TP Waters, located just outside Kildare Town, has been an incredible success story from its humble origins over half a century ago.
Tom Waters founded TP Waters in 1971. As a farmer’s son, he had a real interest in agriculture and worked on the family farm in Kilcullen.
In 1959 Tom got a scholarship to study Agriculture at Pallaskenry. After that he secured a job in Reilly’s Maynooth working with Farm Machinery and learned as much as he could. Tom loved farming but it was very difficult to earn a wage from it. Tom met Ann in 1968, and they now have five children and 13 grandchildren.
Pigeon Lane
Pigeon Lane in Kildare Town was the first place Tom opened and he was there from 1971 to 1978, when they moved to the current site. He dealt in second hand farm machinery until 1994.
The work ethic from his background coupled with his curiosity, love of farming and his own drive led to many late nights working on machines so farmers had everything they needed, when they needed.
It was a different time to farm, a different time to supply. There was very much the personal touch, the bespoke orders, and the loyal customer, a part of the business which TP Waters is proud to continue to provide today.
The OHM approached Tom to sell Daihatsu, which seemed like a natural link – sell working jeeps to farmers. With Daihatsu, SEAT, a relatively unknown entity at the time, came with it and it was unknown if or how there would be a market for it alongside farm machinery, but Tom trusted his gut and gave it a go.
SEAT was then taken over from Volkswagen.
TP Waters exceeded all sales targets in that first year. It was a “Diamond in the Rough”!
While farm machinery was initially good, it allowed Tom to travel to Europe to different factories to see how the industry was evolving in the 80’s and how it was looking ahead to the future for farming. However, after a few difficult years of late nights and the hardship of working with farm equipment, all while having a young family at home, Tom decided to focus solely on car sales. The business was to diversify again.
Tom has always felt the need to drive forward and keep moving on regardless. Tom always insisted: “In life and in business you always need to evolve.”
Tom has always had a strong work ethic. He has been front and centre in the business since its start. He loves it and would have always been the first in and last out. Now he has handed this on to his two sons Peter and TJ who have taken over at the helm.
Growing up, Peter always had an interest and would have shadowed his dad building and putting together farm machinery. He studied Agricultural Engineering, lived and worked in the UK and in the middle of the recession in 1994, much like his dad, decided to come home and work in the family business.
TJ followed suit, shadowing his dad and Peter and started properly in 2000. He said: “It was a great time to start in the motor industry but we were always looking ahead, seeing what was new and next for us.”
Over the last 53 years the core of the business has always remained the same: customer focused, family run, honest, integrity and drive.
Mazda
After selling large brands, TP Waters took on Mazda in 2012.
It aligned with what the brand was doing – independently owned, customer and quality focused. It is not lost that Mazda has been in business for over a century and TP Waters is half a century!
The car industry has changed dramatically over the last number of years with the introduction and advancement of technology, more competition on a global and local scale from brands with the ever-growing population and dealerships to match, along with how dealerships are now using social media to sell more and more.
Heading into their 54th year of business in 2025, Peter and TJ want to continue what their dad has started by working on exciting plans, keeping customers number one in mind, driving on and moving forward.
About Mazda Motor Corp founder
Jujiro Matsuda is the man who founded a company known as Mazda Motor Corporation today.
Growing up and spending his early years in an environment that was far from peaceful and well-endowed, Jujiro was constantly driven by his passion for manufacturing.
Having faith in his own capabilities, having faith in others and in heaven gave him confidence to face failures, prosper with others and ultimately enjoy success.
The founder’s life and spirit continues to thrive in Mazda Motor Corporation today – a car company that celebrates the unwavering spirit, defies convention and dares to challenge.
Contact Details
045-521400
Exit 13, M7, Kildare Town, (2 mins from Kildare Village),Co. Kildare,R51 EV29,
Sales Opening Hours
Mon – Fri: 8:30am – 5:30pm
Sat: 9:00am – 1:00pm
Visit us online at www.tpwaters.ie.
This post was originally published on here
