Logan company in top 40

John and Yvonne Jeffreys

THEY introduced a new breed of nomads to Australia's roads, and in so doing have put Logan on the map.

John and Yvonne Jeffreys joined an elite group of entrepreneurs this year when their company, The Motorhome Conversion Company ranked 40th on this year's BRW Fast 100, which recognises Australia's fastest growing businesses.

It's a feat that warrants even greater kudos when it's considered they achieved this in the face of a global financial crisis that brought thousands of businesses to their knees.

Last Tuesday morning, Logan Deputy Mayor Russell Lutton joined a host of other business associates and customers to congratulate the Jeffreys' on their astounding success.

“The Motorhome Conversion Company is a Logan business we can all be proud of,” Cr Lutton said.

“From its humble beginnings in 2005, with one factory and two staff members, the business has grown to have two factories and more than 20 staff members.”

Inspiration for the grey nomads – the name given to the Jeffreys' converted motorhomes – was sprung when John heard that by 2020, 50 percent of the Australian population would be over the age of 50.

“Embracing retired life and hitting the open road is central to the Australian psyche,” John said.

He started acquiring second hand school buses, stripped them down and refitted them with cabinetry, sleeping areas, bathroom and kitchen fixtures. And the grey nomad was born - a custom-fitted, second hand motorhome that retails at almost half the price of a new model vehicle.

John said after acquiring the second hand vehicle it took approximately three months to refit and refurbish the grey nomads. Most of the process involved in converting the motorhomes is done in Logan.

The Motorhome Conversion Company has also been nominated for an Australian Small Business Award, winners of which will be announced this month.