Focus Mike Blewitt Coffs Coast Feature

MIKE BLEWITT

Celebrating 40 years MIKE BLEWITT COFFS COAST ARE A LOCALLY BASED COMPANY, SPECIALISING IN THE SALES AND SERVICING OF VEHICLES. THE COMPANY IS OWNED AND OPERATED BY THE BLEWITT FAMILY AND EMPLOYS IN EXCESS OF 60 PEOPLE. THEY ARE CELEBRATING 40 YEARS IN BUSINESS THIS YEAR. FOCUS WANTED TO SHARE THEIR STORY AND SUCCESS …

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MIKE

BLEWITT COFFS COAST

Celebrating 40 years

I

HISTORY

WITH

MIKE

BLEWITT

have been in the industry all my life, starting as an apprentice fitter and turner-toolmaker at BMC (British Motor Corporation) at Zetland in 1960. I moved through the drawing office and truck sales, transferring to Melbourne as a truck representative for BMC. In 1969 I joined Ford Motor Company and moved through various sales positions, including Country Sales Manager for VIC and TAS, then I moved to Brisbane as State Sales

R E V E T S BE

T U O N RU A L S K C O T WHILE S

Manager in 1975. I found out that my next move would be Perth as manager. As I did not like the idea of another move, new schools etc., I started talking to the current dealer in Coffs Harbour and he said that he would like to go back to Melbourne, so we came up with a deal to buy Bob Binks Ford.

We moved to Coffs on the 30th November 1977 and bought a half share on 1st February 1978 and the other half on 1st July 1978.

F O R D M U S TA N G MY17 MODEL RUNOUT

FREE SCHEDULED SERVICING F O R U P T O 3 Y E A R S .^ B E Q U I C K . L I M I T E D ST O C K

ST

Celebrating 40 years proudly servicing the communities of the Coffs Coast

MIKE BLEWITT FORD. 1800 367 348

3 Tolhurst Place, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450. mikeblewittford.com.au *Offer available at Mike Blewitt Ford on eligible MY17 runout models, while stocks last. ^Offer available to Private, Blue and Silver Fleet buyers only on new and on-sold demonstrator MY2017 Mustangs at participating Dealers. Vehicle must be purchased by 30/06/18 and delivered by 2/07/18. Three standard scheduled services (15,000km/12 months, 30,000km/24 months and 45,000km/36 months as specified in the Customer Assistance, Warranty and Service Guide) are provided free. Customers must comply with scheduled servicing intervals.

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MIKE

BLEWITT COFFS COAST

Celebrating 40 years

HISTORY

WITH MIKE BLEWITT

We were on a 1,000 sq metre block on the corner of Earl and High St (now Harbour Drive).

From there, we leased the block next door and established the used car yard opposite (now Fitzroy Motors). We were still growing at a fast pace with only the Ford franchise; we were market leaders for 10 years in a row, with a market share close to 30 per cent.

In 1985 we bought the current facility, or should I say the land, as it was a caravan yard

R A N G E R X LT 4 X 4 M Y 1 8

R E V E T S BE

T U O N RU A L S K C O T WHILE S

FREE AUTO

8� Colour Touchscreen 3.2L TDCi Diesel Towing capacity 3,500kg 1.

Bluetooth® with Voice Control 2.

ST

Celebrating 40 years proudly servicing the communities of the Coffs Coast

MIKE BLEWITT FORD. 1800 367 348

3 Tolhurst Place, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450. mikeblewittford.com.au *Recommended offer available at Mike Blewitt Ford on eligible MY18 models, while stocks last. Private and small business customers only.

1. Braked towing capacity when fitted with a genuine Ford towpack and towball. Subject to State and Territory regulations.

2. Bluetooth® is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG In., and is used under licence. Some phones not compatible.

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with no buildings. We moved there in 1986, opening a new service and parts facility and sales offices.

This is our 40th year in Coffs Harbour, so we have had enormous growth - as has Coffs.

I guess one of the proudest things about the business is the good name and reputation is has established up and down the coast and out west. This has been achieved by good managers guiding enthusiastic staff.

