Meet The Team
Ashmore
Robina
Ferry RD/Helensvale
Our Ashmore Staff
Joel Wright
General Manager - Ashmore
How many years’ experience in the Auto Industry?
25 years in total & first 12 month in service & parts at Tweed Holden.
How many years have you worked for von Bibra & what position/s have you held?
120 years, I have worked as a Sales Consultant & Sales Manager for a variety of manufacturers across 3 locations, Beginning in Tweed then at Ashmore. In 2012 moved into the General Sales Managers role at Helensvale in total for 8 years and returned back to Ashmore as General Sales manager in 2020. After serving under Max Johnson as his "Apprentice" I have now taken on the role as General Manager effective July 2022.
Who did you previously work for and what was your role there?
Tweed Motors Holden (Previous owners before von Bibra's purchased the business in 2002) Started in parts & service & moved to used car sales where I commenced my cadetship. Great family business which intern was taken over by another successful business in the name of the von Bibra family.
Where did you grow up?
Locally at Burleigh Heads & born in Southport, so in someway I have always lived & worked in the same area, I'm sure that makes me a true local.
Favourite quote or best piece of advice given to you?
Perfection is the total sum of a lot of small things done very well. Which ties in very well with what my grandfather said to me when I was 8yrs old on the back of his tractor mowing over 15 acres of land. "In life bite off more than you can chew, then chew like hell".
Chris Rockell
General Sales Manager - Ashmore
How many years’ experience in the Auto Industry?
I have had 6 years this November in the industry and all my time with von Bibra.
How many years have you worked for von Bibra & what position/s have you held?
I have been with the company 6 years in November, I started my career in Ashmore Honda after progressing to the Nissan Sales manager for 4 ½ years. Now into General Sales Manager as of 1st July 2022
Who did you previously work for and what was your role there?
I worked for von Bibra Honda Ashmore, being the number 1 salesperson for over a year hitting 20+ sales every month. Then into the Nissan Managers chair consistently being number 1 in the region for 3 years running.
What do you love most about your job?
I love that I can provide my family a better opportunity in life and bright future with my hard work, love helping my team/ friends achieve an amazing result so they can achieve their dreams!!
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Cornwall, UK
Favourite quote or best piece of advice given to you?
Best quote would have to be from my grandad, to achieve anything in life Chris he said remember the 6 P’s prior preparation prevents, piss, poor, performance. The quality of the question will provide you the quality of the answer.
JACKSON BOT
Honda Sales Manager – Ashmore
How many years’ experience in the Auto Industry?
5 years 2 months, all with the von Bibra family.
How many years have you worked for von Bibra & what position/s have you held?
Starting as a trainee in Used Cars in June 2015. Relief sales manager from September 2018 and Honda Sales Manager from August 2020.
Who did you previously work for and what was your role there?
I worked in the hospitality industry from the age of 12 until I was almost 25. Starting as a trainee chef and working my way up the ranks to Head Chef, through small restaurants, 4.5 years with the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Center, and aproximately 6 years in 5 star Hotels.
What do you love most about your job?
Meeting new people every day, hearing their stories, helping them find their new car and the excitement on their faces when they collect their new car! It's a job full of new challenges every day, challenges that help you grow and develop both personally and professionally.
Where did you grow up?
I was born in Dandenong, Victoria but I grew up here on the Gold Coast.
Favourite quote or best piece of advice given to you?
Don't be busy, be productive.
Do or do not. There is no try - Yoda
TIM BOWMAN
NISSAN CAR SALES MANAGER - ASHMORE
How many years’ experience in the Auto Industry?
6 ½ years
How many years have you worked for von Bibra & what position/s have you held?
Started with von Bibra Ashmore 6 ½ years ago as a Honda Sales Consultant, then moved Into Relief Sales Manager at Ashmore for 18 months and now into my current role as Nissan Sales Manager.
Who did you previously work for and what was your role there?
I was a competitive skier in NZ and aiming to compete in the World Juniors in 2014 Winter Olympics but had a fall and ended up having surgery. I have also worked in nightclubs and hospitality as a host.
What do you love most about your job?
The people and the culture here!
Where did you grow up?
Timaru, South Island New Zealand
Favourite quote or best piece of advice given to you?
The bad news is, Time flies. The good news is, you’re the pilot
ARTY FARR
GMSV AND USED CAR SALES MANAGER - ASHMORE
How many years’ experience in the Auto Industry?
13 years
How many years have you worked for von Bibra & what position/s have you held?
