As the saying goes, “If you love what you do, you will never have to work a day in your life.”
This is the case for Martin Erwee, a Rynfield resident, who has been a sales executive at East Rand Toyota in Boksburg for 31 years. This is where he started his career.
The top sales executive recently scooped the Toyota Automark Sales Executive Knight of the Year accolade for the 16th consecutive year.
He has been a Toyota knight for 28 years and is also the longest-serving knight. Furthermore, Erwee is the first Toyota master sales executive in South Africa.
The Toyota Knights represent an elite group of salespeople who are valuable assets to both their dealerships and Toyota SA.
Not only do they make a significant contribution to the viability, by way of profitability, to their dealerships, but they also promote the image of the salesperson and create aspirational levels for other Toyota salespeople.
The prestigious Knights Investiture ceremony took place at the Radisson Blue Hotel in Cape Town on March 19, where the top achievers of the 2021 Knights programme were announced.
This is a remarkable achievement for Erwee, since the entire Toyota network competes for the Knight of the Year title. He is honoured and proud of his achievement.
“Just to be a Knight is a big accomplishment itself and to win it is just amazing. Each year I work hard to defend my title and I’m just as excited as the first time. It’s like putting a Springbok jersey over your head, the honour will always be there.
“I’m passionate about my job. I believe you will never achieve success if you don’t enjoy your career.
“I don’t just sell motor vehicles, I sell a service. It’s important to be well-informed and deliver the best service possible. I also form a good relationship with my clients, who I refer to as my guests. It’s important to gain their trust. I also always try to improve.
“We had a lot of challenges the last two years due to Covid-19 and we had to change our way of doing business. Despite this, Toyota did well. In difficult situations you don’t just go and lie down,” he said.
Ervee is also very involved in the community because he wants to make a difference.
“I want to look after people who can’t look after themselves, like the elderly, children and animals. I assist organisations such as Benoni Salvation Army, New Beginnings, Delmas Animal Shelter and many more.”
He thanked his ‘guests’ for their support over the last 31 years.
“I wouldn’t have been able to do it without their support. I also want to thank my wife and children for their assistance.”
Corne de Witt, dealer principal of East Rand Toyota, congratulated Erwee on his achievement.
“What an absolute honour it is for East Rand Toyota to have Martin as a sales executive for 31 years. It is a privilege for us to be able to work with a person of his calibre, commitment and loyalty to the dealership and the Toyota brand.
“We are proud to say that he has set the benchmark, not only in service delivery to our customers but also in your social involvement in our community.”
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