Meet the Team
The Leadership Team
Gary Lewis
Carmichael Ford
Dealer Principal
Back in 1993 I began my journey with the team at Carmichael Ford. Starting as a first year apprentice, I spent the next three and a half years working with and under some great people who did their best to turn me into a great mechanic.
It was not long after finishing my apprenticeship though, that I was offered an opportunity to move into a Service Advisor role. (Still unsure if this was because I showed promise in the role, or they needed a reason to move me off the tools.) I spent 18 months in that role before being promoted to Service Manager in 1998.
I married my beautiful wife, Rebecca, in 1999, and I had two children, Maddie and Coop, and was blessed with one wonderful child and another one… I will let you decide which one is which. Both of whom work in the business today whilst completing their university studies. Luckily for our marriage, Bec is a Midwife, as we would not be still together now if we worked together.
In 2007, the company expanded to encompass the Ford Dealership in Mackay. My family, two dogs, two cats and I relocated as I took on the position of Dealer Principal of Powerhouse Ford and partner of the group. This move was one that lasted for six years until Townsville called and it was time to move back home.
So here I am today, as Dealer Principal and Director of Carmichael Ford. A job which I enjoy immensely, working with an amazing team of people who are like a family. I have the ability to meet so many new people every day and some of our clients have become genuine friends over the last 28 years. Next time you are in the area, feel free to pop in and say hi.
Helen Kelly
Carmichael Ford
Financial Controller
Matt Spencer
New Vehicles Sales Department
General Sales Manager
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.
OP
Owen Petersen
Service Department
Service Manager
Rhett Brown
Parts Department
Parts Manager
JH
Jenna Heidke
Parts & Service - Ayr Branch
Ayr Branch Manager
The New Vehicles Sales Team
Matt Spencer
New Vehicles Sales Department
General Sales Manager
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.
CC
Chase Coyne
New Vehicles Sales Department
NEW VEHICLES SALES REPRESENTATIVE
Cooper Lewis
New Vehicles Sales Department
Fleet Sales Representative
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.
DS
Dylan Southwell
New Vehicles Sales Department
NEW VEHICLES SALES REPRESENTATIVE
JB
Justin Bonner
New Vehicles Sales Department
NEW VEHICLES SALES REPRESENTATIVE
MG
Mitch Grady
New Vehicles Sales Department
NEW VEHICLES SALES CADET
Rob Jarvis
New Vehicles Sales Department
New VEHICLES Sales Representative
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!
WK
Wayne Kelly
New Vehicles Sales Department
Sales Business Manager
ET
Emily Tonion
New Vehicles Sales Department
Aftercare Consultant
The Used Vehicles Sales Team
NB
Nigel Batt
Used Vehicles Sales Department
Used Vehicles Sales Manager
CM
Casey Murray
Used Vehicles Sales Department
Used Vehicles Sales Cadet
The Service Team
OP
Owen Petersen
Service Department
Service Manager
Natalie Lewis
Service Department
Customer Service Manager
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.
