“He gave me the confidence to step back and enjoy retirement, knowing the team is in safe hands.”
At Think Regional, we believe regional businesses deserve access to the same calibre of talent and leadership as their metro counterparts. We’re proud to partner with Cooke’s Tyres, a Nowra institution with more than 60 years of history. Through this partnership, experienced business leader Harvey Gollan has been secured as Cooke’s Tyres new General Manager.
This appointment has not only enabled owner Stephen Cooke to step into a well-earned retirement, but it has also given the next generation of the Cooke family the confidence and support to lead the business into the future.
When Think Regional first connected with Stephen, the family was at a crossroads.
“After COVID, we were all feeling pretty worn out and got to the point where our options were either to sell the business or find someone to manage it,” Stephen said. “We had no idea where to start with recruitment, but with Think Regional’s help, we found Harvey. We honestly didn’t think we were big enough to attract someone of Harvey’s calibre, so we were thrilled to have him come on board.”
This is exactly why Think Regional exists: To bring visibility and connection to regional employers like Cooke’s Tyres, so that skilled and experienced people, like Harvey, can find both a fulfilling career and the regional lifestyle they desire.
Harvey’s career spans industries from retail and international trade to agriculture and logistics. His track record of scaling businesses and leading teams made him an ideal candidate to guide Cooke’s through its next chapter.
Since stepping into the role, Harvey has already made a major impact – including securing a contract to supply Shoalhaven Council’s truck fleet with Cooke’s in-house re-treaded tyres, helping reduce costs and environmental impact.
“Harvey adapted to our industry incredibly quickly,” Stephen shared. “It’s been remarkable to watch. He gave me the confidence to step back and enjoy retirement, knowing the team is in safe hands.”
For us at Think Regional, Harvey’s appointment is more than a successful placement. It’s a story about what’s possible when regional employers and talented leaders find each other.
As Harvey himself said, “Sometimes you have to look past what you think you need and stay open to something different. This has turned out to be a great fit – for me, and for the business.”
That openness, combined with our bespoke approach to regional employment marketing and recruitment, is what allows businesses like Cooke’s Tyres to identify and secure the right talent for their business.
At Think Regional, our mission is to elevate regional careers and employers so that success stories like this become the norm, not the exception. Skilled professionals are increasingly seeking meaningful roles that support both career and lifestyle, and regional employers are perfectly positioned to deliver.
Cooke’s Tyres is proof that, with the right employment marketing, regional businesses can secure exceptional leadership to ensure their ongoing, long-term success.
We’re proud to have partnered with them on this journey as we continue to elevate the employment brand of regional Australia, one employer at a time.
