Riviera rewards dealer excellence in Australia and New Zealand

by Stephen Milne on 22 Aug 2011 Innovation and creativity in these challenging times have earned R Marine New Zealand Riviera’s most esteemed Dealership of the Year award.

The annual Australia/New Zealand Dealer of the Year awards recognise excellence, outstanding achievement and dedication to Riviera’s loyal owners and brand.

Dealers are judged on their ability both to service Riviera customer needs and boats, conduct client events and professional representation of the brand, overall boat sales both of new and pre-owned Rivieras, co-operation with the factory’s business guidelines, ethics and communication with dealer support services, dealership presentation and customer satisfaction.

The annual Dealer Awards have been running consistently for the past 17 years.

R Marine New Zealand dealer principal Bruce McGill said winning the Dealership of the Year Award would not have been possible without the tremendous effort put in by each and every member of the 18 strong team.

'The Dealership of the Year award is in recognition of the initiatives we have introduced to allow us to withstand the impact of the current economic climate by providing innovative customer services and support. Particular mention was made of the ‘Concierge and Service Contract’ concepts we have introduced,' he said.

'I’m so proud of the team at R Marine New Zealand and thank all the crew for their effort throughout the year.'

Riviera director of brand and communication Stephen Milne said it was pleasing to see a high level of passion and strong sales results in these challenging times.

'I congratulate all our dealer staff for a tremendous effort and I have no doubt that Riviera’s success today is a direct result of the dedication and enthusiasm of the solid dealership network we have in place in Australia and New Zealand,' he said.

R Marine Queensland’s service technician Sharm Brown was awarded this year’s award for Service Excellence by an individual in Australia/New Zealand for his dedication and exceptional customer service.

Sharm has spent a lifetime in the marine industry, having worked with his father who owned the slipway at Runaway Bay Marina before gaining his skippers ticket in the mid 90s.

Sharm has worked on vessels as large as 50 metres and has also owned his own commercial crabbing vessel.

Sharm said he enjoyed working for Riviera and he was thrilled to receive the award.

'I find the work at Riviera very satisfying and I love working with a world-class product,' he said.

'I thrive on customer interaction and listening to their service and warranty needs and helping them find solutions.'

R Marine Sydney was recognised for its outstanding sales success with the highest number of boats sold in the region during the past 12 months and dealer principal Michael Joyce was presented with the award for Sales Excellence by a dealership in Australia/New Zealand. This is the 11th consecutive year that R Marine Sydney have been awarded this honour.

Peter Devery from R Marine Sydney received the award for Sales Excellence by and individual in Australia/New Zealand for the second consecutive year.

R Marine Sydney dealer principal Michael Joyce said it was an honour for his dealership to receive these awards.

'Peter has attributed to a very secure team, everyone aspires to look after everyone’s clients equally and it is a real team effort, we are one big family here at R Marine Sydney. Everyone works together and Peter gets a lot of support from the sales guys,' Michael said.

'I am very proud of R Marine Sydney’s sales success, positive attitude, enthusiasm and the fact that we work as a team with Riviera and the other dealers, it’s an exceptional relationship.'

Peter Devery began his career in the marine industry 13 years ago and prior to that he completed an apprenticeship in the Air Force where he fitted guns and missiles to air craft.

Peter said he was proud to be working with Riviera, a world class brand.

'Particularly after the 2011 Sydney International Boat Show, I saw how well respected Riviera is within the industry and it makes me feel very proud to be associated with what is truly an Australian boating icon,' he said.

'I am very extremely to receive this award and I appreciate the recognition by Riviera for my efforts.'

Riviera offers 20 different models from 36 to 85 feet across four model series Flybridge, Sport Yacht, Offshore Express and Motor Yachts.

For more information, please go to www.riviera.com.au