By BRIDGET SCOTT
MIXED emotions will overcome Peter Willis this month when he shuts the doors after 30 years at the Beaconsfield Mower and Tractor Centre, an era in his life he described as a ‘super blast.’
Born and bred in Nar Nar Goon, country living was in his blood and it was no surprise when Mr Willis left school at age 15 to take up an apprenticeship in diesel and tractors.
“I was brought up on a farm and I loved the agricultural side of things,” he said.
At age 25, the Clyde North resident joined a large market garden in Dandenong and did mechanical repairs, plus built machinery.
Following this, he decided to go out on his own and in 1984 purchased land at 40 Princes Highway Beaconsfield and transformed an old cottage and garage into the Beaconsfield Mower and Tractor Centre.
“I was there for 10 years and then I bought this place 20 years ago,” he said.
Mr Willis started his business with his nephew Daryl and ‘grew the tree up from there.’
“I grew from two staff members to 20,” he said.
Now, after 30 years of hard work and dedication, Mr Willis will shut up shop after he struggled to sell the company.
“Nobody bought the business, which is a bit sad,” he said.
“Houses have taken over dairy farms – there used to be dairy farms and orchids everywhere – but now it’s houses.”
Mr Willis said he had much to take away from his 30 years in charge of the store and wouldn’t change a thing.
“I have met a huge amount of people and visited just about every country in the world,” he said.
“I left school as a 15-year-old that didn’t know much and I have come out with a good career – a rewarding one too.”
It’s now time for Mr Willis to hang up the chainsaw and turn off the tractor with a horde of grandkids to take his attention instead of farmers.
According to the store owner he also has a motor home waiting at home for him.
“I want to search the horizon with my motor home,” he said.
Mr Willis described the area he had worked in for the past 30 years as wonderful and said he had thoroughly enjoyed his time.
“I had a fabulous time and I probably will miss it,” Mr Willis said.
Aware that loyal customers and locals were disappointed over the announcement that the store would close, he wanted clients to know the small engines department would most likely be taken over and run down the road.
“I am aware that people are upset the business is shutting down,” he said.
“But part of the company probably will survive.”
Saturday 12 April will be the last day of business for the store, with a huge auction to be held to get rid of all stock and give customers the chance to say one last goodbye.
