So proud of the superstar Miss Andretti being inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame 2023!
Author: Sean Buckley
A good partner in business possesses several key qualities that contribute to the success and effectiveness of the partnership:
- Trustworthiness: Trust is fundamental in any business partnership. A good partner is someone who can be relied upon to fulfill their commitments, maintain confidentiality, and act with integrity in all aspects of the partnership.
- Complementary Skills and Strengths: Ideally, business partners should bring different skills, strengths, and perspectives to the table. A partner who complements your own strengths and fills in your weaknesses can create a well-rounded team that is better equipped to tackle challenges and capitalize on opportunities.
- Communication Skills: Effective communication is essential for a successful partnership. Good partners are able to communicate openly, honestly, and respectfully with each other, discussing ideas, addressing concerns, and resolving conflicts constructively.
- Shared Vision and Goals: Partners should share a common vision for the business and align on long-term goals and objectives. Having a shared sense of purpose helps keep the partnership focused and motivated, even during challenging times.
- Commitment and Dedication: Building a successful business requires hard work, perseverance, and dedication. Good partners are committed to the success of the business and willing to invest the time, effort, and resources necessary to achieve shared goals.
- Flexibility and Adaptability: The business landscape is constantly evolving, and successful partners are able to adapt to change and pivot when necessary. Flexibility, creativity, and a willingness to embrace new ideas and approaches are key attributes of effective business partners.
- Respect and Empathy: Respect for each other’s opinions, perspectives, and contributions is crucial in a business partnership. Good partners also demonstrate empathy and understanding, recognizing the needs and concerns of their fellow partner(s) and working collaboratively to address them.
- Conflict Resolution Skills: Conflicts and disagreements are inevitable in any partnership, but how they are managed can make or break the relationship. Good partners are skilled at navigating conflicts constructively, listening actively, seeking common ground, and finding mutually acceptable solutions.
- Financial Responsibility: Financial stability and responsibility are important for the success of any business. Good partners demonstrate fiscal responsibility, managing finances wisely, and making decisions that contribute to the long-term financial health and sustainability of the business.
- Shared Values and Ethics: Finally, good partners share similar values and ethical standards, which serve as the foundation for their partnership. Partners should be aligned on matters of ethics, corporate social responsibility, and how they conduct business, ensuring that their actions are consistent with their shared values.
- Peace of Mind: Roadside Assistance from Ultra Tune offers peace of mind to drivers, knowing that they have reliable assistance available in case of unexpected vehicle issues or emergencies.
- 24/7 Assistance: Ultra Tune’s breakdown cover provides access to 24/7 roadside assistance, ensuring help is available whenever it’s needed, day or night, regardless of the location.
- Expert Assistance: Their service ensures that drivers receive assistance from trained and experienced professionals who can efficiently handle various roadside issues, from flat tires to battery problems, getting drivers back on the road quickly.
- Nationwide Coverage: Ultra Tune’s Roadside Assistance offers nationwide coverage, meaning drivers can access assistance wherever they are within the service area, whether it’s in a city or a remote area.
- Convenience: Having breakdown cover means drivers don’t have to worry about finding and coordinating assistance in stressful situations. Ultra Tune aims to make the process as convenient and straightforward as possible for its customers.
Roadside Assistance from Ultra Tune provides drivers with the assurance that they’re covered in case of roadside emergencies, offering convenience, peace of mind, and expert assistance whenever it’s needed.
Servicing your car before winter is important for several reasons:
- Safety: Winter conditions can be harsh, with snow, ice, and cold temperatures making driving more hazardous. A properly serviced car ensures that all safety features, such as brakes, tires, lights, and heating systems, are in optimal condition, reducing the risk of accidents.
- Reliability: Cold weather can exacerbate existing issues with your vehicle. Servicing your car before winter can help identify and address any potential problems, preventing breakdowns and ensuring your vehicle is reliable during the colder months.
- Battery health: Cold weather can significantly reduce your car battery’s capacity, making it more likely to fail. A professional service can check the battery’s health and ensure it’s in good condition to handle the demands of winter driving.
- Fluid checks: Cold temperatures can cause fluids such as oil, coolant, and windshield washer fluid to thicken or freeze, affecting their ability to properly lubricate and protect your car’s engine and components. Servicing your car includes checking and replenishing these fluids as needed, as well as ensuring they’re suitable for cold weather conditions.
