VVGA Secretary Malcolm Macpherson has had a long association with Parmaker and in particular Luke Richter. In 1999 Malcolm following a replacement Knee was required to seek assistance to enable him to play. A visit to see Luke and his recommendation was a Parmaker ride on three wheeler Explorer.
Malcolm has ridden the Explorer for 13 years and during that time there has been practically no maintenance issues. Any small problems have been cheerfully and promptly rectified. Malcolm recommends all Parmker Products to Veteran golfers and their friends. Parmaker have been sponsoring the Veterans for 17 years and their contribution has been much appreciated by all Veteran Golfers. Below Malcolm on his trusty Parmaker.
Malcolm Macpherson, VVGA Secretary
By Malcolm Macpherson
Secretary VVGA AVGU and Melbourne District
Former Melbourne Veteran golfer George Austin from Long Island Golf Club began manufacturing 3 wheeled single person ride on buggies in the late 1970’s. George had built himself a ride on to allow him to overcome his bad knees and be able to continue his golf. This was to be the beginning of the Parmaker as we know it today.
Even in the early days of Veteran Golf George could see a market for his product as he shared his disability with many others. He started to receive orders and before long had sold his initial four buggies with many orders coming in so he moved the business from his garage into more formal premises.
Initially all components were bought elsewhere and assembled. Gradually though, plant and dozens of injection moulding tools were made, improving the quality and reducing the cost of production.
The Parmaker Spirit George’s original model retails for the same price today as it did 25 years ago.
This “in house” philosophy has been applied to the company’s entire range with virtually everything being built on site.
This has four principle advantages;
- Parmakers are stronger
- Parmakers are more sensibly priced
- The service is superior
- Parmaker is long term
If a component proves not to be strong enough, it is reengineered.
The production of Parmakers in house allows the products to be marketed at a far lower price than competitors providing maximum value for money.
Parmaker is here to stay and have already outlived many brands who whilst apparently offering a cheaper option have not been able to stay the distance. In many cases parts are not available so be careful not to be stuck with something that cannot be fixed.
Parmaker prides itself on their friendly and superior in house service, mainly while you wait.
Parmaker have come a long way since 1979. The factory has moved 4 times to larger premises, and the machines built today reflect the advances in electronics, materials and production processes.
You will only need to buy one Parmaker
George Austins nephew Phil Austin and Luke Richter took full control of the business 6 years ago. They spent a couple of hundred thousand dollars on the Scout plastic frame, the one donated to the Veterans for the past 3 years. They bought the the present premises and are definitely in this business for the long term. Phil runs the manufacturing side of the business and Luke operates the business side without interfering with each others responsibilities.
Veteran Golf has been magnificently supported by Parmaker for over 15 years and they have become close partners with both organizations having parallel priorities in offering senior golfers the opportunity to continue their sporting love of golf.
I urge all Veterans to develop a loyalty to Parmaker by purchasing their Products and using your influence to create buying opportunities for your friends, they will not be disappointed.
Malcolm Macpherson
Luke Richter in action
