The Vitanza Tyre and Mechanical store network is turning 60

Brisbane tyre industry icon and long-standing Bridgestone store owner Vince Vitanza is celebrating six decades of his family run Vitanza Tyre and Mechanical store network.
From humble beginnings in 1963, the business has grown over the past six decades to build a reputation underpinned by exceptional service.
Over its history, the Vitanza Tyre and Mechanical name has spanned across 17 locations – peaking at 10 sites at one time during the 1990s.
According to founder and patriarch of the family business, Vince Vitanza, the longevity of the group’s success is built on family values and a focus on the customer experience.
“We pride ourselves on knowing our industry. We are the experts, and we offer great service, a good price so customers continue to come to us because they know what we stand for. You don’t get to celebrate 60 years in business if you are not honest and provide a seamless customer experience,” Vince said.
“Vitanza Tyre and Mechanical has always been a family run business with Anthony our eldest son joining in 1987, followed by Michael in 2003 and Melissa and Venetia in 2011. We have also had many loyal staff over the years, we provide a good working environment for our staff.”
The move into tyre retailing was born through Vince’s passion for all-things automotive, and a desire to run his own business. From his time as an accountant at fuel company Ampol, an opportunity arose to purchase a service station in the inner suburbs of Brisbane on the corner of Kent and Brunswick Streets in New Farm – kickstarting the Vitanza Tyre and Mechanical legacy.
Vitanza Tyre and Mechanical has been synonymous with Bridgestone, with the iconic brand serving as a staple on the store’s tyre racks from the outset. In 1991, Vince Vitanza solidified his relationship with Bridgestone by officially becoming a Bridgestone Tyre Centre, and then converting to Bridgestone Select when the franchise model was launched 15 years later.
With more than half of Vitanza Tyre and Mechanical’s history spent within the Bridgestone network, Vince explained that the longstanding partnership is built on common values.
“Over the years, I’ve learned that you have the right product at the right price, treat every customer with respect and make sure they get what they ask for,” Vince said.
“So much has changed in our industry over six decades. When we first opened our store, everything was done manually to change a tyre, now we have machines that do this for us, along with the introduction of computers, the internet, online bookkeeping systems and Google.
“The one thing that remains the same is our focus on providing a great customer service and experience. We want every customer to walk away wanting to come back to us and recommending us to their friends and family. We have so many loyal customers and we are so thankful to be providing a service to each customer.”

The business is a family success story, with wife Lyn by his side for the entire time, and their children Anthony, Melissa, Venetia and Michael all playing active roles in the day-to-day operations. Family plays a significant role in Vince and Lyn’s lives, and he takes great pride in working with his children, and spending time with his nine grandchildren: Matteo, Anton, Lucas, Nicola, Lucinda, Gabriella Marcello, Olivio and Alessandro.
Today, Vitanza Tyre and Mechanical’s operation is comprised of two Bridgestone Select Tyre and Auto stores: Bridgestone Select Fortitude Valley managed and run by Anthony and Bridgestone Select Coorparoo managed and run by Michael.
Having survived multiple natural disasters, economic downturns, more intense competition and numerous changes within the industry, Vince puts the longstanding success down to the people within the business.
“Without our hardworking staff we wouldn’t be celebrating such a milestone, the knowledge and customer experience our staff provide is what keeps our doors open and our customers coming back. Many of our employees have been with us for more than 15 years,” Vince said.
“We especially would like to thank and acknowledge our current staff: Jason, Jeff, Tha, and Hayley at the Fortitude Valley Store, and David, Stuart, Pwa and Troy at Coorparoo. It’s our staff that makes our business thrive.”
Vince has always been an active contributor to the community, within the business network and the local community.
Over the past 60 years, he has been an active member of the Motor Trades Association of Queensland and various tyre industry panels such as the Queensland Tyre Dealers Association, as well as passionate involvement in his children’s school committees, New Farm Rotary Club and Brisbane Racing Club.
Bridgestone Australia and New Zealand Managing Director, Heath Barclay, says Vince Vitanza has become a stalwart of the Bridgestone network and a much-loved business associate to many.
“Sixty years in business is an incredible achievement and we’re proud to have such a longstanding and meaningful relationship with Vince and Lyn, their family and the wider team,” Heath said.
“His contribution and commitment to the industry over six decades has been massive and we congratulate Vince, Lyn, Anthony, Melissa, Venetia and Michael on this significant milestone, and wish them the best for the next 60 years!”

For more information, visit www.bridgestone.com.au