13 years and I have worked in various roles starting as a used car salesperson then moved into Internet sales. After a couple years I started selling new cars, Nissan, LDV and Chevrolet before moving into a Group Fleet role. In 2022 I have taken up the role as Used Car and GMSV Sales Manager at Ashmore.
Who did you previously work for and what was your role there?
Account manager - Sales, based in Melbourne and Sydney
What do you love most about your job?
Meeting new people and working with my team to work through our challenges and achieve positive results every day.
Where did you grow up?
Born in South Africa, grew up in Melbourne and the Gold Coast.
Favourite quote or best piece of advice given to you?
Sell the sizzle not the sausage!
MICHELLE HIRNING
ADMINISTRATION MANAGER - ASHMORE
How many years’ experience in the Auto Industry?
20 years.
How many years have you worked for von Bibra & what position/s have you held?
20 years, I started as receptionist at Tweed, then moved into registrations and deal processing. In 2005 I moved to Ashmore as Honda Stock Control, then Nissan Stock Control before moving into Used Car Stock Control for 10 years. In 2022 I moved into the role of Administration Manager.
Who did you previously work for and what was your role there?
I was at Netcar Motors in Tweed, before Von Bibra purchased the dealership and took over.
What do you love most about your job?
The people I work with and learning new things
Where did you grow up?
Toowoomba
Favourite quote or best piece of advice given to you?
The grass isn’t always greener on the other side, its greener where you water it.
Drew Conway
Service Manager - Ashmore
How many years’ experience in the Auto Industry?
22 years.
How many years have you worked for von Bibra & what position/s have you held?
10 years with von Bibra, firstly as the Helensvale Service Manager transferred to Ferry Rd in the Service Manager at Ashmore.
Who did you previously work for and what was your role there?
I worked with Zupps as a Technician & service Advisors & with AHG as Fixed operations manager
What do you love most about your job?
The people! Working together improving daily and having fun while doing it.
Where did you grow up?
Port Macquarie NSW.
Favourite quote or best piece of advice given to you?
“The way we communicate with others & with ourselves ultimately determines the quality of our lives”
Our Robina Staff
Martin Simpson
General Manager - Robina
How many years’ experience in the Auto Industry?
17 years, all with von Bibra.
How many years have you worked for von Bibra & what position/s have you held?
17 years – I have worked as a Salesperson, Sales Manager, General Sales Manager & General Manager.
Who did you previously work for and what was your role there?
Grumps Wharf Restaurant, Manager.
What do you love most about your job?
The relationships you build with customers and staff over time as well as seeing people start at the bottom, grab an opportunity and create a successful life filled with opportunities they can create by doing what’s right not what’s easy!
I love, that I still love my job after 17 years.
Where did you grow up?
Currumbin and Ashmore always lived on the Gold Coast.
Favourite quote or best piece of advice given to you?
"If you have no confidence in self, you are twice defeated in the race of life, with confidence you have won even before you have started."
"Life is 10% what happens and 90% how you react.
If It Is To Be It Is Up To Me!"
Ryan McCabe
General Sales Manager - Robina
How many years’ experience in the Auto Industry?
16 Years
How many years have you worked for von Bibra & what position/s have you held?
Joined the von Bibra group in June 2018 as General Sales Manager at Robina.
Who did you previously work for and what was your role there?
Toyota 7 Years, BMW 3 years, Started off selling Holden, Trainee Sales Person, Salesperson, Sales Manager, Business Manager and General Sales Manager
What do you love most about your job?
It is exciting buying a new car and it is great seeing people everyday picking up their new cars and having a great experience.
Where did you grow up?
Bundaberg then the Sunshine Coast
Favourite quote or best piece of advice given to you?
"The harder I work the luckier I get"
JAY SUBAN
SERVICE MANAGER HOLDEN, HONDA & KIA - ROBINA
How many years’ experience in the Auto Industry?
20 years
How many years have you worked for von Bibra & what position/s have you held?
12 years, technician/workshop controller, Assistant Service Manager and now Holden, Honda & Kia Service Manager.
Who did you previously work for and what was your role there?
Holden dealership in Melbourne where I did my apprenticeship there moved to Gold Coast.
What do you love most about your job?
Every day is different.
Where did you grow up?
Melbourne.
Favourite quote or best piece of advice given to you?
TLC ‘Think Like A Customer’
Jillian Stratton
Group Administration Manager
How many years’ experience in the Auto Industry?
30 years.
How many years have you worked for von Bibra & what position/s have you held?
30 years and started as receptionist in Cooee Tasmania, progressed through the Administration ranks to current role of Administration Manager.
