The Drive Behind Metro Petroleum

A Humble Beginning

John’s journey began in 1978 at a small service station on Punchbowl Road. Initially a machine operator at Marshall Batteries, a friend’s belief in John’s “golden hands” for service station mechanics and his love for cars propelled him to venture into the gasoline service industry. It was a shift that would set the stage for a decades-long saga of growth and innovation.
“My mate told me I should leave Marshall Batteries,” John recalls. “He pushed me into it, and I haven’t looked back since.”

Leaving School to Support Family

The decision to leave school wasn’t easy. At just 14 years and nine months old, John left his formal education behind to support his family. With six siblings at home, he knew his contribution was crucial. “My parents were working so hard,” he said. “I couldn’t concentrate on school, so I left to work.”

The Birth of a Legacy

John’s entry into the Caltex service station marked the real beginning of what would later become a family legacy. Alongside his father, and later joined by his brother George, John navigated the tumultuous waters of petrol strikes and fierce competition to establish a firm footing in the industry.
Despite challenges, John’s determination never wavered. “Caltex supported us, told us to stay, and then rewarded our hard work with 42 sites to manage,” he explained. This support was crucial as it came during a time when competition threatened to overpower their budding enterprise.

A Strategic Expansion

The pivotal moment in John’s career came when he decided to expand beyond Celtic’s reach. “Caltex couldn’t promise me what my family business needed. So, I resigned and went to Mobile, who offered me 18 sites,” John detailed. This bold move was followed by purchasing a distributorship in 2004, which led to significant expansion.

Fostering Community and Corporate Relationships

What sets John apart is his emphasis on community and relationships. His strategy involved bringing in friends, neighbours, and relatives as partners, which not only accelerated growth but also cemented the business as a community-centered entity.
“We built a nice name out there,” John said, reflecting on the communal effort. “People started coming to us, asking to be part of our brand or to buy into it. That’s how we grew.”

Today and Beyond

Today, Metro Petroleum stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, community, and strategic foresight, with John Dib at its helm. His story is not just about building a business but about nurturing a community that grows together.

As John concluded, “I could go on for weeks telling you about all the stories, but that’s where we are. Thank you very much to all the family, friends, and companies that supported us. We had strong support from everyone.”

John Dib’s journey from a young mechanic to a leading figure in the petroleum industry is a narrative of dedication and success. His story inspires many and underscores the essence of Australian entrepreneurship.