CB
Cameron Bawden
Service Department
CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE
Morgan Osborne
Service Department
Customer Service Representative
Kiara Carloff
customer service representative
KP
Krystal Porter
Service Department
Service Receptionist
Brodie Flynn
Service Department
Workshop Foreman
The Parts Team
Rhett Brown
Parts Department
Parts Manager
AS
Andrew Stupple
Parts Department
Parts Interpreter
DD
David Dolan
Parts Interpreter
Braedan Nemec
Parts Department
Parts Interpreter
The Ayr Team
JH
Jenna Heidke
Parts & Service - Ayr Branch
Ayr Branch Manager
LO
Linda O'Brien
Parts & Service - Ayr Branch
Customer Service Representative
AR
Alyce Robinson
Parts & Service - Ayr Branch
Parts Interpreter
Meet the Team
The Leadership Team
Gary Lewis
Dealer Principal
Helen Kelly
Financial Controller
Matt Spencer
General Sales Manager
OP
Owen Petersen
Service Manager
Rhett Brown
Parts Manager
JH
Jenna Heidke
Ayr Branch Manager
The New Vehicles Sales Team
Matt Spencer
General Sales Manager
CC
Chase Coyne
NEW VEHICLES SALES REPRESENTATIVE
Cooper Lewis
Fleet Sales Representative
DS
Dylan Southwell
NEW VEHICLES SALES REPRESENTATIVE
JB
Justin Bonner
NEW VEHICLES SALES REPRESENTATIVE
MG
Mitch Grady
NEW VEHICLES SALES CADET
Rob Jarvis
New VEHICLES Sales Representative
WK
Wayne Kelly
Sales Business Manager
ET
Emily Tonion
Aftercare Consultant
The Used Vehicles Sales Team
NB
Nigel Batt
Used Vehicles Sales Manager
CM
Casey Murray
Used Vehicles Sales Cadet
The Service Team
OP
Owen Petersen
Service Manager
Natalie Lewis
Customer Service Manager
CB
Cameron Bawden
CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE
Morgan Osborne
Customer Service Representative
Kiara Carloff
customer service representative
KP
Krystal Porter
Service Receptionist
Brodie Flynn
Workshop Foreman
The Parts Team
Rhett Brown
Parts Manager
AS
Andrew Stupple
Parts Interpreter
DD
David Dolan
Parts Interpreter
Braedan Nemec
Parts Interpreter
The Ayr Team
JH
Jenna Heidke
Ayr Branch Manager
LO
Linda O'Brien
Customer Service Representative
AR
Alyce Robinson
Parts Interpreter
Gary Lewis
Dealer Principal
Back in 1993 I began my journey with the team at Carmichael Ford. Starting as a first year apprentice, I spent the next three and a half years working with and under some great people who did their best to turn me into a great mechanic.
It was not long after finishing my apprenticeship though, that I was offered an opportunity to move into a Service Advisor role. (Still unsure if this was because I showed promise in the role, or they needed a reason to move me off the tools.) I spent 18 months in that role before being promoted to Service Manager in 1998.
I married my beautiful wife, Rebecca, in 1999, and I had two children, Maddie and Coop, and was blessed with one wonderful child and another one… I will let you decide which one is which. Both of whom work in the business today whilst completing their university studies. Luckily for our marriage, Bec is a Midwife, as we would not be still together now if we worked together.
In 2007, the company expanded to encompass the Ford Dealership in Mackay. My family, two dogs, two cats and I relocated as I took on the position of Dealer Principal of Powerhouse Ford and partner of the group. This move was one that lasted for six years until Townsville called and it was time to move back home.
So here I am today, as Dealer Principal and Director of Carmichael Ford. A job which I enjoy immensely, working with an amazing team of people who are like a family. I have the ability to meet so many new people every day and some of our clients have become genuine friends over the last 28 years. Next time you are in the area, feel free to pop in and say hi.
Helen Kelly
Financial Controller
Matt Spencer
General Sales Manager
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.
OP
Owen Petersen
Service Manager
Rhett Brown
Parts Manager
JH
Jenna Heidke
Ayr Branch Manager
Matt Spencer
General Sales Manager
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.
CC
Chase Coyne
NEW VEHICLES SALES REPRESENTATIVE
Cooper Lewis
Fleet Sales Representative
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.
DS
Dylan Southwell
NEW VEHICLES SALES REPRESENTATIVE
JB
Justin Bonner
NEW VEHICLES SALES REPRESENTATIVE
MG
Mitch Grady
NEW VEHICLES SALES CADET
Rob Jarvis
New VEHICLES Sales Representative
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!
WK
Wayne Kelly
Sales Business Manager
ET
Emily Tonion
Aftercare Consultant
NB
Nigel Batt
Used Vehicles Sales Manager
CM
Casey Murray
Used Vehicles Sales Cadet
OP
Owen Petersen
Service Manager
Natalie Lewis
Customer Service Manager
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.
CB
Cameron Bawden
CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE
Morgan Osborne
Customer Service Representative
Kiara Carloff
customer service representative
KP
Krystal Porter
Service Receptionist
Rhett Brown
Parts Manager
AS
Andrew Stupple
Parts Interpreter
DD
David Dolan
Parts Interpreter
Braedan Nemec
Parts Interpreter
JH
Jenna Heidke
Ayr Branch Manager
LO
Linda O'Brien
Customer Service Representative