Who did you previously work for and what was your role there?
Only Von Bibra.
What do you love most about your job?
Welcoming new staff members to our team and seeing them develop and mature in their roles. Every day at work is different!
Where did you grow up?
Wynyard Tasmania.
Favourite quote or best piece of advice given to you?
"If you can manage any challenges you face in life it has the potential to take us to new levels of maturity"
Bruce Ryan
Group Parts Manager
How many years’ experience in the Auto Industry?
30yrs - Ouch!
How many years have you worked for von Bibra & what position/s have you held?
30yrs – positions have included parts interpreter, parts manager and now Group Parts Manager.
Who did you previously work for and what was your role there?
I forget!! Myer – pacific fair (from the 1st opening day).
What do you love most about your job?
No day is the same as the others, Meeting challenges along the way to get parts out on time, seeing staff members succeed ( and helping them grow both at work and outside work).
Where did you grow up?
Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Charters towers, Gold Coast (my Dad was in the Army, so we moved frequently).
Favourite quote or best piece of advice given to you?
"Always treat people the way you would like to be treated yourself."
Jabin Skipps
Retail Parts Manager
How many years’ experience in the Auto Industry?
17 years.
How many years have you worked for von Bibra & what position/s have you held?
11 years as both a Parts Interpreter and now the Parts Sales Manager.
Who did you previously work for and what was your role there?
Diesel Services as A Parts Interpreter.
What do you love most about your job?
The people I work with and the culture we have built as a team. Plus no two days are ever the same!
Where did you grow up?
Auckland, New Zealand.
Favourite quote or best piece of advice given to you?
“If it is to be it is up to ME…."
This is my favourite quote because, if you have a dream… the only one stopping you form achieving that dream is YOU.
SCOTT MALLARD
ROBINA MITSUBISHI & SUBARU SALES MANAGER
How many years’ experience in the Auto Industry?
5 years
How many years have you worked for von Bibra & what position/s have you held?
5 years, Kia Sales 4.5 years, Relief Sales Manager 3 months and Mitsubishi Subaru Sales Manager for 3 months
Who did you previously work for and what was your role there?
Self employed as a Dog Behaviourist.
What do you love most about your job?
Every day is different.
Where did you grow up?
NSW Central Coast.
Favourite quote or best piece of advice given to you?
If it's meant to be it's up to me.
Brendon Welch
ROBINA MG SALES MANAGER
How many years’ experience in the Auto Industry?
10.5 years
How many years have you worked for von Bibra & what position/s have you held?
10 years, started in Administration then moved into Sales. MG came on board with the von Bibra Group in November 2022 and I took on the role as Sales Manager.
Who did you previously work for and what was your role there?
I previously worked for Zupps Southport in Accounts prior to von Bibra’s buying Zupp’s out.
What do you love most about your job?
The human interaction of staff and customers. Buying a car is a fun and exciting experience for most, and it’s great to be a part of that.
Where did you grow up?
Auckland, New Zealand
Favourite quote or best piece of advice given to you?
"Be the change you want to see in the world"
Sam Green
Kia Sales Manager
How many years’ experience in the Auto Industry?
I have had 5 Years of detailing experience in the automotive industry and just over 2 years of selling.
How many years have you worked for von Bibra & what position/s have you held?
I have worked for just over 2 years as a sales consultant in Mitsubishi and Suzuki.
Who did you previously work for and what was your role there?
I use to work for Oracle Business Accountants as a Graduate Accountant.
What do you love most about your job?
I love the satisfaction of helping customers choose their first car and next car. I love the fact that i wake up each morning and are happy to go into work.
Where did you grow up?
I am a born and breed Gold Coaster.
Favourite quote or best piece of advice given to you?
"If you Believe it will work out, you'll see the opportunities. If you believe it won't you will see obstacles."
JACOB HAUGAARD
USED SALES MANAGER
How many years’ experience in the Auto Industry?
8 Years
How many years have you worked for von Bibra & what position/s have you held?
I started at Helensvale 8 Years ago selling Used Cars and Mitsubishi Sales Consultant then moved into Internet Sales. I then relocated to our Robina dealership to become the Nissan Sales Manager (actually, it's where I first applied for a job at von Bibra, but I didn't pass the Group Interview, persistence pays off!) I have just taken on the role as Used Car Sales Manager at Robina.
Who did you previously work for and what was your role there?
I worked at Telstra as a retail assistant while I was at university.
What do you love most about your job?
Meeting new people every day and growing our Team.
Where did you grow up?
Mostly on the Gold Coast but I also lived in England as a teenager.
