By Carole Levy
The story behind the career of Trevor Hill, owner of Playtime Auto Parts in Sunbury, is about discovering a talent early and having the initiative to make the best of it.
Trevor left school at 16 and worked at an exhaust shop for seven years.
He then took the bull by the horns and opened his own exhaust shop. During a more than 15 year career he went on to establish a chain of stores. He sold up and started Playtime Auto Parts, firstly in Ravenhall and now in Sunbury.
Employing up to 10 locals, family-owned and run Playtime Auto manufactures its own exhaust system: Ignite Exhausts.
Trevor says their brand sits alongside other exhaust system brands and suits standard and sports vehicles in most models.
“We’re authorised dealers for some of Australia’s leading brands,” he says.
“We not only sell them through our bricks-and-mortar outlets but also online – and now distribute all over Australia.”
Some of those brands include Xforce, Redback, Zetti, Lightforce, Idrive, Thunder, GME and Pacemaker, and the list goes on.
Product orders can be made online, while work is done at the Sunbury and Ravenhall fitting shops.
There are specials available online and on Facebook, and the product range expands all the time.
“Our team has a combined 50 years’ experience in the industry so we have the skills to accommodate all exhaust, automotive and 4×4 needs,” Trevor says.
“The crew includes qualified mechanics, welders, painters and IT customer service reps.
“It’s great to be able to wake up each morning and head to work to spend part of the day with a group of workmates and my family.
“They all do their bit as if they own the business themselves, which translates to our customers getting outstanding service.
“Everyone goes the extra mile, finding solutions to what our customers want. This makes it a very enjoyable place to work.
“If anyone wants to come in and take a workshop manufacturing tour, they’re more than welcome.”
Following the appointment of distributors for Ignite Exhaust products in other states, Trevor expects the business to expand even more, enabling more community employment opportunities.
Playtime Auto, 1 Bubeck Street, Sunbury or 2/25 Westwood Drive Ravenhall. Opens 7am-5pm Monday-Friday. Inquiries: 9740 8885 or visit playtimeautoparts.com.au
