Cooke’s Tyres in Nowra has been a cornerstone of the local community since it opened six days before Stephen Cooke was born so it’s safe to say he’s grown up with the business. Having taken over from his parents, Stephen has dedicated his entire life to building and expanding this successful family-run operation. Today, he proudly works alongside his children, Matthew and Emma, continuing the tradition of excellence.
The business specialises in heavy vehicle tyres, fleet servicing, and farm equipment, while also catering to light trucks, cars, and 4×4 vehicles. Over the years, Cooke’s Tyres has earned an incredibly loyal customer base, many of whom have been with the company for generations. As Stephen puts it, “In many ways, we’ve grown alongside our customers.”
John King, Director of Premier Transport Group, reflects on his long-standing relationship with the business: “We’ve been working together for 35 years. Our companies grew up together.” King also highlights the importance of strong business relationships, adding, “We’ve had some tough conversations, but they’ve always been respectful. Loyalty and mutual respect are what add value to any partnership.”
Looking to the future, Stephen is preparing to step back from day-to-day operations by hiring a Store Manager to lead the retail tyre service division. This new team member will ensure the business continues to run smoothly and profitably. “Maintaining our high standards of customer service is key,” Stephen notes. “Our relationships with long-time clients are the heart of our business.”
In addition to the new management role, Cooke’s Tyres is also on the lookout for experienced Tyre Fitters to join their team. Truman, one of the current tyre fitters, explains why it’s such a great place to work: “The job is fun and challenging. You learn new skills every day working on a variety of vehicles.” Fellow teammate Rhiley adds, “We have a good laugh, and I love the unique challenges, like handling unusual tyres. Plus, working with the Cooke family is fantastic.”
If you’re a resilient, self-aware leader with a hands-on approach and management experience in a similar field or trade, Cooke’s Tyres could be the right place for you.