$55,990 D R I V E A W A Y *

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We have also prided ourselves on being involved within the community; I was the founding chairman of ETC in Coffs. Helen has been involved in more committees and boards than I; notable ones that come to mind are on the board of Coffs Harbour Golf Club, as well as being President of the ladies section of the golf club. Helen joined the Bridge Club and has gone on to be President for three years, and she is currently back as President.

I have been involved in Coffs City Rotary since it started in 1986; I currently work a shift at the Park Beach Plaza on the JP desk on

There have been many changes over the years; most have been brought about by computerisation.

I’ve always had a love for what they could do for the business ...

Mondays, plus drive most Tuesdays for the Leukemia Foundation, transporting patients to oncology and other appointments.

There have been many changes over the years; most have been brought about by computerisation. I’ve always had a love for what they could do for the business ... I remember in the early days with a Commodore 64 in the spare bedroom at home, running off thank you letters to customers at night after work, printing on a tractor feed

printer. Thankfully, it has come a long way since those days.

Todd has the same passion for technology and has really taken the business into the 21st Century.

Todd was a little reluctant to join the car business; with a commerce degree and a few years in the UK and Europe, Coffs seemed a little slow. But he took up the challenge and jumped into the deep end, joining Thomson Ford at Parramatta as a salesman.

He spent two years in the rough and tumble of a metro dealership. We asked him to come back and join us as Sales Manager in 1996. He has taken to the industry with great passion, and sometimes my ear does get sore. But he does run the now so much bigger operation, always with the customer in mind, and ensuring that the staff works together - some people say like a family, but I am not sure that is always a good comparison. However, I think he can tell the story better from here.

Thanks Mike.

Every Kia. Every time.

IT'S OUR PROMISE.

PROMISING RUNOUT OFFERS RUNOUT

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S FROM

$19,990

SI PREMIUM FROM

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FREE AUTO FEATURES INCLUDE > 2.0L 112 kW petrol Engine > Bluetooth® Connectivity‡ > Front and rear parking sensors > Front and rear fog lamps > Cruise control

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WITH AUTO FEATURES INCLUDE > AEB* Safety > GPS Navigation System > Lane Departure Warning System* > 18-inch Alloy Wheels > Climate Control

Celebrating 40 years proudly servicing the communities of the Coffs Coast Coffs Coast Kia 3 Tolhurst Place, Coffs Harbour 1300 002 450 coffscoastkia.com.au While stocks last. Offers available on new vehicles and for private buyers only. Vehicles must be purchased and delivered between 1 May and 30 June 2018. Premium Paint at additional cost. Kia reserves the right to change, supersede or extend these offers. A. Recommended drive away price for Cerato S with automatic. B. Recommended drive away price for Sportage Si Premium Petrol with automatic. * Safety technologies are supplemental systems only and do not replace the need for the driver to exercise care and attention. Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and Lane Departure Warning system applies to all MY18 Sportage Si Premium built from January 2018. Bluetooth® is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG. ‡ Not all mobile phones will be compatible with the vehicle’s Bluetooth® system. For warranty terms & conditions visit kia.com.au.

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MIKE

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BLEWITT COFFS COAST

Celebrating 40 years

MEET

TODD

I really love Coffs. I love the lifestyle. In my spare time I enjoy cycling, swimming and I am a member of the tri club. My kids have been involved in soccer clubs, AFL, surf club, Nippers, fun runs, ocean swims etc.

BLEWITT

What is your connection to the Coffs Coast?

We moved here in 1978. I went to school at St Augustine’s, which is when my father bought the business ... So I have been a long term resident of the community, having lived here, gone to school here, and then moved away like most young people do. As you get older, you realise what a beautiful location Coffs Harbour is. I really love Coffs. I love the lifestyle.

In my spare time I enjoy cycling, swimming, and I have been a long standing sponsor and active

member of the Coffs Tri Club. My kids have been involved in soccer clubs, AFL, surf club, Nippers, fun runs, ocean swims etc. We just like to get out there and have fun. Coffs is a great place to live and work, with its proximity to everything a young, active family needs.

How many family members are involved with the business today? How many generations are on board?

