Hi Steve, Can you tell us about your role at One Nexus?

I’ve been a Trade Sales Development Manager (TSDM) with One Nexus since September 2013. My role is primarily to provide support to the Ford dealer network in achieving success across all areas of their parts and trade wholesale business, including mechanical parts, collision revenue and accessories, consumables and overall parts operations.

What is your experience in the automotive industry so far?
I’ve spent my entire working career in the automotive industry and been fortunate to gain invaluable experience across a variety of roles. Throughout this time, I’ve developed a strong understanding of dealership operations, customer service, parts sales and business development. Beginning straight out of high school in 1995, I joined the team at a large Ford dealership network where I was employed as a parts apprentice in the warehouse. From there, I quickly progressed through a variety of management roles including warehouse management, dispatch management, sales representative, account team management and completed my parts interpreting apprenticeship. Along the way I gained formal qualifications including a TAFE certificate in Automotive Parts and Mechanical Science and the industry standard certificate as Parts Interpreter Specialist. These experiences provided me with a strong foundation and deep understanding of the parts business from the ground up. I also gained a strong understanding of the differences between dealerships, how different teams work and this has certainly shaped my approach as a Trade Sales Development Manager today, where I can draw on over 30 years of industry experience to guide Ford staff and their teams towards sustained success.

How has your journey with One Nexus been so far?
My journey with One Nexus has been both rewarding and enjoyable. Since joining the team in 2013, I’ve had the privilege to work alongside a wide range of professional colleagues and all-round outstanding human beings. Many of which have I have formed a strong connection to and would absolutely consider as great friends, trusted confidents and people whom I genuinely care about. From a professional standpoint, it has absolutely had an overwhelming influence over who I am today and something I am so very grateful for. I am still learning something new everyday and so long as this continues, I know that I am exactly where I need to be.

What would you say you enjoy most about your job?
My job has given me many moments of satisfaction and joy, especially when I see members of staff or a member of a dealerships team succeed and grow professionally and individually. I enjoy the mentoring aspect of the role most and the assisting with the development of someone’s confidence. Too many times, I have seen individuals convinced that they can’t make it or can’t reach a particular set goal put in front of them. The reward for me is to demonstrate not just how they can, but also share in the elation of these achievements when they finally do. This is what keeps me coming back for more.

What was it about One Nexus that made you want to get involved?
One Nexus gave me the belief that I can make a difference. After attending a training session in 2012, it all simply made sense to me, and I could see how my influence as a humble parts operator could truly grow and add value to someone else’s career and development. By following the direction of the Ford Trade Club program and all its knowledge, data and reporting capabilities the possibilities were endless. I am thankful that I attended that day, never did that think it would be the beginning of my career trajectory 13 years later and counting, with more belief than ever.

Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing?
Many who know me well know of my love music and enjoy song writing. Far from a virtuoso guitarist, I have been known to hop on stage and belt out a tune or two and can claim my 15 minutes of fame with a few bands over the years. Sadly, my aspirations of playing Glastonbury or Rock AM Ring are long gone, these days I am a connoisseur of very expensive pieces of wood with strings on them! In my down time I am also a True Crime buff. My YouTube search history is evidence of this, where hours of searching can start at something as innocent as how to play ‘Wonderwall’ to in-depth breakdowns into historical crime mysteries that remain unsolved today, of course I have all the answers to these unsolved mysteries, it’s just that no one believes me…for now😉

Finally, what is one thing you would like readers to know about yourself or One Nexus that they might not know already?
I’d say that I am loyal, respectful and empathetic to people’s decisions in life. Treat people how you like to be treated and always be respectful no matter your personal views or position. The world is fragile enough without living in angst or fear, be nice to one and other. After all, we are here for what seems like just a moment in time – make it count, live large and love hard – just don’t forget to enjoy it while its happening.