De Maria Motors wins highest Mitsubishi accolade
De Maria Motors has done it again. For the third consecutive year they’ve been awarded the highly prestigious Mitsubishi 2023 Australian Distinguished Dealer Award for rural dealerships.
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Managing director Frank De Maria said he was quite emotional last year when presented with the award, yet totally unprepared when it was announced in Melbourne that the dealership had won it again this year.
“I am so very proud of the team we have and what we constantly achieve,” Mr De Maria said.
Mitsubishi Motors Australia Chief Executive Officer Shaun Westcott described the award as a high bar for dealers across Australia to strive for.
“Each year it becomes increasingly competitive as we see the quality delivered by our car dealers across the criteria of sales, parts, service and customer satisfaction,” Mr Westcott said.
De Maria Motors now holds the honour of winning a Distinguished Dealer Award seven times, more than any other Mitsubishi dealer throughout Australia, of which there are more than 200.
De Maria Motors began with a partnership formed between Frank and older brother Joe. The brothers registered the company in 1958 and opened in 1960 after being appointed by Chrysler as their regional dealer.
The business did well from the start as Frank and Joe remembered their father’s wise words ‘without customers you don’t have a job or a business’
Obviously never forgotten by the brothers and perhaps the catalyst to the ongoing success of this local family business.
When Mitsubishi took over Chrysler in 1980, De Maria Motors was appointed as their Cobram dealer and is one of only four original Australian dealers who are still in business today, 43 years on.
Frank De Maria recently turned 80 and continues to go into work every day.
“What else would I do? I don’t want to retire and while I feel I can still do it I will,” he said.
“My son Karl is doing a great job and virtually running the business, but there are still things I’m needed for.”
For this committed business owner work has been his life for so long it is almost impossible to imagine his world without it.
Frank’s wife Elizabeth is also involved in the business and steps into various roles if her boys are unavailable.
CEO of the company, Karl De Maria, came into the business in 1994 and learnt every aspect from the ground up after studying accounting.
“I have seen so many changes in the car industry but not as much as dad has,” he said.
“We have three top technicians in the workshop who have completed four year apprenticeships, yet because of computerised technology today, actually now need the skills of an engineer, photographer and historian to find and fix problems.
“You must have sound knowledge and skills to get the cars back on the road and every make and model is different.
“We have had some amazingly loyal staff, one of whom began with us as an apprentice and retired more than 30 years later. Amazing.
“Winning the Australian Distinguished Dealer Award for the third consecutive time is a huge achievement, yet it’s the work that goes on behind the scenes by our entire dedicated team that showcases why we are the best.
“I am so proud. We are also extremely grateful to our customers who have supported us over so many years.”
Hospitality is Michael’s thing
For some people, a particular role or job seems to come naturally and fits them perfectly.
For Michael Hall, Bistro Manager at the Cobram Hotel, or ‘Top Pub,’ hospitality is a perfect fit.
The 38 year old has a bright cheeky personality and totally understands the role he is employed to do.
He is a professional with a manner that immediately ensures customers feel comfortable.
Currently overseeing 40 staff it’s Michaels’ job to ensure they are suitable for hospitality and trained appropriately to meet customer needs, and to offer each one an enjoyable experience.
“I love challenges and the hospitality industry definitely does that,” Mr Hall said.
“I also love meeting people and I’m proud to see my staff improve and grow into their roles. I actually just love what I do.
“I look for bright bubbly young people who present well, enjoy interacting with other people and show a willingness to learn new skills and better themselves.
“Hospitality is an industry that offers opportunity if you work hard and make the most of everything that is offered to you.
“It’s about personal motivation. Hospitality has many challenges, particularly competition from other venues and you must keep up with change and be aware of what they are offering.”
New and appealing menus are a must and Michael is currently working on an updated menu for the Bistro using locally grown, seasonal, fruit and vegetables as well as meat and seafood sourced from local suppliers.
There are 20 chefs and cooks on the roster for the bistro, and Grain Store, who come from New Zealand, India and various parts of Australia bringing a range of styles and skills to the menu.
Michael’s day officially begins at 11am with setup for lunch and being a list person, he ticks everything off as it happens and generally finishes at the close of dinner service around 9.30pm.
It’s a long day, filled with activity yet he wouldn’t change a thing.
Michael began his career with Woolworths as a young man, working in customer service and online shopping.
“I had very good training and it proved to be good grounding for working in hospitality,” he said.
The bistro manager has worked on a training manual for front of house staff and is keen to improve all aspects of the dining experience.
The bistro offers free home delivery each night of the week plus online orders via cobramhotel.com.au/
In the small amount of leisure time away from his job Michael enjoys spending time with partner Dean and two magnificent greyhounds Chase and Georgia at their home in Barooga.
A big weekend for Cobram Tigers
More than 150 items were generously donated by local businesses and individuals for Cobram Football Clubs Goods and Services Auction on Saturday after the home game against Congupna.
A wonderful selection of donated goods and vouchers to the value of $35,000 were mostly purchased by silent auction while larger items went under the hammer of popular Elders auctioneer, Robert Hocking, who created some excitement amongst the enthusiastic crowd of 150 people.
Sunday was the family friendly Cow Pad Day with a host of activities.
Food and drinks was supplied to 100 ticket holders hoping to win the Cow Pad Lotto, with happy winner Matthew Watson clutching his $1000 cash prize in his hand.
It was quite a big weekend for organisers at the club who are extremely grateful to everyone who donated goods for this hugely successful fundraising auction.
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