Three generations of the Piovesan family have run the R.P Motors dealership in Werribee South. Roberto and Vilma Piovesan opened the business in the 1970s, as a small mechanical repairs shop. R.P Motors is now run by their son Robert and grandson, Joshua Piovesan. The 19-year-old, who is also completing a bachelor of business online through the Swinburne University of Technology, chats with Star Weekly.
What do you enjoy most about working in the family business?
I find working in the family business is enjoyable, we trust one another and are all very committed to the company’s success. Learning from my successful father Robert has helped me, especially to understand the needs of our customers. What’s most interesting about Werribee South is that the farming community is generational. Our key accounts and customers have been with us for decades. Market gardening is an extremely niche market.
Apart from your father Robert, mother Daphne and aunt Melissa, do any other family members work in the business too?
At the moment, no, however, I have two younger brothers, who may be interested in joining the family business in the future.
Do your grandparents sometimes still pop into the business to say hello?
Both my grandparents, Robert Senior and Vilma, are still very interested in our business and its operations.
How the COVID-19 pandemic impacted upon the business?
We have been very fortunate in the fact we’ve had a very strong growth period during the pandemic – favourable vegetable commodity prices have seen an increased demand for machinery. It’s been a great 12 months.
R.P Motors also has a partnership with TAFE and New Holland specialised training courses?
R.P Motors currently offers training programs to continually develop our technicians, apprentices and customer service staff. We also ensure our qualified technicians regularly attend service training, so they too are on top of the latest technology and further develop their skills
You recently delivered two New Holland GENESIS T8 tractors to a Werribee South family which have been customers since the 1970s, is that right?
As a local third generation vegetable grower in Werribee South, Damien Cecchin is continuing his family’s long-standing relationship as a customer of R.P Motors. Since the 1950s, Damien’s grandparents Ermenegildo ‘Gildo’ and Lina Cecchin began farming in Werribee South. Damien’s father Robert and his uncle Steven assisted in the family business. Our grandfathers and fathers both did business together. Damien and I went to school together and now we are both following our family’s tradition – the Cecchin family has just taken delivery of the latest T8 PLM Intelligence tractor from R.P. Motors.
Do you have any plans for the business, going forward into the future?
I would like to continue my family’s legacy and ensure the company’s good management. Also, R.P. Motors is currently constructing a multimillion-dollar service facility, which is due to be completed by the end of the year. In addition to R.P. Motors, our family is committed to philanthropy – in particular supporting Variety Australia.
