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.

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.

I was born and bred in Revesby NSW, I have always supported anyone who races a Ford; supports the Eels; and the greatest origin team in the country, the Blues. I have added the Cowboys to this list as I have spent 19 years in Queensland, and 17 of those in Townsville. I love the laid-back atmosphere in North Queensland, it really is a great place to live and bring up a family.  I first started in the industry in 1990, working for City Ford in Sydney, as an apprentice motor mechanic, it was a great time to be in it as Ford were Number 1 (always number 1 to me). I have also worked at Broadley Ford in Cairns, Thomson Ford in Parramatta, and Kennwal Ford in Nambucca Heads, as you can see, there is a pattern here. I love the brand, always have, and always will. While in Cairns in 1997, I was lucky to meet my wife Renae. We’ve had 2 great kids along the way, Kevin and Ryley, who keep us on our toes. I started with Carmichael’s in 2016 when we moved back, getting a start as a service advisor, then transferring to the parts department for Mercedes. In 2018 I took on the role of Parts Manager for Carmichael Ford. I look forward to meeting our customers every day, and am always happy to talk Ford with them, no matter what year or model as long as it’s FORD.