Automotive Aftermarket industry loses a legend

The AAAA and Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine were saddened to hear of the passing recently of industry stalwart and entrepreneur, Terry Veale.
After completing an automotive apprenticeship, Terry’s entrepreneurial ambition kicked into gear during 1962 when he leased a BP service station in Bunbury and by 1990, Veale Auto Parts was born.
During the 1990s and 2000s the business grew quickly and he established a footprint of 17 stores across Western Australia.
“Terry was a very private man, not one for attending corporate events like this, happy to stay close to home, staying focused on his customers, his business and enjoying his passion for sailing, golf and cycling,” AAAA Chairman, Wayne Bryant, told those in attendance at the recent AAAExpo gala dinner in Melbourne.
“Terry didn’t let too many people get too close to his business, and few got a front row seat. He was a passionate, driven, and ruthless competitor and a proud man who marched to the beat of his own drum.
“Terry will be sadly missed, and our thoughts are with his partner Maureen, his family, and the wider Veale team at this time.”
As a qualified mechanic running a petrol station workshop that specialised in engine reconditioning for mainly Holdens and Fords, Terry was careful as he disassembled the engines to store and catalogue all the remaining spare parts that were in good condition, in what can only be described as a fastidious manner.
Locals would continuously come and ask to loan a spare part, so Terry got the idea to start selling them instead as his spare parts catalogue had grown immensely and everything was perfectly stored and easily accessible.
Business flourished and Terry realised there was a role in selling not only engine parts, but other parts as well. So, he started to expand his range.
He observed that one particular expectation from the workshops was critical, and he knew because it was important to him: that was to be first and fast to market with new lines, and to this day, Veale Auto Parts is an industry leader in this regard.
Today a distribution centre that Terry himself designed and had built when he was 78-years-old backs the 17 Veale Auto Parts stores.
“It was incredible that Terry and his team were able to close his Redcliffe DC and move to their new Bassendean DC in a weekend. And not miss a beat,” said long-time friend Ian Stokes of Bendix, who describes Terry as a mentor.
“On a personal note, Terry didn’t suffer fools. He closely aligned with only a handful of people in the trade. He was product and customer driven. He couldn’t stand time wasters.
“He loved the competitive nature of golf and his mates at the Bunbury Golf Club. He won two Honour Board events in 2013, when he was 73 years of age.
“There is and will only ever be one Terry Veale, and we have been privileged to have him in our Industry,” Ian concluded.
All at the AAAA and AAAM express their sincere condolences to Terry’s family and friends.