It didn’t take long for Ryan Glanville to find his passions in life.
From a quick stint in landscaping to reverting back to his passions in the automotive repair industry, Ryan has established a short, successful and fulfilling career.
At 22 years old, he has already proven himself as a next generation leader, taking on more responsibility, as owner and operator at his father’s business TruckParts.
The initial interest in the automotive repair industry began for Ryan in 2018 while he was finishing his studies in Year 11. Following in his father’s footsteps, Ryan began working for the family business in setting up warehouses and office spaces.
In Ryan’s final year of school, he progressed further in the business, learning an array of skills that helped mould the foundation of his business skills and knowledge.
“I did everything I could do to be involved. I took photos for the website, built pallet racking for stock, unpacked stock from containers and I also located parts,” Ryan says.
With a brief intermission from the repair industry in 2020 to pursue a landscaping apprenticeship, Ryan quickly realised where his passions truly lay.
“In 2020 I started my landscaping apprenticeship. This was a decision I made upon leaving school, and as much as I enjoyed the physical work component of that job, it could not compete with the passion I have towards working in the repair industry,” Ryan says.
Working in the family business has proved to be an advantage for Ryan.
“Being able to work in the family business has been an amazing opportunity. My interest and enjoyment for the work I do now makes it easy to stay driven every day,” Ryan says.
“My father and now business partner, Mark Glanville, has taught me almost everything I know about the repair industry. He was a great teacher,” Ryan says.
Even though Ryan’s father Mark Glanville, was a consistent mentor, Ryan found a way to teach himself in times of need.
“Whenever assistance wasn’t readily available, I took it upon myself to learn from past experiences and I would seek assistance from contacts I had made in the industry. This has been a major component of my development,” Ryan says.
TruckParts operates business in three states across Australia, including New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria.
“I manage the daily operations of our office and warehouse, ensuring all jobs are completed and running on time,” Ryan says.
At TruckParts, a main component of Ryan’s role is to quote genuine parts to the smash repair industry using quotation packages like PartsCheck, RepairConnection and PartsSearch.
Ryan’s vision is set firmly on the future, with plans to expand the business, not only to more states and territories in Australia, but also different automotive brands.
“We specialise in the Japanese truck range including Isuzu, Hino, Fuso, and are extending our range to other brands including Iveco, Mercedes Benz, Nissan UD, and Volvo,” Ryan says.
Learning to build relationships with customers face to face has proven to be beneficial for operating a business in a digital era.
“Through processing orders for customers, assisting in dispatching parts and managing stock levels, I can start to build a rapport and level of trust with our customers.”
“Where I can, I will deliver orders to customers and assist with any enquiries or concerns they have. This has been great for building relationships and sharing my knowledge with customers in person.”
With a customer focussed approach, Ryan is dedicated to providing a top-quality service.
“I pride myself, and our business on supplying parts which have been advised as unable to find otherwise,” Ryan says.
“It is this effort to go above and beyond for our customers which has allowed us to grow as rapidly as we have. Initially servicing in NSW, we have since expanded into Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and are hoping to begin servicing in Tasmania next.”
Recognising that the automotive repair industry was a passionate endeavour was an early realisation for Ryan.
After learning the ropes from his father while Ryan was still at school, working in the repair industry was a natural next step.
“My time working a landscaping trade was a great learning experience, and it showed me how much I wanted to work in the repair industry full-time,” Ryan says.
“I knew I truly had a passion for this industry and threw myself into it. I was never pushed to work in the industry, but I felt it was exactly what I wanted to do every day.”
Going straight from school to working full time has not phased Ryan. He acknowledges that his dedication is a key stepping stone into progressing further into the industry.
“Working full-time from 2021 until now, I have never looked back. I love my job, my team, and the customers,” Ryan says.
“Being able to learn about new vehicles and obscure parts each day, and then sharing that knowledge with customers to serve them is one of my favourite aspects of my job.”
Role models
Ryan identifies his father as his inspiration, not only in the repair industry, but the type of person he wants to become.
“My father, who is now also my business partner has always been a role model to me,” Ryan says.
“He did everything he could when I was young, and continues to, so that my family have the best life and opportunity.”
“Not only was he my role model growing up, but he is also my career role model. What he has achieved, his reputation and the respect he has in the industry is something I admire and want to achieve myself.”
A next generation leader
Ryan was nominated by his team at TruckParts for the 2024 National Collision Repairer ‘Next Generation Leader’ Award. Although the nomination came as a surprise, he was grateful to be a finalist.
“It was a great feeling to know that my hard work and passion doesn’t go unrecognised. It was a fantastic experience, and although I did not win the award, it was amazing to even be nominated.”
“I do see myself as a leader. Being one of the youngest in the industry, people were hesitant to deal with me at first. However, I was persistent and worked incredibly hard to gain their trust,” Ryan says.
“My passion, accuracy and efficiency has cemented me as a preferred supplier for many people across the industry.”
“I strive to be approachable and communicative with my knowledge to benefit everyone involved.”
“I am only at the start of the “next generation”, but I am passionate about leading and assisting others.”
Working full time for four years Ryan has already had the opportunity to positively impact the industry’s customers, suppliers and employees.
“My skill level has grown rapidly, to such an extent that my father is ready to trust me with the business so he can take a step back,” Ryan says.
Even though Ryan works in the family business, the decision to join the industry was entirely his own.
“This was something I wanted to do, and I proved myself worthy of becoming a business partner with my father Mark. I have also proved myself as an owner and manager to my colleagues, which is a responsibility that I enjoy,” Ryan says.
While there are many different attributes and qualities that make a good leader, Ryan identifies the key areas he focuses on to improve his leadership skills.
“Confidence, an outstanding work ethic, caring for others, and a desire to improve yourself and a readiness to increase your knowledge are attributes that make a great leader,” Ryan says.
“In this industry, having knowledge of new models and vehicles is key to providing the best service.”
Earning respect towards colleagues and customers is a key pillar Ryan wants to continue to pursue as his business grows.
“Showing care and kindness is crucial. Not just allocating jobs but showing consistent care in helping colleagues when they require assistance, rather than shutting them down is so important,” Ryan says.
“You need to be respected to be a leader. Demonstrating genuine care and leading with kindness is crucial for good leadership. It is a two-way street.”
Future plans
Ryan is well on the way to making a name for himself in the industry. Business efficiency, leadership and expansion are his plans on making this happen.
“My focus right now is to continue developing and ensure I am at a stage where my father can step back from the business. To give him the freedom to only work when he wants is a massive goal of mine,” Ryan says.
With a business mindset, growing and building a trusted reputation is high on the agenda for Ryan.
“I also want to continue building my own reputation, not only as Mark Glanville’s son, but as Ryan Glanville,” Ryan says.
“For the business, I want to continue the expansion into Tasmania. I also want to fine-tune our daily operations and make our services more efficient.”
“I love to encourage more young people to join the industry and train them in the best way possible. I want to keep the industry growing and people’s passion for the industry alive.”
For Ryan, inspiring and encouraging the younger generations to join the automotive repair industry is all about positivity, care, passion and fun.
“You need to have passion for the industry to thrive, learn and share experiences to assist those around you,” Ryan says.
“A large portion of your life is spent working, so you may as well enjoy it!”