M8s Rates Mechanical crowned Gladstone’s best mechanic | 2023

A family business that prides itself on genuine care for its customers has been named Gladstone’s best mechanic for 2023.

A family business that prides themselves a genuine care for its customers community, has been named Gladstone’s best mechanic for 2023. Photo taken by staff member, Karen Rookes of the rest of the team: Kathryn Rookes, Ben Fort, Nick Clements, Matt Kenny and Craig McGahey.

A family business that prides itself on having genuine care for the community has been named Gladstone’s best mechanic for 2023.

Benjamin Fort and his partner Kathryn Rookes opened M8s Rates Mechanical three years ago to spend more time with their four children, aged 14, 8, 4, and 2 years old.

Mr Fort grew up in Mt Isa until his family moved to Gladstone when he was 14.

Before opening the business, Mr Fort worked as a mechanic at Mazda and Anderson’s in Gladstone, staying with them for almost 6 years before taking two year break to try other trades.

‘No light at the end of the tunnel’: Homeless Gladstone mother’s desperate bid to find a home

M8ts Rates Mechanical is made up of a small team of six, including three mechanics, one apprentice and two office staff members.

When hearing the news, that they were crowned the region’s best mechanic, Mr Fort said “if it wasn't for the boys on the floor and the women in the office, we wouldn’t be the business we are today,” Kathryn Rookes said ”it’s a team effort.”

“We prioritise good quality service,” Mr Fort added.

Mr Fort said that, at M8s Rates Mechanical, customers are not treated as numbers; but the people that they are.

A family-friendly workshop, Mr Fort and Ms Rookes youngest daughter often joins them at the workshop.

M8s Rates apprentice, Matt Kenny, working on a car with the help of Benjamin Fort and Kathryn Rookes youngest daughter.

According to Mr Fort, many of the customers have come to know the couple’s four children, as if they were extended family.

The company prides itself on making an effort to save customers money when possible and follows a caring approach.

Mr Fort said that his favourite part of the job was getting people back in their cars.

“We genuinely care about our customers, and try to save them a few bucks if we can,” said Mr Fort.

“We will help wherever we can, whenever we can,” added Ms Rookes.

Beyond their client base, Mr Fort and Ms Rookes have been actively involved in various charities. Their passion project is a toy drive for the Gladstone Women's Health Centre that they started in 2021 and run every year around Christmas time.

Husband charged with murder after mum, bub found dead

“We collect toys and food donations to help struggling families,” said Ms Rookes.

“We then offer anyone who donates a 10 per cent discount on their services when they donate to also give back to our customers as well.”

“Women's health centre is an amazing organisation that helps the Gladstone region.”

The runners for the region’s best mechanic was Coombs Mechanical Repairs, missing by just 1 per cent of votes.

“It’s incredible to be compared to Coombs Mechanical Repairs, a business that has been around for many years,” Mr Fort said.

For more information phone [phone] or email [e-mail]