Jax Tyres and Auto expands in Lismore two years on from catastrophic floods, determined to serve community

A North Coast tyre and auto business determined to stay and serve its community after record flooding has not only reopened – its expanded. Here’s what spurred them on.

More than two years down the track from the 2022 flood disaster, a cornerstone Northern Rivers business has not only rebuilt itself – it has expanded.

Jax Tyres and Auto at Lismore has celebrated its reopening with the unveiling of an expanded modern workshop and showroom.

The refit allows the workshop to accommodate additional hoists, helping to take on more of the community’s tyre and mechanical needs.

The increased capacity is set to lead to more employment opportunities for mechanics, tyre technicians, wheel alignment technicians and apprentices as the business grows.

Franchisee and Lismore resident Jeff Nicholls, 62, said the adjacent service station had to close some time ago, so they made the vacant lot a part of the new Jax North Lismore store.

The Top Gun Competition at the expansion launch of Jax Tyres and Auto in North Lismore on Saturday.

“I’ve been with this store for over 20 years now, and the reality is that you experience floods from time to time,” he said.

“Unfortunately, the flooding in 2022 was far worse than anyone thought it was going to be, and it hit us, and so many homes and businesses around us, extremely hard.”

Initially in “two minds” about whether to battle on or just quit, the 62-year-old chose to just “get on with it” and move forward.

Mr Nicholls said floods are something businesses have to get used to and it was important to learn how to move equipment around and keep it safe in emergencies.

Jax Tyres & Auto Top Gun Competition winner Jeremy Smith (right) with franchisee Jeff Nicholls.

The installation of wheels on equipment is one way the business has prepared to save what it can in future floods.

However, Mr Nicholls said: “The biggest thing you learn though is the importance of people around to help you through tough times.”

“For us that meant friends, family, and the Jax head office,” he said.

A new customer at the Jax Tyres & Auto expansion launch in North Lismore on Saturday.

Jax Tyres and Auto chief executive officer Steve Grossrieder praised the Lismore team.

“Jeff and the entire team at Jax Lismore are a shining example of determination, ambition, and commitment to customer service that exemplifies everything this business is about, and we’re excited to see them embark on this next stage of their journey with us,” he said.

Franchisee Jeff Nicholls.

Mr Nicholls said he was determined to serve the community through adversity.

“The most gratifying part of the recovery and expansion has been being able to get back on our feet and help the community again,” he said.

“For a town to be a town, you’ve got to have people, but you’ve also got to have businesses. “That’s what keeps us pushing on to deliver the best service we can.

“I’m 62 now, and in four or five years I’d like to be looking to pass the business across to a new owner with the same passion for cars and the community that I have.

“But before then, I want to do everything I can to make JAX Lismore the best business it can be with the brightest future ahead of it, no matter what the weather.”