Today in the business, we have myself and my brother in law - Carl Bennett. I think everybody knows Carl. His nickname is Carlos.

He has been with Isuzu for over 10 years and now he has recently been promoted to the role of Mercedes Benz Manager, which is a new and exciting challenge. We have renamed him “Carl

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Mercedes-Benz Coffs Coast 72 Coffs Coast focus

4 Tolhurst Place, Coffs Harbour South

Ph: 02 6648 3505

Benz”. His friendly and outgoing nature and his willingness to help and serve customers is why he is one of the best in the business. Carl has been a real asset to the business.

My 21 year old son, Jackson, started with us a couple of years ago and is selling KIA and Ford. He is really starting to find his feet under the steady eye of his manager, Nathan Ballard.

So, who knows what the future holds for him?

I have a wholistic view on our business, which sometimes “spins people” out - so to speak. I see the car as an extension of a

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person’s direction in life. Generally when our customers are looking at purchasing a car, there has been a change in their life and they are looking for a new start, or they are heading off in a new direction and the car, simply put, is an extension of that direction. They may want to buy a SUV, because they want to tow a caravan, like the Isuzu M-UX (#1 in 2017 in Coffs ) and explore this great country. They may have a new job and they need a new work ute to get their gear to the work site, like the Ford Ranger (#1 in Coffs 2017).

They are starting out with their first new car that’s economical and safe, like a KIA Picanto (#1 in Coffs 2017). Or, they have reached a milestone in life and want to reward themselves and decide on a Mercedes-Benz. The best or nothing! (Luxury segment leader in 2017 in Australia and Coffs Coast.)

Whatever the reason, we see people from all stages of life and help them when their needs change. We see a great diversity of people.

Some customers have been buying cars from us for 40 years; for example, a local builder has

$

40,990

bought more than 50 or 60 cars from Dad and myself over 40 years. We also have another customer who buys 10 - 20 vans a year from us. Why do these people keep coming back? I say it’s our motto: Drive Away Happy!

You employ many people locally ... how would you describe the culture of your 60-strong team?

We not only want our customers to Drive Away Happy, but our team too. If you want happy customers, make sure you have a happy team. This is always a challenge in this

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SCHEDULED SERVICING†

• 7" TOUCHSCREEN AUDIO w/ USB & BLUETOOTH® AUDIO STREAMING • REVERSING CAMERA • OUTSTANDING 3.5T TOWING+

• 7" TOUCHSCREEN AUDIO w/ USB & BLUETOOTH® AUDIO STREAMING • FUEL EFFICIENT 7.2L/100KM# • MASSIVE 2,550MM LONG ALLOY TRAY~

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modern era, with so many things competing for people’s time, energy and effort. We are all constantly evolving and changing, but I always think it’s for the better. I am an eternal optimist and try to remind myself that whilst this is my life, for some of my team it’s just a job. So, let’s try to keep it light and happy, and this will also rub off on our customers.

Being a business situated on the highway, we see a lot of visitors, and they are not always happy to stop in Coffs Harbour - especially if their car has broken down and they are on

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CELEBRATING 40 YEARS PROUDLY SERVICING THE COMMUNITIES OF THE COFFS COAST YEAR WARRANTY^

YEARS ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE

YEARS CAPPED> PRICE SERVICE

Coffs Coast Isuzu UTE coffscoastisuzuute.com.au 3 Tolhurst Place (just off Pacific Hwy South) Coffs Harbour. Call 1800 367 348

