Battery Zone business support (1)

4-wheel-drive enthusiast embarks on new adventure with Battery Zone

Sarah Stowe

Just six months into his new Battery Zone business and David Strucelj is happy he jump-started a new career.

The move into business ownership was almost accidental. David is an electrician by trade, He’s worked in many different jobs from auto-electrical jobs in the marine industry to bathroom renovations. He has even learned to weld!

“I had run my own business many years ago as a sub-contractor and I didn’t like the bookwork and tax. It all seemed to hard, so I moved to a wages job,” David says.

However, a conversation with Battery Zone founder Charlie Carter reignited the business ownership idea.

“I had known Charlie for 15 years, I regularly bought batteries from his store. I went in one day for a 4-wheel drive battery, and Charlie asked if I was interested in buying a franchise. It came out of the blue.”

Unexpected offer a welcome option

While the conversation was unexpected, it was good timing for David. 

“My last job was bathroom renovations. I’m just over 50, and I was getting to the point that my knees and back were giving up. I was thinking about doing something else,” he explains.

David chatted through the options with Charlie and decided it was worth considering. 

“The one thing I enjoy is auto-electrical work. I enjoy fitting out 4-wheel drives, caravans and boats and the Dandenong shop has a workshop out the back so you can do all this work.”

He talked through the idea with his partner Rachel and the pair committed to using their savings to buy the business rather than purchase a house.

David bought the existing Battery Zone Dandenong business in May 2024. It had been running as a company-owned store for six months.

While David is hands-on in the shop and the workshop, Rachel, who is a bookkeeper for a local primary school, handles the finances.

Challenges of a business owner

David’s electrical experience stood him in good stead with Battery Zone but he still faced some challenges in running the business.

“I am not good with computers, so that has been a learning curve for me, understanding the programs and the Point of Sale system,” he says.

Marketing proved another challenge that he is still working on maximising.

However, unlike his sub-contractor days, there is help from the franchisor team with all elements of the business.

Battery Zone handles brand promotions in local shopping centres and posts on social media.

“Charlie has been great. He helped with a lot of things, from budgeting to meeting targets,” says David.

“The company’s systems were a real attraction for me. As a sub-contractor I was trying to work it all out myself; now I get help and guidance. 

“I am on the phone several times a day. There is always someone you can call, including the other stores. There is lots of support,” David says.

A month before taking over the Dandenong store he spent time in other stores learning the ropes.

“I knew a fair bit but not the technology around batteries. I learned all about the product, how to use the computer program, and handle the customer and sales process,” he explains.

The Dandenong store is in an industrial area, so local transport firms and mechanics are account-based clients. The customer base is 40 per cent account, 60 per cent household customers. 

“I’m six months in and I knew as a relatively new business it would take time to build up the customer base.

“It is just me in the business so I am looking to put someone else on soon. I need to put someone in the shop, and that will free me up to chase more work,” David says.

“The more I can get out and see people they can put a face to the Battery Zone name.”

New lifestyle, new adventure

Moving from tradie work to retail has required a lifestyle adjustment for David. The store is open 8.30am to 5pm, weekdays, and from 8.30am to 1pm on Saturdays. 

“Prior to that I worked 7am to 3.30pm and no Saturdays! I love earlier starts, so that was hard to get used to,” David admits.

As an outdoor enthusiast David has a taste for adventure. He relished his weekends; now he ensures the business is closed on long weekends so he can continue to enjoy camping and 4-wheel driving.

Jumping into a new business has started a new journey for David. He is planning to build the client base, expand the business, and work towards purchasing the dream home he and Rachel put on hold.

“If people want to get out of their comfort zone and try something different, a Battery Zone business is an adventure,” he says.