Chris – or otherwise known as Kiwi due his New Zealand heritage – is the Assistant New Vehicle Sales Manager here at Bendigo Toyota. Chris’ day entails working with the New Vehicle Sales Manager (Andrew Holland) as well as selling cars off the floor … and, truth be known, anything else that is required of him!
Chris is one of Bendigo Toyota’s original staff members from when Paul DeAraugo purchased the business more than a decade ago. Over this time period Chris has had the pleasure of working in all of the different areas of the business, from the Service Department through to Fleet Sales.
The favourite part of Chris’ job? “Making people feel happy, and assisting them with their new car needs.”
The Wow Factor for Chris is the relationship that is built with his customers, and in particular “the 1%, the little things … they always go a long, long way.”
Chris drives a Toyota HiLux as it suits his lifestyle – living on a 70 acre racehorse agistment which he runs with his wife, Liz. “Nothing like keeping busy – sleep is overrated!”
Chris is also busy due to the 21st century Brady Bunch that he is part of with Liz – step daughters Ashleigh (19) and Maddy (17), step-son Joel (9) and the “little horrors” … Pete (4), Sienna (19 months) and Ashleigh’s daughter Bonnie (11 months).
So when not here at Bendigo Toyota, Chris is most happy in the kitchen.
“I have a passion for fine wine, cold beer and a love of cooking – MKR has nothing on me!” Chris also has a love of racehorses, having an ownership in two, as well as a passion for the sport.