5-star ANCAP safety rating on all MU-X models and 4x4 D-MAX Crew Cab models built from November 2013 onwards and 4x2 D-MAX Crew Cab High Ride models built from November 2014 onwards. ^5 years/130,000km whichever occurs first, for eligible customers. Excludes trays and accessories. >The Capped Price Servicing Program (“CPS Program”) applies to Eligible Vehicles with a Warranty Start Date on or after 1/1/15 at Participating Isuzu UTE Dealers only. The 5 years Capped Price Servicing covers the first 5 Scheduled Services for 18MY and later vehicle models for up to 5 years/75,000km (whichever occurs first) and for 16.5MY and 17MY for up to 5 years/50,000km (whichever occurs first). CPS Program is subject to change. For full terms & conditions and current pricing visit isuzuute.com. au/service-plus. +3.5 tonne braked towing capacity on D-MAX 4x4 and 4x2 High Ride models and 3.0 tonne braked towing capacity on all MU-X models when fitted with an optional genuine Isuzu UTE tow bar kit. ~Includes economy alloy tray fitted at motorpool. #Fuel consumption and emissions figures based on ADR 81/02 (combined cycle test) and are to be used for vehicle comparison purposes only. Actual fuel consumption and emissions will vary depending on many factors including, but not limited to, traffic conditions, individual driving style and vehicle condition. §Seats have leather touches or accents (excluding third row for MU-X), but are not wholly leather. *Private and ABN holders only on 18MY vehicles. Excludes government, fleet, rental & non-profit buyers. Includes one year business vehicle registration, CTP insurance, dealer delivery and statutory charges. Metallic/mica/pearl paint $450 extra. Only at Participating Isuzu UTE Dealers from 1/5/18 until 30/6/18 unless extended, varied or while stocks last. Excludes demonstrators. †Offer is limited to 18MY vehicles 4x4 D-MAX & 4x4 MU-X models sold & delivered between 1/5/18 and 30/6/18 to private & ABN holders only.

Excludes demonstrators. The Scheduled Servicing offer covers standard items (normal operating conditions) as listed in IUA Warranty and Service Booklet for the first 2 years Scheduled Servicing (covering the first 2 Scheduled Services up to 24 months/30,000km – whichever occurs first). The free Driving Report must be requested and conducted at the same time as the first 2 Scheduled Services. For full Terms and Conditions of the Service Plus Driving Report Program, visit isuzuute.com.au/driving-report. Offer does not cover any other Scheduled Service, Make-up Scheduled Service or any additional service items or requirements, which are at the owner’s expense. Only at Participating Isuzu UTE Dealers. Not available with any other offer.

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MIKE

BLEWITT COFFS COAST

Celebrating 40 years

MEET

TODD

BLEWITT

their way to the Gold Coast. I would argue that whilst most don’t arrive happy, they certainly leave happy, as our Facebook and Google reviews point out over the years.

In terms of team members, the longest serving team member here is Brian Platts. He has been with us since 1982 (36 years). Plattsy is our Warranty Clerk. He has had a number of jobs, from being a mechanic and service advisor. He is a valuable member of the team and after 36 years here, I do have a before and

after photo, but I promised him I wouldn’t put it in this article.

Neil Power has been with us for 29 years as our accountant; he has been a real mentor for me in the business, because when Dad sold me the business in 2003, Neil had to take on board a young, eager, enthusiastic 27 year old. Mike was 60 years of age when he sold, so it was a big contrast for the team. I run the business the way I want to run it, which meant there was a lot of change people embraced.

CongrAtulations on yoUr 40th Birthday

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The team is always constantly evolving, and so is the business model; what I mean by that is the people who were great in the past don’t fit into today’s business model, and that’s OK too.

What part of the business are you most proud of?

Obviously it’s hard to isolate one part of the business. I am most proud of my current management team. Nathan Ballard is my General Sales Manager and a very dynamic young man with some very big goals in front

of him - that he will achieve in time, I am sure. Llewellyn Mitchell is my Group Service Manager; this man leads from the front and is not afraid to get some grease on his hands if the occasion warrants it. He has migrated from South Africa and is in the final stages of getting his permanent residencey and is a true asset to the Coffs Coast. Neil Power, my accountant, has been that rock when times are tough and has helped me stay focused one day at a time. Phil Evans, my Parts Manager,

Overall the team has changed over the years, but in a lot of ways we have stayed true to our values which is our customer service and getting the best out of our team.

has embraced so much change in the last couple of years with the opening of the new pre-delivery centre and parts warehouse.

Carl Bennett has shown with passion and conviction that everybody is here to help he has grown well beyond his 33 years.

These people are the true face of Mike

Blewitt Coffs Coast in 2018 and into the future, and I am truly grateful to have them in my team.