- Tire maintenance: Winter tires or all-season tires with good tread depth are essential for maintaining traction on snowy and icy roads. A car service can inspect your tires, rotate them if necessary, and ensure they’re properly inflated to maximize grip and handling in winter conditions.
- Heating system: A functioning heating system is crucial for your comfort and safety during winter driving. A service can inspect and test your car’s heating system, including the defrosters, to ensure they’re working efficiently.
- Visibility: Winter driving often means dealing with reduced visibility due to snow, ice, and fog. A service can check and replace worn wiper blades, as well as ensure all lights, including headlights, brake lights, and fog lights, are working properly to maximize visibility.
Overall, getting your car serviced before winter helps ensure it’s prepared to handle the challenges of cold weather driving, keeping you safe, comfortable, and reliable on the road.
Ultra Tune offers a wide range of services, including routine maintenance such as oil changes, brake repairs, and tyre replacements, as well as more complex repairs and diagnostics. We cater to both private vehicle owners and fleet customers, providing reliable and professional automotive services across their network of service centers throughout Australia.
Sean Buckley podcast recording with Simon Dell:
In this insightful interview, Ultra Tune owner Sean Buckley discusses his past, how he overcame struggles and what it takes to really be successful in business over decades. His knowledge and business acumen are an inspiration, especially to younger business people starting out today. Listen to this influential interview between Sean Buckley and Simon Dell today:
What makes Ultra Tune different to other Car Servicing companies?
- Franchise Model: Ultra Tune operates as a franchise, meaning individual workshops are independently owned and operated under the Ultra Tune brand. This means consistency in service quality and a standardized customer experience across different locations.
- Range of Services: Ultra Tune provides a comprehensive range of automotive services, including routine maintenance, mechanical repairs, brake and clutch repairs, tire services, and more. Offering a wide array of services helps customers looking for a one-stop solution for their car care needs.
- National Presence: Ultra Tune has a significant presence across Australia with numerous locations. Our extensive network is advantageous for customers who know we are available nationwide with a broad reach.
- Focus on Technology: Ultra Tune differentiates from other service providers by adopting advanced technologies for diagnostics, repairs, and customer communication. Ultra Tune invests in cutting-edge technology, which is a distinguishing factor from other companies in the industry.
- Customer Service: Quality customer service, transparency, and communication significantly impacts a car servicing company’s reputation. Ultra Tune is proud of our excellent customer service which we are known for. Positive customer experiences and a commitment to addressing customer sets Ultra Tune apart from competitors.
Sean Buckley – Ultra Tune partnered with Afterpay, Humm and Openpay at participating stores across Australia. Saves you the hassle of large, one-time payments, letting you get back on the road stress free! Visit www.ultratune.com.au to find your local store!
Sean Buckley partners with Latitude Pay – at participating Ultra Tune stores!
Find out more at Ultra Tune
Ultra Tune is a leading car service and repair chain in Australia, with over 260 locations nationwide. The company was founded in 1979 and has since then established itself as one of the most trusted brands in the automotive industry. Ultra Tune offers a wide range of services including general maintenance, mechanical repairs, and roadworthy inspections.
Services Offered by Ultra Tune
Ultra Tune offers a range of services to keep your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently. From routine maintenance such as oil changes and tire rotations to complex mechanical repairs, the company’s experienced technicians are equipped to handle all your car-related needs. In addition to this, Ultra Tune also offers roadworthy inspections, ensuring that your vehicle is roadworthy and safe to drive.
Benefits of Choosing Ultra Tune
By choosing Ultra Tune, you can enjoy several benefits, including:
Convenient locations: With over 260 locations nationwide, you can easily find a Ultra Tune center near you.
Experienced technicians: The company’s technicians are highly trained and experienced, ensuring that your vehicle is in good hands.
Affordable prices: Ultra Tune offers competitive prices without compromising on the quality of service.
Wide range of services: From routine maintenance to complex repairs, the company offers a wide range of services to keep your vehicle running smoothly.
The Importance of Regular Car Maintenance
Regular car maintenance is crucial for ensuring the longevity and reliability of your vehicle. By keeping up with routine maintenance, you can prevent larger and more costly repairs down the line. Additionally, regular maintenance can improve fuel efficiency and increase the overall performance of your vehicle.
