Isuzu recognises Team Elite talent

Shane Hilder of Tasmanian Isuzu dealer, Webster trucks, has taken top honors in Isuzu Australia Limited's National Champion Sales Consultant competition, held recently at Isuzu’s head office in Melbourne as part of its 2021 Team Elite sales awards. 

It's the seventh time Mr Hilder has claimed the prestigious award, this time edging out rivals Simon Mariani of NSW dealer Gilbert & Roach, and Sedat Cliftci of Victoria’s Northeast Isuzu Shepparton. 

Isuzu’s Team Elite program has now been running for over two decades and aims to encourage, strengthen and showcase the skills and knowledge accumulated across the brand’s national dealer network. 

Isuzu Australia National Sales Manager, Les Spaltman, praised the three finalists for their efforts and their unwavering dedication to their roles. 

“Well done to Simon and Sedat, who performed remarkably,” he said. 

“Although falling just short of the top spot in second and third place, their hard work is appreciated and we hope to see them challenging their skills again in future Team Elite programs. 

“Our hearty congratulations to Shane, who continues to be a credit to both his team and the Isuzu Trucks name. 

“Well done on an incredible achievement and for putting your knowledge into practice not only in the competition but for the benefit of Isuzu's customers over many years.” 

Mr Hilder was ecstatic to claim his seventh title. 

“It's a proud moment for me and I am grateful, as always, to call the passionate and committed people at Webster Trucks my team,” he said. 

“Most have been around for over 20 years, and with them there's great rapport, product knowledge and group spirit which all contributes to our success.” 

In the Service Manager category of Isuzu’s 2021 Team Elite awards it was Suresh Millar from South Australia's North East Isuzu, Dean Pollard from Western Australia’s Southwest Isuzu and John Tsacos of New South Wales’ Wagga Motors who took out the top three spots, while the top three Parts Managers awards went to David Canny of Western Australia's Major Motors, Grant Davey of New South Wales’ Wagga Motors and Adrian Speck of New South Wales’ Peel Valley Isuzu. 

Mr Spaltman said the Isuzu Team Elite program underlined the brand’s commitment to training and rewarding the next generation of performers. 

“Our Team Elite champions are the best Isuzu has to offer in the truck, selling and aftercare business,” he said. 

“But in regard to all our 2021 Team Elite competitors, their performance is a great testament to their respective dealerships, proving their dedication in the field and a desire for continuous improvement. 

“It gives me great pleasure personally to recognise Shane, our 2021 sales champion, along with the winners in service and parts on behalf of my Isuzu colleagues. We are very proud to have such outstanding staff representing the Isuzu brand.”