Something we did a few years ago is start an offsite pre-delivery servicing centre, which is where we store all of our cars and get them ready for sale. What this enabled us to do, in terms of our current location, is make sure that our

VALVOLINE CONGRATULATES

MIKE BLEWITT FORD ON 40 YEARS OF SUCCESS

V A L V O L I N E . C O M . A U

CONTACT TECHNICAL: 1800 804 658

SALES ENQUIRIES: 1800 458 237

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MIKE

BLEWITT COFFS COAST

Celebrating 40 years

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workshop in Tolhurst Place is only for the public. So, don’t think those values have changed that much, no internal cars, cars that are sold or getting ready because they are everyday values everybody can for sale block up our workshop; everybody who appreciate. walks into our service department now gets served What is the best advice you can give to a with no implications. This has freed up our service prospective customer? team and made our customers happier.

These days the power of choice is with the The Blewitt story is about a family based customer. In the old days we were known as business. Have the dealers, which meant that we original values and goals held all of the cards. In the remained with growth? modern day the customer has Having spent four years most of the information at I guess one of the in London working, I had their fingertips. You can look proudest things about been exposed to European at all of my stock online. The the business is the good models and was a little best thing a customer can do name and reputation it has more open minded about is jump online and do a bit of established up and down these brands than Mike was research before they come in. the coast and out west. and had been for 25 years.

Do you offer solutions for This has only been achieved Initially when Mike sold budgets of different sizes? by good managers guiding me the business in 2003, Yes, of course! Entry enthusiastic staff.

I added Alfa Romeo, Fiat, level small cars - we have and Citroen. I remember KIA Picanto, which starts at the time Mike thought at $13,888. It is a great I was mad, but I proved it affordable small automatic car was just the beginning of the change needed to with parking sensors, bluetooth reverse camera and make us relevant to the automtive business in the airbags. The great thing about KIA is the seven-year 21st Century. warranty.

With the edition of Isuzu Ute in 2008, then We also stock Isuzu. The D-MAX has been a Mercedes-Benz in 2010, and finally KIA in 2012, market leader for over three years in Coffs Harbour we had a range of brands that complemented each and also the Isuzu M-UX. other and didn’t compete with each other.

Ford has also been a strong seller. In the Ford, The values are in our mission statement - and I Mustang has had a strong cult selling and has been

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CARL

MERCEDES-BENZ

BENNETT

SALES

a runaway success.

Then of course, we move up to Mercedes Benz. Starting at $39,900, the Mercedes brand has so much to offer, it’s ridiculous. Lots of people say they are too expensive, but my suggestion is go for a drive in one - you will be impressed.

Thanks Todd.

MERCEDES-BENZ SALES - CARL BENNETT Tell us about the models you stock ...

Mercedes has a complete range, from

passenger cars, commercial range and buses.

We stock all of these vehicles, starting from the “A” class, with prices starting from $39,990.

There are so many different models for different budgets and interests.There’s a very large choice of models at the $60,000 range.

Jump onto our website: www.mbcoffscoast. com.au and if you want to save dollars, check out our Demonstrator range.

Are there any new models that are about to launch?

It has independent rear end suspension, the engine is a mercedes engine through and through and in terms of towing, it tows 3.5 tonne.

Mercedes have finally gone into the ute market, which is fantastic news for everybody out there who wants to drive the best. We now stock the “X” class ute. It is certainly the best from a customer’s perspective. It has independent rear end suspension, the engine is a Mercedes engine through and through and in terms of towing,

it can tow 3.5 tonne.

I challenge anyone in the market for a ute to come on in and have a drive.

Who makes up the sales team for

Mercedes?

Myself, and our product specialist, Lachlan Brown. He has been with us for a number of years, and he is a great guy. Customers

Get moving with Thrifty Whatever your plans, we’ve got a vehicle for you. Choose from small cars to utes, buses and trucks, all at great rates.

02 6652 8622 coffsharbour@thriftycarrental.com.au Well done Mike, Todd and the team.

We thank you for your support!

Independent Licensee of Kingmill© Pty Ltd, Trading as Thrifty Car Rental.

