Three leading sales competitors from across the Isuzu Trucks dealer network have gone head-to-head to compete for top honours in the company’s National Champion Sales Consultant competition.
Three leading sales competitors are chosen to take part each year. Out of a pool of over 70 dealers, Simon Mariani of Gilbert & Roach (NSW), Shane Hilder of Webster Trucks (Tasmania) and Sedat Ciftci of North East Isuzu Shepparton (Victoria) were selected.
The National Champion Sales Consultant competition forms part of Isuzu’s Team Elite awards for 2021, which was recently held at the IAL Head Office in Truganina, Melbourne.
National Champion Sales Consultant competition finalists are tested on their product knowledge, brand knowledge and truck model-specific knowledge. This includes completing a series of written and practical examinations, including simulated sales scenarios.
Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) national sales manager, Les Spaltman, says the results were a close call, with Shane Hilder of Webster Trucks accumulating the highest points overall.
It’s the seventh time Hilder has been crowned National Champion Sales Consultant.
“Our hearty congratulations to Shane, who continues to be a credit to both his team and the Isuzu Trucks name,” said Spaltman.
“Well done on an incredible achievement and for putting your knowledge into practice not only in the competition, but for the benefit of Isuzu’s customers over many years.
“It’s a proud moment for me and I am grateful as always to call the passionate and committed people at Webster Trucks my team.
“Most have been around for over 20 years, and with them there’s great rapport, product knowledge, and group spirit, which all contributes to our success.”
Spaltman also congratulated the runners up. “Well done to Simon and Sedat who performed remarkably. Although falling just short of the top spot in second and third place, their hard work is appreciated, and we hope to see them challenging their skills again in future Team Elite programs.”
Isuzu’s Team Elite Awards has been running for 20 years, using a points-based competition format with generous incentives. Along with sales, awards are also presented to service and parts specialists.
In the service category, Suresh Millar (North East Isuzu, SA), Dean Pollard (South West Isuzu, WA) and John Tsacos (Wagga Motors, NSW) accumulated the highest Team Elite points, taking out the top three spots for Service Manager excellence.
When asked about the secret to his success, North East Isuzu service manager, Suresh Millar, said, “In three words: drive, vison and a ‘can-do’ work ethic.
“This is more of a win for North East Isuzu as a whole, as the team have over the years pooled our individual efforts as a collective towards one desired goal – customer service excellence. Its mirrored is this award.
In the parts arena, David Canny (Major Motors, WA) Grant Davey (Wagga Motors, NSW) and Adrian Speck (Peel Valley Isuzu, NSW) emerged as Team Elite’s top three parts managers across the country.
“At Major Motors we always try to do our utmost for our customers, from the owner drivers right up to the global mining companies,” said Major Motors Group parts manager, David Canny.
“Regardless of fleet size, it is always our aim to have the correct parts supplied in a timely manner.
“I’d like to thank our customers for their continued support and our parts teams at all our branches. We are very fortunate to have great people who are loyal, dedicated and a pleasure to work with.”
Spaltman praised the efforts of all those taking part in this year’s awards. “In regard to all our 2021 Team Elite competitors, their performance is a great testament to their respective dealerships, proving their dedication in the field and a desire for continuous improvement.
“It gives me great pleasure personally to recognise Shane, our 2021 sales champion, along with the winners in service and parts on behalf of my Isuzu colleagues,” he continued.
“We are very proud to have such outstanding staff representing the Isuzu brand.”