Born in the UK (said like Bruce Springsteen for the oldies out there), I joined the military after leaving school way back in 1986, throwing myself out of aeroplanes for a living… I served full time, part time and ended up instructing cadets until 1994 when I started within the automotive industry. During this time I met my best friend and wife of 30 years and had two wonderful whipper snippers, Leah now 29 and Matt Jnr now 27, both of whom have spread their wings and started life’s journey. My first role within the automotive industry was sales with a large reputable automotive glazing company, after just 6 months I was offered promotion to branch manager with my own site in Warrington, Cheshire (Go the Warrington Wolves 😊). I built the branch with 2 sales reps, 6 mobile techs on the road, 2 base fitter techs, 1 radio fitter and 1 regional trainer and I spent 9 enjoyable years until we decided to pick up sticks and emigrate to “the Land Down Under” in 2003, straight to chilly Townsville. I was offered branch manager of Novus windscreens, again building the company until 2007 where I switched to dealership land as a sales manager with Volkswagen, working my way up to General Manager of VW passenger, VW Commercial and Skoda. After 12 hard years and reaching the ripe old age of 50, my wife and I decided we needed a sabbatical, we both gave up our jobs, bought a boat and took some time off for ourselves to chill out for a few months, it was about this time Andrew and Gary dropped me a line and asked me for a coffee and a chat. Which brings me to today and writing this little bio, I was very kindly offered a role from Gary and Andrew and started with Carmichael Ford in January of this year. I have spent the last 25 years in the auto industry, met many great people along the way, all of which I have learned from and still learn from. Here at Carmichael Ford I am loving it, such a great friendly family atmosphere and every day is living the dream.

Born in the UK (said like Bruce Springsteen for the oldies out there), I joined the military after leaving school way back in 1986, throwing myself out of aeroplanes for a living… I served full time, part time and ended up instructing cadets until 1994 when I started within the automotive industry. During this time I met my best friend and wife of 30 years and had two wonderful whipper snippers, Leah now 29 and Matt Jnr now 27, both of whom have spread their wings and started life’s journey. My first role within the automotive industry was sales with a large reputable automotive glazing company, after just 6 months I was offered promotion to branch manager with my own site in Warrington, Cheshire (Go the Warrington Wolves 😊). I built the branch with 2 sales reps, 6 mobile techs on the road, 2 base fitter techs, 1 radio fitter and 1 regional trainer and I spent 9 enjoyable years until we decided to pick up sticks and emigrate to “the Land Down Under” in 2003, straight to chilly Townsville. I was offered branch manager of Novus windscreens, again building the company until 2007 where I switched to dealership land as a sales manager with Volkswagen, working my way up to General Manager of VW passenger, VW Commercial and Skoda. After 12 hard years and reaching the ripe old age of 50, my wife and I decided we needed a sabbatical, we both gave up our jobs, bought a boat and took some time off for ourselves to chill out for a few months, it was about this time Andrew and Gary dropped me a line and asked me for a coffee and a chat. Which brings me to today and writing this little bio, I was very kindly offered a role from Gary and Andrew and started with Carmichael Ford in January of this year. I have spent the last 25 years in the auto industry, met many great people along the way, all of which I have learned from and still learn from. Here at Carmichael Ford I am loving it, such a great friendly family atmosphere and every day is living the dream.

I've been with Carmichael Ford since 2018, however have grown up in and around the business over the years. Working in the Fleet Sales role is a rewarding experience that allows me to meet new clients every day, and continue to build on and grow relationships with people who have been customers of our Dealership since before I was born. In my free time, I enjoy coaching rowing on the Ross River, as well as getting out for a row myself when time allows. I'm a Townsville local, and love everything that Townsville has to offer.

Some of you may know me as “The Canadian guy”. I started my sales career at Carmichael-Ford back in 2008 and previously worked in hospitality and film & TV in Sydney and Toronto, Canada. Being a people business that Carmichael-Ford is I believe that being relatable is so important. I’m not that stereotypical sales shark whom your Great-Uncle Frank warns you about before you walk in the dealership. I’m a real person just like you who forgets his lunch at home. I also have to juggle the school drop-offs with my Wife and make sure our 11 year old remembers his school hat. Just like you, I also have to deal with the cane toads in the backyard so the dog doesn’t lick them. If you’re in Defence, we’ll have a good chat too as I have close family members posted here in Townsville and have a good understanding of your greater family and community here in our garrison town. Please look me up next time you pop in!

In 2005 I started on my adventure with the Carmichael Ford team working as a receptionist and Customer Liaison Officer, which I enjoyed thoroughly until I moved into Service Advising for five years. It was 2010 when I was offered the position of Marketing Manager which I soon found was not my strong suit as I missed the interactions with my customers. In March 2011 the opportunity arose to be promoted to the Service Manager at Powerhouse Ford in Mackay. So I packed up my life into a few suitcases (and trucks) and moved down to Mackay. I spent this time improving my management skills and exploring a new world until Townsville called, and it was time to come back home and join my family again. I started back in Townsville as the Service Manager at Mercedes Benz. I gained a lot of experience in all of these changes as well as becoming the Service Manager at the Motolife Dealership. In 2016 I returned to Carmichael Ford as Customer Service Manager and so after 14 years with the company, here I am today, the Service Manager of Carmichael Ford. I thrive, working with such a great team who have become family, and the wonderful customers that I have built long term relationships with. I have the privilege of meeting many new customers each and every day. Next time you’re in the area feel free to pop in and say hi.