Grantham ATS stalwart Dave has been going strong for over half a century
Hard-working Dave France has been serving his local community for more than 50 years and is still going strong fitting tyres.
The 68-year-old will be a familiar face to many around Grantham, having worked for ATS Euromaster, on Elmer Street, for more than 50 years.
And in all that time, since he started there in 1968, he has not had a single day off sick.
His clean bill of health has not been his only impressive trait, as Dave has also won numerous awards over the years for selling the largest quantity of Michelin tyres across the ATS network.
It seems like nothing is too much trouble for the Ropsley man.
Now assistant manager, he was taken on as a teenager. It wasn’t long before he was working on his own and became tyre fitter, salesman, receptionist and tea boy, too.
His hard work, graft and honest opinions throughout the years has earned him the trust and respect from his very loyal following of customers, who have continued to return year after year and rely on him for advice and his straight talking, no nonsense approach.
Many regulars have been known to simply drop their keys in and pick it up later with complete trust, which comes as a true testament to Dave and the team.
To mark passing the half-century mark, Dave has been awarded a trophy for his years of service and a 50-year loyalty card signed by all members of the board of directors. He also received a visit from his area manager and operations director with Champagne, beer and cake.
There are also plans to treat him to tickets to a British Touring Car Championship Race weekend once Covid restrictions allow.
Jason Stewart, Dave’s area manager, praised his dedication to ATS, his work ethic, commitment and dedication.
We caught up with Dave at the garage on Friday for a quick word with the man himself.
How did you begin your career with ATS?
It must have been around September or October 1968 when it was Hawkins Tyres before it changed to ATS in 1970.
I had gone to the job centre and saw the position and went straight there. I just really loved cars so it was the ideal job for me.
You must have seen some changes over the years?
The main change has been seeing all the different makes and models of the cars change throughout the years.
I also worked on my own from 1972 until about four years ago when I was joined by manager Karl Cooper and then technician Arturs Liepa.
I enjoyed working on my own but I also enjoy having some company now, too.
How has Covid-19 impacted business?
We never closed throughout lockdown but it was a lot quieter.
We have picked up again now and are often working on four or five vehicles at any one time.
What has kept you at ATS for all these years?
I really enjoy meeting people and I like to be kept busy.
I don’t have any plans to retire anytime soon.