Favourite quote or best piece of advice given to you?
There is no inside secret to success, all you need is the right attitude and hard work.
JAY MANLEY
GWM SALES MANAGER - ROBINA
How many years’ experience in the Auto Industry?
I've been in the automotive industry for 10 years
How many years have you worked for von Bibra & what position/s have you held?
I have been working at von Bibra for almost 5 years now I was used car manager /Nissan manager/ relief sales manager / salesperson
Who did you previously work for and what was your role there?
I worked away in the mines, doing safety barrier installs and previous to that I ran my own tiling business.
What do you love most about your job?
I love that everyday there is someone new to meet and share an experience with
Where did you grow up?
I was born and bred on the Gold Coast
Favourite quote or best piece of advice given to you?
You have to jump in to swim.
BRETT DRAMAN
NISSAN CAR SALES MANAGER - ROBINA
How many years’ experience in the Auto Industry?
5 years
How many years have you worked for von Bibra & what position/s have you held?
5 years, started in Used cars then moved to Relief Sales Manager role at Ferry Rd before moving to Robina as the Nissan Sales Manager.
Who did you previously work for and what was your role there?
I am a Painter and Decorator by trade and worked in and around Surf Life Saving.
What do you love most about your job?
It constantly challenges me to become better in both my work and personal life.Your result is a reflection of what you are prepared to put in.
Where did you grow up?
The beautiful Cabarita Beach in Northern NSW
Favourite quote or best piece of advice given to you?
Make sure your own worst enemy doesn't live between your own two ears.
Our Ferry Road and Helensvale Staff
Shaun Lees
General Manager – Ferry Rd & Helensvale
How many years’ experience in the Auto Industry?
21 Years.
How many years have you worked for von Bibra & what position/s have you held?
10 years with von Bibra.
1 years - Group Trainer
3 years - General Manager (Tweed)
6 years - General Manager
Who did you previously work for and what was your role there?
9 years at Motorama as a Holden Sales Consultant, HSV Specialist and Sales Manager.
Where did you grow up?
Born Frankston Victoria, moved to Northern NSW at age 2. Lived in Ballina & Lennox Heads until High School. Finished school on the Gold Coast & have worked between Brisbane & the Gold Coast.
Favourite quote or best piece of advice given to you?
'Always leave everyone in a better position than when you found them' & 'Always operate at Level 10'.
Tony McKenna
General Sales Manager – Ferry Rd
How many years’ experience in the Auto Industry?
30 years, all with von Bibra.
How many years have you worked for von Bibra & what position/s have you held?
Over 30 years I have had many positions with von Bibra - Mechanic, Reconditioning Manager, Salesperson, General Manager, New car Manager, Sales Manager and General Sales Manager.
Who did you previously work for and what was your role there?
I have not worked for anyone else.
Where did you grow up?
Ulverstone Tasmania.
Favourite quote or best piece of advice given to you?
'Ability - is what you are capable of.
Motivation – gets you doing it.
Attitude – determines how well you do it.
Habit – will keep you doing it.'
CHRISTIAN BURTON
MITSUBISHI & Suzuki MANAGER - FERRY ROAD
How many years’ experience in the Auto Industry?
8 years.
How many years have you worked for von Bibra & what position/s have you held?
Sales Consultant for 2 years then into my role of Sales Manager.
Who did you previously work for and what was your role there?
Sandro Stefanons Cabinets /Cabinet Maker and then as a sales consultant at a Holden dealer for 8 years.
What do you love most about your job?
The adrenaline and excitement of selling cars.
Where did you grow up?
Stanthorpe.
Favourite quote or best piece of advice given to you?
You don’t ever make a bad decision, you will learn from that decision and make a better one.
Michael Czarnecki
ldv & Used Cars Manager - Ferry Rd
How many years’ experience in the Auto Industry?
3 years with von Bibra starting as a sales consultant for Nissan then Subaru and Mitsubishi. Within those roles I maintained and communicated with customers that enquired through the internet as well.
How many years have you worked for von Bibra & what position/s have you held?
I have worked for Von Bibra for a total of 3 years starting as a sales consultant for Nissan then Subaru and Mitsubishi. Within those roles I maintained and communicated with customers that enquired through the internet as well.
Who did you previously work for and what was your role there?
I was a Quality Assurance, Quality Control and Operations Manager for a pharmaceutical company for 5 years.
What do you love most about your job?
I love my job because it gives people an opportunity, not only to form a successful career but an opportunity to grow, learn and improve as an individual. I have learnt a lot and am fortunate to see the growth that happens in everyone of us that work for Von Bibra as well of the growth of the company itself.
