Tom and Alison Stephens are celebrating 10 years of ownership of Canowindra Tyre Service.
This week ten years ago, Tom and Alison Stephens purchased established local business Canowindra Tyre Service from Ces and Sue Slattery.
Tom and Al knew little about tyres, but with support from Ces and Sue, combined with their savvy business skills, they rebranded the business into the distinctive and recognisable brand of CTS, growing the business over the past ten years to offer a wider range of services and products for their customers.
Customers and community are at the core of CTS’s success. Al eloquently explains it, saying, “From the very beginning we recognised that this was more than just a job.
The job is about a tyre, but it is about the people.”
Their success is largely due to their unwavering dedication to the business and always being available, offering a 24 hour service, seven days a week, even in quiet times. “We have never shut the roller door before closing time, and people know they can rely on us for this service,” said Al.
They believe success is measured in many ways: “We like to think we listen to our customers and meet their needs. Offering service, products and an experience that customers want has been a huge factor to our success.
“We sell everything from top end rims and tyres, along with cheaper products to the same customer, to suit the needs of what they want to achieve,” said Al.
The team at CTS are dedicated to getting people safely to their destination or back to work on the road, or in the paddock. They get great satisfaction from keeping people safe on the road, selecting a tyre that suits their needs and providing a service that is top quality.
“We have loaned our own car to complete strangers when travelling to make medical appointments and a tyre was days away from delivery.”
Tom and Al employ local staff for casual days, university work, after school and Saturday work, first jobs, to long standing employees like Ben Dewar who is a true asset to Canowindra Tyre Service.
CTS are are passionate and generous supporters of local education, sporting clubs, community groups and events.
“It makes us proud to see our logo associated with so many others that make our community a better place to live and work,” said Al.
What does the future hold for CTS? In 2026 Canowindra Tyre Service will celebrate 50 years. This is a credit to Ces and Sue Slattery who had the vision to initially establish the business here in Canowindra, but also to Tom and Al who have ensured its continued growth and success into the future.
“We hope to continue to provide our staff with a workplace that is rewarding and appreciated by our Customers both here at the shop and out in the community,” concluded Al.
It is fair to say that Tom and Al have imbued themselves within the Canowindra community. From exceptional service and reliability, to the distictive orange CTS logo that literally pops up everywhere, to the weekly dad jokes that entertain passing motorists and locals alike. CTS and the entire Stephen’s family are valued and much appreciated members of our community.