Ken Leake

Inducted into the Shell Rimula Wall of Fame at Reunion 2002.
In 1951, Ken Leake, a young A grade mechanic made a spur of the moment decision that would write him into Australia's transport history.  While holidaying in Mildura (Victoria) he put a ten pound deposit on the Border Service Station at Buronga.  He returned a week later to commence what is today a 50 year-plus association with road transport.
The early days were, as it was for most of the transport industry, days of long hours and hard work with limited facilities and fewer resources in what was then considered to be a remote area. Ken's innovation and foresight were the key to his success.  His willingness to meet the challenge, often under extreme circumstances, soon earned him the respect of all he knew including truck drivers, transport operators and business associates.Today, following Ken's passing in 2008, the business, Mildura Truck Service, now owned and operated by sons, Glenn and Rod, boasts extensive truck sales, service and spare parts division.  Ken and his wife Valli initially built their impressive reputation on service through the workshop and their towing and crash repair business.  Their emphasis has always been to keep pace with the product.  1953 saw the company's first franchise, Freighter Trailers, launched, and it still exists today.  Many other franchises have been added over the years including Kenworth, Mercedes Benz, Freightliner, Isuzu and most recently DAF. Ken earned a reputation of dedication and trust throughout the industry.  He lead by example and was respected by all who knew him.  A community-minded man, Ken served with many organisations including Rotary, the Mildura Progress Association and the Rural Fire Brigade of which he was Captain for 30 years.  Making a ten pound investment into a million dollar enterprise makes Ken Leake one of this industry's tall poppies and he is very deserving of this recognition.