Where did you grow up?
Quite proudly in Tasmania! Where my father as an apprentice mechanic use to purchase from the parts department of the Von Bibra group.
Favourite quote or best piece of advice given to you?
Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.
LUKE WINSLADE
SERVICE MANAGER - HELENSVALE
How many years’ experience in the Auto Industry?
23 years.
How many years have you worked for von Bibra & what position/s have you held?
17 years, starting as a parts interpreter, service advisor then becoming the Service Manager at Helensvale for 8 years.
Who did you previously work for and what was your role there?
Avon City Ford in Christchurch NZ as a parts interpreter.
What do you love most about your job?
Making customers happy.
Where did you grow up?
Christchurch NZ.
Favourite quote or best piece of advice given to you?
Don't stop at the first rung on the ladder, there is many more above you.
Ricky Sharp
PEUGEOT SALES MANAGER - FERRY ROAD
How many years’ experience in the Auto Industry?
3 Years
How many years have you worked for von Bibra & what position/s have you held?
I have worked for von Bibra the entire time in automotive. I started out as a Subaru Salesperson Trainee then moved into Sales Manager role and am now Peugeot Sales Manager of Ferry Road.
What do you love most about your job?
I genuinely love every aspect of my career here at von Bibra. I started my position at von Bibra with a mission to help as many customers as possible get into one of the best vehicles on Australian Roads. I love that I work in a customer service based industry, I love the relationships I have with my customers and colleagues, I love working for a family owned and operated business and I genuinely love the product I work in.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Kempsey, NSW
Favourite quote or best piece of advice given to you?
“Today won’t repeat it’s self, so make sure you make every moment of it”
Danny Pickering
General Sales Manager – Helensvale
How many years’ experience in the Auto Industry?
Since 2013.
How many years have you worked for von Bibra & what position/s have you held?
3 Years Sales Consultant then moved into Sales Manager role with Hyundai and Suzuki, then the Used Car Sales Manager. I have recently taken up the position of General Sales Manager at Helensvale.
Who did you previously work for and what was your role there?
Advertising Companies in the UK then spent a short period of time working in Canada.
What do you love most about your job?
Everyday is different to the next with new challenges.
Where did you grow up?
Blackpool, England.
Favourite quote or best piece of advice given to you?
A bad attitude is like a flat tyre, you can't go anywhere until you change it.
Jeff Hale
Mitsubishi & SUZUKI Sales Manager - Helensvale
How many years’ experience in the Auto Industry?
Commenced in the Auto industry in 2007 with von Bibra Nissan at Ashmore as a sales consultant - 11years
How many years have you worked for von Bibra & what position/s have you held?
Started with von Bibra since 2007 with a total of approx 7yrs
Sales consultant at Nissan Ashmore - 2007 - 2009 and again from 2011-2012
Moved to Western Australia and worked at Rockingham Nissan and Sales Consultant from 2012 - 2014
Back to Qld at von Bibra Ferry Rd 2014 2016 (Sales Consultant Mitsubishi / Suzuki)
von Bibra Helensvale Hyundai 2016 - 2017 as Sales Consultant
Currently Mitsubishi & Suzuki Sales Manager.
Who did you previously work for and what was your role there?
Southport Golf Club for 14yrs as golf shop manager and 5yrs as General Manager. Sold construction machinery for 4yrs prior to getting into the motor vehicle industry.
What do you love most about your job?
Always had a passion for cars but its the interaction with people. I love meeting new people and hearing their stories.
Where did you grow up?
Born in Brisbane and moved to the Gold Coast at the age of 3. Lived at the northern end of the Coast at Anglers Paradise (not many people would remember as it has now merged with Runway Bay) Went to Biggera Waters Primary and Southport State High
Favourite quote or best piece of advice given to you?
Treat people the way you want to be treated, talk to people the way you want to be talked to. Respect is earned
Richard Sibbald
USED CAR MANAGER - HELENSVALE
How many years’ experience in the Auto Industry?
I have been in the industry for 8 1/2 years.
How many years have you worked for von Bibra & what position/s have you held?
8 ½ years including positions of Honda salesperson, Nissan salesperson, Nissan Sales Manager, Honda Sales Manager and now Used Cars Sales manager Helensvale.
Who did you previously work for and what was your role there?
Retail Sales - Assistant Manager.
What do you love most about your job?
Growing and Developing People
Where did you grow up?
Sydney/Jindabyne.
Favourite quote or best piece of advice given to you?
If its to be its up to me.