Maroochydore.

“I have enjoyed bringing through young men, mentoring and training them, and watching them succeed,” John said.

“And I love problem solving through the challenges that we face in business. The development of our people has been such an important aspect of my work and it is what keeps driving me forward.”

Nicklin MP, Marty Hunt presented John with a certificate of recognition on Thursday the 22nd of January, and paid tribute to this achievement.

“It was great to get the opportunity to pop down to thank and congratulate John for his 50 years in the industry and 30 years owning that iconic Yandina business,” said Mr Hunt.

“John is not just a business owner, he is a dedicated community and business advocate. He continues to be a local sponsor and supporter of sports, events and community groups and is a highly respected member of the Yandina community. I can say from personal experience that John’s advocacy on behalf of small businesses locally makes it to the highest leadership of our State.

“He is not fearful of having the difficult conversations with Government representatives to ensure that small business is valued and looked after. John has employed countless locals over the years giving many young people their first start. It was a privilege to attend his business today and surprise him and thank him on behalf of the Yandina and wider Sunshine Coast community. Well done John.”

On a more personal note, on January 25, John and his wife Tracey celebrated 40 years of marriage with their children, Nathan, Kaitlyn and Maddie, and twin grandsons, who all live on the Sunshine Coast.