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MIKE

BLEWITT COFFS COAST

Celebrating 40 years

love him. He has sold so many cars around Australia.

How important is staff training?

With Mercedes last year we spent in excess of $50,000 and had staff attend numerous training courses either face to face, online or interstate.

There is so much technology, we are constantly being challenged to learn new things - so training is very important.

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The 18MY Isuzu D-MAX has arrived and is a stand out performer on or off-road, with the legendary Isuzu 3-litre turbo diesel engine, available in 6-speed manual or automatic ...

COFFS COAST ISUZU NICK TOWNSEND Tell us about the models you stock.

We carry the Isuzu D-MAX, which is a stand out performer on or off-road. With the legendary Isuzu 3-litre turbo diesel engine, a beefed up 430 Nm of torque and an intuitive 6-speed transmission, the

D-MAX is all you need to pump up any adventure.

It also has a 5-star safety rating. Your safety is our top priority, so the D-MAX is fitted with the latest in active and passive safety features. With a maximum 5-star safety rating on 4x4 Crew and 4x2 Crew High Ride models, you can have complete peace of

mind.

We also stock the Isuzu M-UX. The Isuzu MU-X is a stand out performer on or off-road.

All models achieve a maximum 5-star safety rating, which makes it one very safe 7-seat family SUV. Are there any new models that are about to launch?

The 18MY Isuzu D-MAX has arrived and is a stand out performer on or off-road. With

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MIKE

BLEWITT COFFS COAST

Celebrating 40 years

the legendary Isuzu 3-litre turbo diesel engine, available in a choice of 6 speed manual or automatic transmissions, backed with 5 years or 130,000km warranty, 5 years roadside assistance and 5 years / 130,000KM capped price service intervals.

The D-MAX is still powered by our legendary 3 litre engine producing 130 kw and 430 Nm of torque, boosted by a variable geometry turbocharger, while running a heavy duty steel

If you’re looking for a great deal on a new car in Coffs Harbour, our friendly team are passionate about finding the right vehicle for you.

timing chain in place of a belt, which lasts the life of the engine. It’s then mated together with the option of a six-speed automatic transmission or six-speed manual.

Trim grades span EX, SX, LS-M, LS-U and new top of the range model LS-T. Pricing starts at $26,990 drive away all the way through to

$50,990 for the top of the range LS-T. NEW CARS COFFS HARBOUR When it comes to buying a new car, you need a dealership that understands your needs.

With over 40 years of experience buying and selling new cars in the Coffs Harbour area, Mike Blewitt has a reputation for providing

a great range of new vehicles and fantastic customer service. Whether you’re interested in a new car to fit the whole family, a small car to get you around town or a ute to get the job done, you can find what you need at Mike Blewitt. We offer a number of renowned new car brands to our customers, including Ford, Mercedes-Benz, KIA and Isuzu ute. If you’re looking for a great deal on a new car in Coffs Harbour, our friendly team are passionate

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MIKE

BLEWITT COFFS COAST

Celebrating 40 years

about finding the right vehicle for you.

USED CARS COFFS HARBOUR If you’re looking for a quality used car at a great price, you can’t go past Mike Blewitt.

Backed with over 40 years of experience buying and selling used cars in the Coffs Harbour area, our passionate team provides our customers with everything they need to choose the right used car.

We are proud to offer a huge range of used cars across a variety of makes and models, that are all in fantastic condition. Whether you are after a used ute, sedan or 4WD, our friendly team are committed to finding the right car, at the right price. With a huge range of used cars and competitive car finance solutions, Mike

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Backed with over 40 years of experience buying and selling used cars in the Coffs Harbour area, our passionate team provides our customers with everything they need to choose the right used car.

Blewitt is your complete used car dealer in Coffs Harbour.

Browse our range of used cars for sale in Coffs Harbour, or contact us today to speak with one of our friendly team members.

DEMO CARS COFFS HARBOUR Are you interested in buying a demo vehicle in Coffs Harbour? Make sure to visit Mike Blewitt! We offer a range of quality demo vehicles across a variety of renowned brands.