Ultra Tune is committed to providing the highest quality service to its customers. Whether you need a routine oil change or a complex repair, the company’s experienced technicians are ready to assist you. So, next time you need car service or repairs, choose Ultra Tune for a hassle-free experience.
In conclusion, Ultra Tune is a leading car service and repair chain in Australia, offering a wide range of services to keep your vehicle running smoothly. With over 260 convenient locations, experienced technicians, and affordable prices, the company is the best choice for all your car-related needs. Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity and reliability of your vehicle, and Ultra Tune is committed to providing the highest quality service to its customers.
The short answer is no! Sean Buckley discusses the success of Ultra Racing and Nature Strip in an exclusive interview with racenet.com.au:
“It is a business that is developing every day and it is an industry I love being a part of,” Buckley said.
But when you strike early in your racing career, like Buckley did with Miss Andretti, that is risk reward. But in this sense, winning a race at Royal Ascot, with a horse sourced from Western Australia, is not about the bottom line.
“I still remember seeing trainer Lee Freedman singling Waltzing Matilda and drinking out of the trophy in the car park. I had my wife and kids with me, we had been to Dubai for a holiday, we got invited to the Royal Box, it was just the best day ever,” Buckley said.
And it was a whirlwind week from the Tuesday when Craig Froggie Newitt getting home, leading fellow Aussies, Magnus into third and Takeover Target into fourth.
“I got offered $10 million from an Arab Sheik for her to run in his colours on the Saturday in the Golden Jubilee, but knocked that back. It wasn’t about the money.”
Miss Andretti failed in the Golden Jubilee, finishing 15th, with Takeover Target second to Soldier’s Tale but she’d come home and straight up in the spring won the Group 2 Schweppes at The Valley and Group 1 Age Classic at Flemington in Cup Week.
So too it wasn’t about the money with watching Nature Strip win on Tuesday night either.
“You could say I sold a horse for $80,000 that has won $18m, but honestly that is good for business, I don’t regret selling, I strive to breed a horse like that, I breed plenty of horses every year, I can’t keep them all,” Buckley said.
“I have a budget every year to buy mares and I think we paid $500,000 for Strikeline off the track, sent her to Star Witness and she produced a horse called The Barrister that we sold to Hong Kong.”O
And Sean Buckley now has Strikeline, the mother of Nature Strip, back in foal to Nicconi and you would suggest without much argument, that it won’t be sold.
It might seem though a touch ironic that is was both Miss Andretti and Strikeline which gave Buckley unwarranted headlines over an alleged embryo transplantation scheme. It was something that saw Buckley banned from racing horses (only) in Victoria until the matter settled with no action taken (but some damage done reputationally).
“I complied with every direction of the authorities and the stewards in relation to the inquiry. I was open and transparent, there was never any intention of any subsequent foal being registered with the studbook, we were simply regenerating their breeding cycles and it has worked.
“It was an embarrassment at the times, but we had never done anything wrong, and the right outcome was reached with Racing Victoria.”
Miss Andretti defeating Gold Edition at Caulfield in 2007
Buckley and headlines are no strangers. His expensive UltraTune advertising campaigns features the likes of Mike Tyson, Charlie Sheen, Pamela Anderson and other Hollywood celebrities, featured almost annually as the most complained about to with the Australia’s Advertising Standards.
“They kept changing the laws and we kept changing the ads,” said Buckley, “it was like a cat chasing a mouse, but we might have spent $3m on blocking out ads for a month and get $1.5m in publicity out of the backlash, they almost paid for themselves,” he said.
But that business nouse isn’t lost on Buckley as an investor or entrepreneur.
“It’s a good question what we can do to boost the image of racing or attracting a younger appeal. I still say it’s a rich man’s game. Horses are getting more expensive, and as good as syndication has been, I am not sure how much more recommitment on spend or new money is coming in.
“It is a sport and industry that relies heavily on the gambling dollar, as well as one that struggles with public perception on cruelty, the whip and animal welfare.”
A Buckley like UltraTune campaign mightn’t be the answer. He had actor Alec Baldwin – as Donald Trump signed to be his next advertising star – I’m not sure that could carry over into a racing relevance, but it is worth listening to someone who works and lives and has been successful outside of the – dare I say – racing bubble – while a major investor in it at the same time.
Read more from this interview with Sean Buckley over at racenet.com.au