Celebrating 50 Years of Service: Mr. Syeb Marks Milestone

On Saturday, over 100 individuals gathered in Dunedin to commemorate the remarkable 50-year career of Mr. Syeb at the Commercial Vehicle Centre. Reflecting on his journey from a young apprentice to a respected leader, Mr. Syeb shared insights about his early days in the company, where he initially struggled with menial tasks.

Starting in 1975 as a 16-year-old “broom-boy,” Mr. Syeb faced challenges that would shape his future. He recalls, “I had to scrape paint off a frigging window … I thought, what’s going on here? What have I gotten myself into?” This initial experience did not deter him; instead, it marked the beginning of a fulfilling career. Following an intensive apprenticeship that required over 9,000 hours of training, he became a qualified petrol mechanic, although he primarily worked with diesel vehicles throughout his tenure.

From Mechanic to Manager

Mr. Syeb’s ascent within the company was swift. He progressed from a leading hand to a foreman and then received a life-changing offer to become the service manager. In 2002, the company sought a new salesman, and they identified Mr. Syeb for the role. Despite his initial hesitation, he embraced the challenge. “They said, ‘right, we want you to be manager of the branch and sell the trucks’ — I said, ‘well, I don’t know anything about sales, I’m a mechanic, I fix things,’” he recalled.

Despite his reservations, Mr. Syeb excelled in sales and eventually became the top salesman in the country. His journey took another turn in 2007, when the company offered employees the chance to buy shares. Initially resistant, he was persuaded to join the ownership group, which later led him to become a director.

Innovating and Expanding Services

About eight years ago, Mr. Syeb’s entrepreneurial spirit ignited when he discussed with his wife, Lesley Syeb, the prospect of purchasing a wrecked truck. What started as a casual conversation turned into a lucrative venture. After acquiring a truck, he dismantled it for parts and quickly recouped his investment. “Within a month, I got my money back, then second month, I doubled my money. By the third month, I tripled my money, so I thought this was a good idea,” he explained.

Despite initial resistance from his management, who believed the company should focus on sales rather than dismantling, Mr. Syeb’s persistence paid off. They eventually purchased components from the same truck for $10,000, leading to the establishment of the Dunedin Commercial Vehicle Centre’s Dismantling Branch, which he now manages.

Reflecting on his half-century with the company, Mr. Syeb emphasized the importance of a positive work environment. “You don’t stay with the same company for 50 years unless they treated you well and you enjoyed what you did.” As he approaches retirement at age 66, he has considered stepping back from full-time responsibilities but prefers to remain active in the workshop rather than transitioning to an office role.

As he plans to reduce his hours to a couple of days a week, Mr. Syeb continues to express his passion for fixing things and leading the team at the Commercial Vehicle Centre. His dedication to the company and its growth has left an indelible mark on Dunedin’s automotive landscape.