At Mike Blewitt, our demo cars are the perfect option for those looking to buy a

near-new vehicle at a reduced price. If you’re looking for a great deal on a demo car for sale in Coffs Harbour, our range is sure to impress.

We offer great deals on demo cars for sale across a number of well-known makes and models, including Ford, Mercedes-Benz, KIA and Isuzu UTE. All of our demo vehicles are well-maintained and in excellent condition.

View our range of demo cars for sale, or contact us today to speak to one of our friendly team members for more information.

PROMOTIONS Being in the sales industry, it’s important to have promotions that are relevant to our customers. Our $5,000 cash giveaway has been running for over 12 years now. We have given over $180,000 back to the community.

It’s funny, because all of our winners have really deserved the win. For example, the young girl who was our most recent winner celebrated her birthday three days after winning the cash.

Another example is a gentleman from Grafton, who booked a holiday to Alaska, called the team and said, “Should I drive down for the cash giveaway?” He did, and won, and he now has an extra $5,000 to spend on his holiday. It’s a great feeling knowing that we

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are able to give back to a community that has supported us over 40 years.

SERVICING Group Service Manager - Llewellyn Mitchell Workshop Controller - Greg Parsons Warranty Clerk - Brian Platts Service Advisors - Mark Best, Rhiannon Thompson and Emma Ross Receptionist - Mandy Newell

A typical day is fun filled interaction with customers offering outstanding and exceptional service to ALL our customers, with quality workmanship carried out by our professionally trained factory technicians on a daily basis.

Mercedes Benz Technicians - Sebastian Blake, Ben Applebee and Elizabeth Gledhill (Mercedes Benz Apprentice) Ford Master Technicians - Neal Cleary, Frank Nunnari and Michael Britten KIA Master Technicians - Sebastian Blake and

Frank Nunnari Technicians - Adam Corrigan, Kyle Foster and Stephen Degiorgio Apprentices - Kye Goodman, Jonas Wilson, Nicholas Ranieri and Jack Schafer What is a typical day for the service team?

A typical day is fun filled interaction with

customers, offering outstanding and exceptional service to ALL our customers, with quality workmanship carried out by our professionally trained factory technicians on a daily basis.

We have a fleet of loan vehicles available for all customers; however, booking in early is essential.

What services do you provide?

Servicing and repairs to all makes of

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We offer a wide range

Mercedes-Benz, Ford, KIA and Isuzu vehicles.

We also have a state of the art pre-delivery centre that can fit any accessory a customer requires with professional quality guaranteed workmanship.

FINANCE WITH IAN SWANBOROUGH FROM STRATTON FINANCE We aligned ourselves with Stratton Finance to give us the resources to assist our clients with their motor vehicle finance and insurance needs. Partnering with Stratton Finance gives

us access to more than vehicles, and financing can of finance and motor vehicle insurance 25 lenders, so there are be seen to be difficult, so options to assist finance options for all with our extensive finance clients to purchase client profiles. team we take away the their motor vehicles.

What services do you running around - which offer? leads to a smooth outcome We offer a wide for our clients. range of finance and Tell us about your motor vehicle insurance options to assist clients personal finance options. to purchase their motor vehicles. Everyone We can provide our clients with low rate has a different need when purchasing motor consumer and personal loans. Not everyone is

the same, so we will tailor a personal finance package to suit everyone’s individual needs.

Tell us about your business finance options.

Our business packages are one of the best in the market. With the ability to offer Finance Lease, Chattel Mortgages, Operating Lease, just to name a few, there are packages to suit all businesses.

Do you offer personal leasing?

Yes, we have a great Novated Leasing team

Congratulations

to Todd, Mike, and the team for a fantastic 40-year achievement in the local community.

From all of us here at Andersens Coffs Harbour

7 Collison Pl, Coffs Harbour 82 Coffs Coast focus

6651 7171

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MIKE

BLEWITT COFFS COAST

Celebrating 40 years

that is dedicated to just that. These products give great financial benefits, as well as allowing customers to update their vehicles on a regular basis.

APPRENTICESHIPS Do you have many apprenticeships and traineeships?

We currently have two x fourth year apprentices, two x third year apprentices, two x second year apprentices ‌ Six in total.

