Dale Durden

CoolDrive Auto Parts is a 100% Australian owned family business that was established in 1977 and remains owned and operated by the Blanchard family. CoolDrive Auto Parts operates as an importer and wholesaler of automotive aftermarket parts across Australia and New Zealand from 37 branch locations and an office and warehouse in Shanghai China

Serving as a Director of the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association involves providing strategic leadership and governance to support one of Australia’s most dynamic and essential industry sectors. Strategic Leadership Contributing to the development and execution of long-term strategies that strengthen the automotive aftermarket industry, ensuring it remains competitive, innovative, and responsive to emerging technologies and market trends. Governance & Advocacy Upholding strong corporate governance standards while actively representing the interests of members at both industry and government levels. This includes advocating for fair regulation, industry sustainability, and the protection of consumer choice. Industry Engagement Collaborating with key stakeholders including suppliers, distributors, workshops, and policymakers to drive alignment across the sector. Supporting initiatives that enhance industry capability, skills development, and future workforce readiness. Risk & Performance Oversight Monitoring organisational performance, financial health, and key risks to ensure the Association delivers value to its members while maintaining operational integrity and accountability. Proud to contribute to an organisation that plays a critical role in shaping the future of Australia’s automotive aftermarket industry.

Capricorn Society Ltd was originally established as a co-operative in 1975 to assist automotive repair & service businesses. Capricorn is now a public company limited by shares registered in Western Australia that operates on co-operative principles. Now, more than 45 years on, it is an Australian corporation trading internationally. Still managed under the 7 international principles of co-operation, Capricorn has grown to over 20,500 automotive businesses as members that purchase over AU$2 billion in parts every year from more than 2,200 preferred suppliers in Australia and New Zealand. Reporting directly to the CEO Automotive, as Head of Sales & Supply Australia my responsibility expands across both the sales and supply chain elements of the co-operative throughout all trading markets of Australia. Combined with a value driven management team, a strategic and operational focus creates value in a dynamic value chain between both automotive businesses (valued members) and leading supply chain partners creating wealth and highly beneficial trading arrangements aligned to co-operative principals. Stakeholder experience is at the heart of the operation with over 80 sales, supply and management team members in various positions geographically based throughout the country driven and focused on creating mutual value. I’m also currently studying a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) with the Australian Institute of Business and I hold membership with the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD) and the Australian Institute of Management (AFAIM)

As Head of Sales, I report directly to the CEO Automotive and hold total responsibility for the field sales teams across Australia with member purchases in excess of AU$1.7 billion annually. I also oversee and hold management responsibility for Capricorn's financial services business unit with finance and loan products across our total membership. As part of the executive management team within Capricorn's automotive division our key focus is driving enhanced member benefit which includes both wealth creation and social benefit closely aligned to co-operative principals. I am responsible for the development and implementation of Capricorns strategic priorities for our much valued membership of over 15,500 Australian automotive businesses who experience the true benefits of Capricorn's co-operative approach by 55 highly dedicated sales and membership managers across two countries. I’m also currently studying a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) with the Australian Institute of Business and I hold membership with the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD) and the Australian Institute of Management (AFAIM)

Reporting directly to the CEO Automotive, I am fully responsible for the organisation’s field sales activities for Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory which incorporates a sales team of 17 people across both states. I am fully accountable for the overall sales and profit results for both states (including the ACT) which has 4,450 members and incorporates 91 sales regions. I also have total management responsibility for Capricorn's total business operation in South Africa which incorporates a team of 5 staff, including 3 field based staff and 2 full time office administration positions based in South Africa. Our automotive business comprises of both a membership base and South African supply chain suited to our aftermarket and dealership operations throughout the country.

As State Manager for Capricorn Society in Queensland, reporting directly to the General Manager for Sales and Marketing, I had full responsibility and accountability for the state based field operation in Queensland. This role incorporated developing, implementing and executing state based strategies to ensure the state delivered on the overall groups sales and growth strategic plan.

Midas Car Care is a chain of automotive repair and service outlets operating throughout Australia. Based in Queensland in the position of State Manager, I was responsible for the operation of 5 company owned locations and 13 franchise outlets located across the state. I was fully accountable for the overall sales and profit of all company owned stores including new store acquisitions and network development within the franchise store network.

As Business Development Manager for Goodyear, I was responsible for the overall success of 39 Goodyear Auto Service Centre franchise locations in Queensland. As part of my role, I was accountable for all new franchise development work, including new business acquisitions and the overall sales and marketing initiatives for the Queensland stores which were made up of both metropolitan and rural locations. In conjunction with the Goodyear sales team, a key part of my role was the overall growth in sales for Goodyear branded tyres within the franchise group in all categories including car, RV, 4WD, truck and agriculture tyres.

As part of the Coventry group’s expansion to the East Coast, Coventry Auto Parts was formed and the first location was planned for Victoria. As Business Development Manager, in conjunction with the executive team we were responsible for the opening of the first location in Clayton which also incorporated the East Coast Distribution Centre. After the successful opening of the first store, I was also involved in opening four more locations in Victoria and three more in Queensland

Repco Auto Parts is the largest reseller and supplier in the automotive parts and accessories aftermarket in Australia and New Zealand with well over 350 locations across both countries. Throughout my employment with Repco I held Branch Management and Sales Representative roles throughout Victoria in Shepparton, Cobram, Echuca and Bendigo being Repco's fourth largest Victoria branch

The Role of the Board and the Practice of Directorship, Financial Literacy for Directors, Legal Responsibilities for Directors, Director and Board Governance, Risk Management, Directors Duties & Responsibilities, Board Strategy, Effective Decision making and Driving Financial Performance at board level.

Co-operatives & Mutuals business models, Leadership & Governance, Marketing, Financing and Legislative Structures of Co-operatives & Mutuals

Leadership, Organisational Change, Strategic Planning, Risk Management, Finance, Continuous Improvement, Knowledge and Information, Employee Relations, Strategic Human Resources