FAMILY-OWNED and run Thrifty WA last month celebrated 30 years as one of the state's most successful vehicle rental companies.
FAMILY-OWNED and run Thrifty WA last month celebrated 30 years as one of the state's most successful vehicle rental companies.
Founded by Western Australia's Bedell family, the company began as Osborne Truck Rentals, a small suburban enterprise serving the mining and local communities.
Keith Bedell, who in 1978 established the business with just seven vehicles, said that a strong "corner shop" company mantra and hardy family dynamic were paramount to the company's growth and success.
"Our purpose statement - passionate, individual service, every time - sums up the way we like to do business," Mr Bedell told WA Business News.
Mr Bedell's passion for the industry has not been a solo journey, with wife Helen remaining a director, sons Craig and Stephen taking on managerial roles, and Justin, the third son, previously working as South West operations manager for 10 years.
Mr Bedell said although he enjoyed the family business, Osborne Truck Rentals struggled in the early years to gain major contracts that could give the company a secure financial future.
"At the time the company was known as Osborne Rentals," he said. "It was difficult to gain the major contracts in the WA market like the Western Australian government and Rio Tinto, because they desired seamless service Australia-wide.
"Being a company that only operated in WA, Osborne Rentals could not offer that.
"Not being able to sign up these major WA contracts made it harder to commit to sustainable facilities and services in regional WA.
"As a home-grown company, we were not focused on providing services in regional WA, but providing the local job opportunities that came with it.
"This was difficult to deliver without the financial security of the large contracts, which in turn left us economically exposed to the regional economic fluctuations.
"The Pilbara was the prime example with its fluctuating periods of booms and busts. Getting financiers on board was difficult."
By joining the Thrifty Car Rental national and international network in 1997 as a major franchisee, the company was better able to compete for the state's major contracts.
Now trading under the name Thrifty WA, the company has the infrastructure and reputation to better meet the needs of potential customers.
Thrifty WA's general manager, Craig Bedell, said while joining the franchise provided the opportunities to snare major clients, the company did not lose sight of its family business values.
"When your family is involved with the business you are more honest and willing to air your problems, so things don't get bottled up and you get to the heart of the matter," he said.
"It's like that with all the employees; there are never any clashes. We've got employees, a welder who's been there 25 years and an accounts lady who's been at the company for more than 12 years.
"My father is still very much involved in the business and loves that management style."
In 30 years, Thrifty WA has flourished into a booming franchise, servicing 14 WA locations with about 2,500 vehicles and more than 100 employees.
The company has a substantial metropolitan and regional property portfolio, including the 11,500-square-metre Bassendean head office complex.