What areas do they train in?

All of the activities we get involved with are important in their own way, with the common thread being that they are all aimed at enriching the lives of our community members in some way.

They all attend our local TAFE College (three year course) as well as manufacturer online and face to face training classes for all products.

What is the best feedback you hear from your staff?

We all work in an environment we are proud of, are always noticed and feel appreciated as

one of the family. We are very team driven and always help one another out when in need.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Mike Blewitt Ford is known for its community involvement. What particular projects have you been a part of and what are you most

proud of?

Mike Blewitt Ford has been involved predominantly as a financial support to many community organisations and events. We’ve always tried to support a broad range of activities, including sport, the arts, medical research, local festivals and fundraisers. All of the activities we are involved with are important in their own way, with the common thread being that they are all aimed at enriching the lives of our community members

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MIKE

BLEWITT COFFS COAST

Celebrating 40 years

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in some way. The thing we’re most proud of is that we’ve been able to assist such a diverse range of community activities over such a long period of time.

Do you believe that it is important to be part of the Coffs community?

Absolutely. We live in a fantastic part of Australia. Our business relies on local support, and we understand and appreciate that by giving back to the community where and when we can. A strong and vibrant

Our business relies on local support, and we understand and appreciate that by giving back to the community where and when we can.

community is essential, not only for the ongoing success of businesses, but for the lifestyle we all enjoy.

Are you happy when you know that you have trained so many people in their

various areas and provided employment and upskilling to locals?

It’s one of the real privileges of the job seeing so many of our young employees starting their careers full of nerves and apprehension and watching them develop into confident, mature individuals.

A lot of them have then gone on to be very successful in their own right in various walks of life, and it is very rewarding to have seen and played a small part in that progression.

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Testimonial

KIRSTEN HOWTON I have had the pleasure of working always greatly appreciated and he was with Todd and the team at Mike Blewitt always willing to contribute happily, Ford through their amazing sponsorship without hesitation or question, and supporting the many Cancer Council wanting nothing in return. He and events I’ve been involved in over the the team are supporters of the Cancer last decade. The Council’s annual highlight was the Relay for Life, as annual Biggest well as Pink Ribbon Morning Tea Day events held We all know at least events I hosted in the dealership someone whose life is at Bonville Golf and other affected by cancer in one Resort, where Cancer Council way or another, so it was Mike Blewitt fundraising such an honour having Ford were major days. The Blewitt Todd’s wife, Nikki, share sponsors providing family, and Mike her personal journey as cars on site, prizes Blewitt Ford are our guest speaker one and generous synonymous for year. financial support. their charitable We all know at work; their desire least someone is to support not whose life is affected by cancer in only the Cancer Council as they do, one way or another, so it was such but many other wonderful charities an honour having Todd’s wife, Nikki, and local worthy recipients as well. share her personal journey as our Congratulations on 40 years in business guest speaker one year. Nikki regularly in Coffs Harbour - a truly wonderful took to the catwalk modelling in the achievement, and thank you for all you fashion parades each year also. Todd’s do in the community. significant support of the event was - Kirsten Howton.

NIKKI BLEWITT & KIRSTEN HOWTON

Commonwealth Bank Commonwealth is proud to bankBank and is proud to bank and support Mike Blewitt support Blewitt Ford whoMike are celebrating Ford whoin are celebrating 40 years business.

40 years in business.

Commonwealth Bank is proud to bank and support Mike Blewitt Ford who are celebrating 40 years in business.

Damien McConchie Relationship Executive - Coffs Harbour Damien Regional McConchie and Agribusiness Banking Relationship Executive - Coffs Harbour Mobile: 0476 335 Regional and 813 Agribusiness Banking Damien.McConchie@cba.com.au Mobile: 0476 813 335 Damien.McConchie@cba.com.au

Things you should know: Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL and Australian credit licence 234945.

Things you should know: Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL and Australian credit licence 234945.

Damien McConchie Relationship Executive - Coffs Harbour Regional and Agribusiness Banking Mobile: 0476 813 335 Damien.McConchie@cba.com.au

Things you should know: Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL and Australian credit licence 234945.

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