Rico Belcourt

For the past year, I have taken risky endeavours in the self-contracting world and completed vehicle towing and transport jobs.

These jobs have varied in distance and magnitude: From local pickups around Aucklands north shore to inter-island transport utilising the ferry to make deliveries to and from the South Island. Furthermore, these jobs ranged from motorcycles and large utes, to Jet Skis and caravans.

Although not massively profitable, challenging moments on some of these long-distance trips have given me great experience: hands-on, working under high pressure, and a can-do attitude.

Work experience in 2023, and some casual work since. In this time, I worked closely with Alec in a mobile setup to carry out work, including servicing, repairing, and testing a very wide range of Powersports, including motorcycles (off-road and on-road), ride-on lawnmowers, and jet skis.

My responsibilities included relocating and test-driving vehicles, collecting parts in company cars, and dropping off customers. I performed minor mechanical work independently and assisted senior mechanics with major repairs. I also handled inward goods, checked in vehicles, maintained the workshop, and operated a hydraulic pallet jack to move heavy items like engines and gearboxes. Additionally, I regularly rearranged vehicles on-site, always without incident, even in tight spaces.

• Measuring fuel loads for each session to a high level of accuracy, as required for professional motorsport.
• Pumping fuel out of the cars and weighing them after being on track to ensure correct amounts remain, and to calculate fuel usage.
• Discussing fuel levels with senior engineers.
• Moving tires to the right place at the right time.
• Cleaning cars and wheels.
• General workshop maintenance.
• Changing tyres/ pitstops.
• Driving personnel to the track, including long distances (8+ hours).

In 2023, I primarily worked in retail at Cycletreads, generating $120,000 in sales. I developed broad product knowledge across road and off-road gear, allowing me to assist customers thoroughly and meet their needs. Beyond sales, I maintained the shop, managed inward goods, did stock takes, and placed supplier orders. I also, at times: handled the online store, processing orders, preparing shipments, and communicating with customers via email and phone.

• Servicing motorcycles, replacing tyres, and fixing punctures. Along with other general workshop duties.

• General shop upkeep and cleaning.
• Fulfilling online orders and using company cars to deliver.
• Greeted customers with a smile, and helped with any produce enquiries.
• Stocked shelves and carried out quality control of fresh produce.
• Frequent operation of P.O.S., including editing prices and discounts.
• Training of multiple new staff members.
• Close down shop at the end of the day, and ensure all necessary produce is packed securely into the chillers.
• Managing the store while alone, sometimes for long periods.
• Cash and POS reconciliation.