In this staff focused episode of Behind The Wheel, we celebrate the real stories from the road, the depots, and the people who make it all happen. Scott Horwood (National Fleet Manager) jumps on the mic for a down-to-earth chat – reminding us why culture matters, we talk about the businesses support towards those with disabilities and then lean into a tribute for Shane Woods who has ticked over 40 Years of productive service to the business, all while being profoundly deaf. 

We also hear from our regular panel of David Simon (CEO), Mick West (National Transport Manager), Mark Bury (National Warehouse Manager) and Ardy Almassi (National Sales Manager) with our regular general fleet and market updates.

A Tribute to Shane Woods – 40 Years the Simon Way

On the 1st of July, 1985, a young man named Shane Woods walked into the Toowoomba depot of Simon National Carriers for his first day on the job. Little did anyone know then that he would become one of the most loyal, hardworking, and quietly extraordinary team members in Simon’s history. Forty years later, we honour not just his time served—but the way he served.

Shane started in the yard, but it didn’t take long for him to find his place in the workshop, working on trailer servicing and repairs. From the beginning, Shane showed us what true character looks like. Despite living with speech and hearing challenges, he connected effortlessly with everyone. His actions spoke louder than words ever could—turning up early, working through every task with precision, and always doing his part with pride.

As the business grew, so did Shane. He was there through the move to the new Hampton Street site in Toowoomba, through new technology, new equipment, new faces—and through it all, he remained steady. He was more than just a workshop team member. He was part of the heartbeat of Simon in Toowoomba. Whether he was rebuilding a dolly, rewiring a trailer, or quietly helping a new apprentice find their feet, Shane worked with a calm confidence that lifted those around him.

In 2001, Shane earned his Certificate II in Heavy Vehicle Service & Maintenance. It wasn’t just a qualification—it was a symbol of his commitment to learn, grow, and continue contributing at the highest standard. The pride on his face when he received that certificate said everything. It was a moment of personal victory, shared and celebrated by a team that had come to think of Shane not just as a colleague, but as a mate.

When the time came to move operations to Brisbane, and the Toowoomba workshop closed its doors, Shane made the brave choice to relocate. Alongside his long-time teammate Ron, he once again showed his loyalty and dedication to the business and the people who had become like family.

Shane’s story is one of quiet strength. He never sought the spotlight, but his impact was felt by every person who had the privilege to work beside him. He is the definition of what it means to live The Simon Way—with respect, empathy, integrity, a pursuit of excellence, and above all, with heart.

To Shane: thank you for 40 years of unwavering service, for every early start, every wheel you turned, every challenge you tackled, and every friendship you built. You have left a mark on this business that will never fade.

Congratulations, mate. This milestone isn’t just about years—it’s about legacy.

In this episode of Behind The Wheel, host Ardy Almassi is joined by main guests Mick West, Mark Bury, David Simon, and special guest Bill Manton. 

This episode touches on the current state of development approvals in Australia, highlighting the significant drop in housing approvals, the lowest since 2011-2012.  But also with that, the opportunity and optimism that remains. 

The team also touches on recent internal awards and recognition items, that lead into the not to be missed 2nd part of industry legend Bill Manton's interview. 

In this special episode, we take a moment to celebrate Bill Manton (Billy), a cherished member of our company and our industry, through a heartfelt poem he composed. Strum by Mark Bury. 

Billy is known for his annual Christmas poems that capture the essence of his time in the industry. He created this special piece that needs to live life beyond Ardy's whiteboard.

Thank you, Bill, for being such a valued member of our business and for your amazing contributions to the industry over the years. Bill Manton for those that aren't aware is the current recipient of the "Outstanding Contribution to the Australian Trucking Industry" award, from the Australian Trucking Association (ATA). 



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In this episode of Behind The Wheel, Ardy Almassi, Bill Manton, Mick West, David Simon, and Mark Bury discuss the recent business news surrounding Senko. Get some insight into why and what’s next. We talk to industry stalwart Bill Manton and of course that means Car Talk had to be with Billy also. Sit back, relax, and enjoy.

In this episode, our special guest Peter Tennison shares his experience of being away from Simon National Carriers and how it changed his perspective on other transport companies. He discusses the importance of the personal touch and easy communication in a family business. We also touch on the growth of the company and the importance of selecting the right clients to grow with. 

Also in this episode, Ardy, Mick, Mark, and David delve into the significance of building trust and cultivating strong relationships with clients. They highlight how extensive experience in various roles within the business has contributed to their success in establishing trust with clients by leveraging firsthand knowledge of the industry and understanding of client needs. 

Stay tuned till the end for more laughs and a round of car talk with the whole team.

In this episode of Behind the Wheel, the team discusses the logistics industry and offers advice for new staff. They urge newcomers to research the industry and the various roles within the company.  David Simon focused on integrity and the company's commitment to core values.  We also share anecdotes from the past and reminisce about good times and memorable experiences.

This podcast features a conversation with Peter Tennison,  his 33-year career with the company, starting in 1990 as a fleet controller. He shares funny anecdotes from his early days, including encounters with CEO David Simon and being surprised by Morgan Simon's unconventional attire. 

We delve into the aftermath of the pandemic and provide insights into what the business and industry landscape may look like in the coming year or two.  We highlight the potential impact on competitors with greater retail exposure, who may experience a decrease in volume and therefore need to fill their trucks, we briefly touch on potential weather-related challenges, such as floods and heatwaves, which could potentially impact the business. We also talk through equipment costs, particularly for prime movers, are expected to be 30% higher for orders placed this year compared to trucks ordered in 2021. This increase is attributed to factors like transitioning to Euro 6 standards and supply chain issues.

Now Let's Hit The Road.......

In this episode of Behind the Wheel, Trevor Kemp shares his inspirational stories about working with the management team at Simon and his journey from becoming a diesel mechanic to a fleet manager. David Simon, Mick West, Mark Bury and Ardy Almassi then discuss the current market situation

This episode of Behind the Wheel podcast features Trevor Kemp, the longest-serving employee of the company. The team is joined by the company CEO, David Simon, and some of the management team. They discuss the doomsday headlines and their impacts on the business. Trevor shares his first memories of the company and talks about his experiences as a mechanic.