OWNING Kerang’s Autopro store for more than two decades has been a labour of love for Bruce Wright.
It was the start of the new financial year in 2002 when Mr Wright and his family took over the reins of the business.
The move was bitter sweet for his three daughters, Katelyn, Courtney and Emma, who still question his desire to invest in Australia’s oldest and largest independent automotive aftermarket parts and accessories retailer.
“With three girls you think he could have purchased a clothing store or shoe shop,” Emma said, her two sisters nodding in agreement.
Despite the ongoing joke between his three girls, Mr Wright’s association with Autopro started long before he became a father.
“I first started working for Autopro in 1990,” Mr Wright said, noting it was a natural progression to purchase the business after his 12 years’ of employment at the store.
With his three girls and wife Nola by his side, they say they’ve been “blessed with the best”.
“Dad always encourages us girls to strive for our dreams and lives by the moto ‘Go hard or go home’, which he applies himself, through many aspects of life, whether that be sport, his career or socialising,” daughter Courtney said.
The girls say their dad has been very influential, not only throughout their lives, but also within the local Kerang community.
“He’s very generous and loves to give back to the local community,” Katelyn said.
With a passion for sport, Mr Wright is heavily involved in the Kerang Football Netball Club, and local tennis, cricket, golf and bowls clubs.
Some of his favourite pastimes include horse racing, travelling and wood chopping.
“Dad is very family and friend orientated, and has good values,” Katelyn said.
“He is caring, respectful and inclusive, something we all strive to demonstrate.”
While the girls look forward to celebrating Father’s Day alongside their dad, which will most likely involve a shared day out at the footy finals, they say they wouldn’t have it any other way.
Following the release of Autopro’s latest Father’s Day catalogue, Mr Wright and his team at Autopro have made Father’s Day shopping a breeze.
The 16-page catalogue is jam-packed full of inspiration, featuring tool chests and mobile trolleys, compressors, canvas storage bags, driving lights, workshop tools, seat covers and dash cams.
Father’s Day recommendations:
Katelyn: Pressure washer.
Courtney: Deck chair.
Emma: Armor All Protect and shine gift bucket.
