This month, our Supplier Spotlight highlights Sandgroper Covers, a local success story that perfectly captures the spirit of Esperance entrepreneurship. What started as a faithful employee stepping up has grown into a thriving business that now serves customers across Australia, all while maintaining that personal touch we love about local businesses.
From Employee to Business Owner
Meet Roz Holben, the driving force behind Sandgroper Covers. Roz’s journey into business ownership began in 2015 when her boss, the original founder, approached her with an unexpected opportunity. After working for Sandgroper Covers for five years and keeping the business running while he travelled, he decided not to return to Esperance.
“He asked if I’d like to buy the business,” Roz recalls. “I never thought I could run or own my own business, but I saw the potential for growth and continuation of the service for local Esperance and WA residents.”
That decision to take the leap has transformed both Roz’s life and the business itself, proving that sometimes the best opportunities come when you least expect them.
Building Success with Community Support
The early days weren’t without challenges. With no prior business experience, Roz had to learn everything from scratch. However, the supportive nature of the Esperance community made all the difference.
“There were plenty of challenges in the early stages with no prior knowledge of running a business, but Esperance is a great community with many qualified businesses willing to help,” Roz explains.
The biggest hurdle was establishing an online presence. Once they successfully launched their website, Sandgroper Covers transformed from a local service into a national supplier. Today, they ship custom seat covers all over Australia and have even fulfilled orders to Thailand, Germany, and New Zealand.
Quality Products and Personalised Service
Sandgroper Covers specialises in custom-made 12 oz canvas and heavy-duty cloth seat covers and accessories for a wide range of vehicles, from 4x4s and cars to commercial vehicles and machinery. Using exclusively Australian-made products, they’ve built their reputation on delivering high-grade quality that meets or exceeds customer expectations at reasonable prices.
Beyond seat covers, the versatile team creates canvas bags for generators, toolboxes, jump leads, and camping gear. Their canvas toilet roll holders have become one of their best sellers, and they also operate a carpet overlocking machine to transform leftover carpet pieces into practical mats.
What truly sets Sandgroper Covers apart is their commitment to personalisation. They can embroider business logos, names, favorite sayings, or pictures onto seat covers, ensuring each product is uniquely tailored to the customer’s needs.
A Dedicated Team
Sandgroper Covers operates as a true family business with four dedicated team members working together to deliver exceptional service. Roz manages multiple roles as business owner, salesperson, accounts manager, and sewer. Her sister Sharon handles sewing, Renae manages cutting and packing, and daughter Kellie takes care of invoicing, wages, and social media promotion.
This close-knit team ensures local customers receive fast service and free fitting, while customers across Australia benefit from free postage and delivery. Their commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in every interaction.
Supporting the Local Community
As an EOPP supplier, Roz is passionate about giving back to the local businesses and farmers who have supported her journey. “I became an EOPP supplier to try and promote my business and give back to the local business/farmers that support me,” she says.
This commitment to community support reflects the values that drive Sandgroper Covers – quality service, local pride, and mutual support.
Visit Sandgroper Covers Today
For custom seat covers and canvas products that combine quality craftsmanship with personalised service, contact Sandgroper Covers today.
Reach them at 1300 103 103 or contact Roz directly at 0428 712 380. Or visit their website at sandgropercovers.com.au, follow them on Facebook, or visit their workshop at 130 Quarry Road, Myrup. They’re open weekdays 8am-3pm, with weekend and after-hours appointments available by arrangement.
Sandgroper Covers demonstrates how dedication, community support, and a commitment to quality can build a thriving local business that serves customers far beyond our region while remaining deeply rooted in Esperance values.
