Singapore 1st Online Bikemart

Benny Tan

Text by: Thomas Tan
Photos: Tia Snapshotz

Benny Tan (Ah Bee), the ‘Jacky Chan’ of the ‘once upon a time’ small motor bike servicing shop is now the owner of a chain of established motor bike workshops (HKL).

Oops... Did we mention his very own HKL racing team too!

How did he gain the ‘Jacky Chan’ name?

Benny aka Ah Bee is a fan of Jacky Chan, the famous Hong Kong actor, well known for his stunts and action-packed movies. Ah bee is famous for using the phrase. ‘现场表演, 保你满意’ translate as ‘live performance, guarantee satisfy’! A motto that applies to the repair and servicing done at his motorshop.

SGBikemart: How did HKL come about?

It started off as a family business in 1965. I worked at my dad’s workshop after the National Service and by 2002,

(Ah Bee’s grin proudly) I am running the show.

SGBikemart: So, it is family business that brought you into this trade?

Well, not really. It was the bikes. I owned my first bike at a pretty younger age. Owning one was really cool then.

(Ah Bee said with a smug) The best part is, I can service, style and improve the bike myself. Can save a lot of money you know!

SGBikemart: Wow… boss’s son eh. I am sure that’s a lot of pressure for the staff

No man. My dad called the shots. I was a trainee, a mechanic. Hands on.

SGBikemart: You were a mechanic.?!?! All dirty and stuff…???

Yeah, that’s where my skills improved and the dream of running my own bike servicing business started.

SGBikemart: Here’s where it gets interesting. Tell us more…

In 2002, I am on my own. I moved couple of locations before being here in Alexandra. Previously, I got a complaint and was requested to move out of the shophouse at Telok Blangah. (Ah Bee suspected) Must be jealous competitors!

SGBikemart: Jealous? You mean they were jealous because your business was earning big bucks or…? Also what other challenges are there?

(Ah Bee knocked as a matter of fact) Ya, maybe. I have a constant flow of clients. But in Alexandra, to be honest, my business improved!

SGBikemart: How was that possible?

I also dunno. All I did is, maintain my business principle and motto. Be honest, sincere and ethnical. No gimmicks, nothing but the REAL thing.

I would like to emphasis that human error is unavoidable. There might be problems that occurred and I am not aware. My staff might not have solved the problems in the most appropriate manner. Come to me and I’ll ensure you get what is justified as good customer services.

SGBikemart: Ok. So these are the principles that brought you this far?

Er… I have good staff. They are top notch. We dare to bring in technology like Dynojet, vacuum pump for Ohlins etc.. We want to give all our clients correct and accurate information. Be the leader among others.

SGBikemart: Wow, I will definitely service my bike at your workshop given the commitment from you and your staff. How far have your company achieved?

I have 3 servicing workshops, 1 showroom, more than 30 staff. We are branding ourselves overseas and I have my own racing team. =)

SGBikemart: What’s your racing team motto?

We are honor to invite Mr Yasuhiro Kuhara, a professional Japanese racer to represent our team. We came in 1^st at the Support GP Motor Race 2008 in October. It is more for my passion, not profit driven.

SGBikemart: Well Benny, it looks like you are moving forward, fast and strong. Any words to your loyal clients, sponsors and staff?

To all my loyal clients, THANK YOU for the continuous support all this while, I will ensure that your requirements are met with quality and standards.

To all my sponsors, Castrol and Mobil Support, thank you! Thank you! and thank You!

And my No. 1 staffs, thanks a lot, especial Ah Hiong.

SGBikemart is curious who Ah Hiong is, so we requested to meet up with this chap and understand what he does and how he view Benny, as a boss.

SGBikemart: Ah Hiong, what is your role in this organization?

I am in charge of the technologies. The Dynojet, the Ohlins vacuum pump etc…

SGBikemart: Ah… you are the right-hand man that works hand in hand with Benny to reach this height of bike servicing. How do you see Benny as a boss?

He is a man of great and clear vision. He says it and he do it. He knows when to do things. Generally, I love his passion and enthusiasm for this trade. Sometimes, he does magic tricks to his staff when he is free. That’s the kind of boss we have (with a smile)

Conclusion, SGBikemart says Benny is a great man to all.