Breathing new life into established award-winning business Wilsons of Rathkenny, 22-year-old Johnny Wilson has brought along millions of new followers.

"They are not all customers, but there are potential customers there,” he said.

"Social media is a very powerful tool and I am trying to take full advantage of it. I am a jokey sort of a boy which is the right personality for it.

“You can’t take life too seriously”.

Just six months ago, his father John Wilson died, sending shockwaves throughout Ballymena.

The respected figure in the motor trade had helped lead the family-run vehicle dealership Wilson’s of Rathkenny alongside his brother Darren.

"You just have to get on with it because we have no other choice,” said Johnny.

“I learned everything I know from him. He liked a bit of craic and to enjoy life too,” he added.

Johnny - a manager in the company which has around 70 employees – said he saw a “hole in the market on TikTok in the line of work we are in”.

"I started the TikTok because there were hardly any others at it in the line of work we are in,” he said.

"I thought I would give it a go and it has taken off not too bad.

"In a month we would get about 3 and a half million views,” he added.

"I am unsure how much the TikTok is boosting our sales – but it is definitely boosting our audience,” he said.

And all ages see the videos.

"The sillier the TikTok is the farther it is shared on social media,” he added.

Johnny said that some younger customers when they come into the showroom “would rather deal with me because they have seen my face on TikTok”.

"Everything I video I would be doing anyway,” said Johnny. “I am mainly agri, although I take a wee bit to do with the cars as I have been around or involved in the business 7 years with two of those in sales".

Looking ahead, Johnny has a clear vision of where he would like to see the business growing.

"We are going to try to continue on with what we are doing and try hard to get into merchandise,” he said.

Wilsons of Rathkenny Agri won the Family Business of the Year award at the Northern Ireland Farming Awards 2026.

"My sister Amy Wilson collected the award on behalf of Wilson’s of Rathkenny and she helps out with the marketing for the whole site”, Johnny Said.

"My uncle Darren is managing director and we work together looking after the site.

"We pride ourselves on the family business and Darren’s son Lee Wilson is also now working in the business.

"We do our best to look after our customers and we have a very long standing customer database. We pride ourselves in continuing the family business on,” he added.

Wilsons of Rathkenny are Seat and Kia approved repairers and have a Vauxhall full line franchise.

The company has more than 40 years experience and a vast range of new and used cars and a professional Sales and Aftersales team.

From 1964 to the present day, Wilsons of Rathkenny have provided tailored solutions to the Agriculture and Groundcare industries in Northern Ireland and further afield.

They are the Ireland Distributors for Weidemann wheeled loaders and telehandlers.

They also are the main dealers for Husqvarna Forest and Garden and Pro Turf ranges, Honda Quads, Chapman Machinery, Garden Equipment and Yamaha Golf Cars/Buggies.