Long Serving Staff Members – It just gets better with age!
With over 230 staff and embarking in May on our 50th year in business, there are a number of staff who have chosen to start and continue their working career at Col Crawford’s. In this Blog we celebrate 7 of our very long-term employees.
Anthony Dose (left) started with Col Crawford’s in 1997 as a Trainee Business Manager in our Finance Department. He promoted to Business Manager and worked in the role for 10 years before moving into Sales as our Group Sales Manager for KIA/ Suz/ Renault. Since 2013 Anthony has been our Hyundai Dealer Principal and loves that there are so many opportunities at Crawford’s. “I have been lucky to further my career and work so close to home which is such a bonus. I am also enjoying working with the 3rd generation of Crawford’s with Stephen’s 2 adult sons,” said Anthony.
Tony Rullo (2nd from left) has been a BMW man his whole career, starting in 1988 as a BMW Service Advisor when the department only had a staff of 5 at the time. In 1997 he moved into the role of BMW Service Manager and now looks after a staff of 22. As recently as late last year Tony also oversees Aftersales of our group which includes our Parts Department. “I really feel like part of the family and my contributions count. Having an opportunity daily to do more and working with a premium product like BMW is a bonus,” said Tony.
Warwick Bridger celebrated 43 years of service this month, commencing with us as an Assistant Accountant in 1973. Our longest serving employee. He became our Accountant in 1975 and has remained in that role since. Warwick said he has lots of good memories from working here so long … “ I really enjoy the people that I work with in the company and have seen BIG changes over the years with franchises, properties and new showrooms,” said Warwick.
Josh Wiles (far right) started in 1991 as a Junior Valuer in our Used Car business. He promoted to Assistant Used Car Manager, then Used Car Manager, before overseeing all Used Car operations in 2000. Due to growth he now looks after the wholesale side of our used car business and has done so since 2005. “The last few years have been the most enjoyable part of my career. There is lots of growth, the business is successful and I am now working with the best management team to date,” said Josh.
Congratulations to Kieran O’Connell, Rasjidah Jones and Jodi Deamer for being part of our family. Thank you for your loyalty and extensive service to the company which is greatly appreciated.
Kieran O’Connell started with us way back in 1986 as a Business Manager in our Finance Department. Since that time his job role has seen him overseeing numerous staff as Senior Executive Manager of Finance. More recently Kieran now also manages our Nissan, Renault, KIA and Suzuki Sales Departments as Dealer Principal. When asked why he has decided to have a career at Col Crawford’s, Kieran replied, “I Love the industry and that we are a family owned and operated business. The culture is great and this shows in our staff and customers. I wake up each day and look forward to coming to work.”
Rasjidah Jones (centre) commenced with us in 1995 as our Registration Clerk and she is still in this role today. She has registered tens of thousands of cars for us in this 21 year period! “I really enjoy working here, I feel like part of the family. When I was sick recently I received wonderful love & support from all the staff. It’s 5mins from home and I’ve made lifelong friends,” said Rasjidah.
Jodi Deamer started with us in 1994 as an Apprentice Mechanic then progressed to a qualified Mechanic in our Pre Delivery area. Jodi was then promoted to Assistant to the Workshop Controller and then became a Service Advisor. She has a strong sales & administrative background and knows our computer systems very well. She is now our IT Support Supervisor and can’t believe she has been here for 22 years. “It is a great business to work for. When I had a sudden poor health diagnosis a few years ago I needed treatment and the company was very understanding and flexible whilst I got better,” said Jodi.
From Management and your fellow staff members, THANK YOU for your loyalty and dedication to the company.