Les Howard

Founder, Howard Auto Service Pty Ltd

Les began his career as an apprentice electrician in the railways, after which he joined the Air Force for two years for his national service and it was during this time he qualified as a radio technician. Les opened his business, Howard Car Radio at Chatswood in 1954 when he was 21 years old and sold and serviced car radios, which in those days could cost up to one month’s wages.

By the early seventies, Les was also trading as North Shore Car Airconditioning and was soon one of Mark IV’s biggest dealers, also selling Smiths and Unicla brands. Gosford branch was added in 1974 and was managed by his son, Alan. The Chatswood facility was sold in early 1989 and Les moved to Waitara where he built premises to house both businesses.

Over many years as a leading car airconditioning, car radio and stereo dealer, Les has always led by example and encouragement.

The now very famous Dick Smith has remarked many times how, as a young man starting in business, he modeled his business on the principles on which Les Howard operated. Les was a founding member in VASA’s NSW division and continues to show a great interest in all VASA work.