It is about people: customers and staff

Stephan Venter – Dealer principal

“I love my family, the Kruger Park or nature in general, 4×4-ing. I grew up on a farm and at one time sold tractors. I love “Ford” and my “work” no less – it is as much demanding as it sometimes is relaxing.” Stephan has been involved with Nelspruit Auto since the establishment of the current premises 10 years ago. He can probably write the book on the how to and not to manage a dealership.

It has many challenges and many highlights. Selling a 100 cars in one month in 2005 and the selling 100 cars per month (twice in 2015), being awarded the Sewell’s Business Man of the Year in 2012 for a 230% growth in their business – and this was an absolute team effort, he immediately admits and acknowledges. “Mazda’s seperation from Ford and the advanced preparation we initiated in advance was another highlight of the past 10 years in Riverside. The latter can be considered the mecca of related or near-related businesses offering competitiveness and a dynamic business environment par excellence. This is the “growveld,” he says.

And then he shared something thought-provoking – Nelspruit Ford’s business intention: “We are part of the Produkta Motor Group and our intention is to offer customers and staff alike the advantages that stem from a corporate business enterprise but with the decision-making ability equal to that of a one-man business.” Think about that for a moment! Nelspruit Auto is more of a dealer – it offers a little more on all levels at every opportunity – the community, staff and customers. “I still believe in this country – there are many solutions within our diversity.” He is quiet for a moment and then we concluded the interview. “Our customers and staff are Nelspruit Auto.”

Rassie Kent – Pre-owned sales manager

“I am passionate about cars and all motorsport and although I have done other things before joining Nelspruit Ford nine years ago, this is now my home. Ensuring that we have the correct stock can be a challenge as it has a direct impact on achieving sales targets. We specialise in more expensive quality approved used vehicles and we are a major player in this segment. From time to time however we will stock well-looked-after lower priced units. Our goal is to sell a consistent 50 units every month. My team represent 40 years’ experience.

We have what it takes – we understand value-adding customer service – we understand how to retain customers and our greatest secret to success, is teamwork.” And yes, he has aspirations to become a dealer principal – and he will!

Mike Bosch – Workshop manager

Mike is the only one in his family who love things technical and his passion drives his commitment, and his workshop team’s, to success. He also loves swimming, mountain biking and has 13 Comrades under his belt. So, if you want to go the distance – Mike is your man. “We accommodate as many as 45 vehicles per day, offer an after-hour and emergency service and have added extra services to our standard bouquet so as to offer a one-stop service.

Our greatest challenge is to illuminate misunderstanding by improved communication and yes, coming from a strictly engineering and technical environment, working with people is often much bigger a challenge than the technical part of what we do. We don’t give up, or in, until we have found a solution to our customer’s vehicle challenges – this why we are successful.”

Annelie van Zyl – Finance and insurance (F&I) consultant

Nelspruit Auto employs no less than three F&Is with Annelie being the senior. “It is tough in the kitchen but rock-solid integrity and uncompromising honesty are the keys to success.

Chantell Steenkamp – F&I

Chantell has just joined Nelspruit Auto. She loves scrapbooking and crochet, and is a sucker for financial rules, regulations and commitment to customer service.

Marsha Duncan-White – F&I

A BCom finance wizard with a banking background, she loves her kids, mom, the pets, teamwork and commitment to honesty and integrity.

Hein le Roux – New-vehicle sales manager

Hein played rugby in the lock position, comes from a banking and asset recovering background, loves hitching the caravan to spend time in nature with the family and he says one of his team’s goals is to be the dominant vehicle player in the Lowveld market. “Ford’s product range renders this opportunity and we are on our way,” he says. “We aim to offer a level of customer service that customers will make it easy for customers to deal with us. We focus on relationships instead of doing a transaction for the sake of doing a transaction.

“I have proved it possible to deliver a new vehicle in one hour, it’s a huge rush and we love a challenge – whether the customer buys a Figo or a Ranger bakkie.” It is about commitment, commitment and commitment – vasbyt!

Mary-Ann Braithwaite – Parts manager

The iron lady, perhaps, but she probably knows exactly what is required to do it right the first time, understands stock movement, costs, has an analytical mind that does not tolerate any dead stock and knows how to inspire and unlock her team’s knowledge and potential. “I approach my department’s management responsibility as if I am spending my own money. And, I have been there, so I do know.”

Mary-Ann is a teacher by trade and her exposure to parts began in 1991. She is also a grandmother – competitive by nature and believes in taking responsibility for one’s actions.