David Ryan

David Ryan was born in country NSW with a spanner in his hand. David Ryan's commitment to the trucking industry began in his father's workshop as an apprentice with Kent's North Melbourne.

David was then drafted to the Army where his extensive driver knowledge of anything mechanical was recognised placing him in charge of driver training and earned his stripes as an NCO. After his two years of service, he went to New Oakleigh Motors where he managed the truck service department and it was during this time he completed all the specialised truck courses that were available to further enhance his mechanical problem solving abilities. He soon had a name for himself not only for his extensive knowledge on anything that moved but for his compassion and determination to keep vehicles on the road.

In 1979 David established D & E F Ryan (VIC) Pty Ltd Truck and Car Repairs in South Oakleigh. David's reputation preceded him and the workshop was soon full, paving way to the employment of a specialised group of mechanics which gave credit to a successful workshop. For the duration of the business he was a member of the VACC and a Vic Road Roadworthy inspector.

During this time, David maintained many long-term client vehicles and fleets including Telstra, Marsdens, Garden City, JL, W Gourlay, Donlon Transports, Boral and Pioneer concrete, Baxter Pork, Tulloch Petroleum, Mohrs Meats, Edwards Tankers, Ian's Towing, Synnex and Sunicrust Bakeries. He was available and on call 24 hours 7 days a week to ensure that the never sleeping transport industries wheels were kept in motion. There was nothing that Dave Ryan could not fix. His commitment and loyalty to the Heavy Road Transport industry was supported by his long-term staff and wife Elizabeth Ryan (the E F of the D & E F Ryan) who also spent many hours attending to the non-mechanical needs of the business.

In 2013 David hung up his well-worn spanner but still continues to give advice to old clients who have now become friends.