We managed to score an interview, all the way from the city of Johannesburg, with Gareth van Rooyen, Sales & Marketing Manager at Powerstar Zimbabwe, winning Powerstar FT Series dealership of the year.
How long has Powerstar Zimbabwe been around in this industry?
“This dealership was established in 2010 – We are the sole dealer of Powerstar trucks and the Powerstar FT Series in the country.”
What is it about Powerstar vehicles, and the FT Series, that you like the most?
“The Powerstar brand has been spec’d for our market,” says van Rooyen. “It is a simple, yet very durable truck.” He goes on further to say that, “the fact that it looks good too is a bonus.”
What is the most trying time you have experienced as a dealership and how have you overcome it?
Van Rooyen starts off by saying, “payment options and bank loans.” “Unfortunately, our economy makes it difficult to purchase trucks on terms, especially on our local currency. We live in a volatile economy where rates change overnight, making deals complicated – however, we work closely with our customers to ensure that no one gains and no one loses.”
What do you believe makes a dealership, a dealership of the year?
“I believe that it’s about going beyond our partners’ targets and expectations. Moreso, having the support from our partners – ESI.”
What, in your opinion, makes Powerstar Zimbabwe different from the other dealerships in the area?
“We are a formidable team with a strong foundation that has been developed over the years.”
“We strongly believe in developing relationships with our customers and being hungry for more business across the country.”
If you had to pick one sentence to describe what it is like for a customer that walks into Powerstar Zimbabwe, what would you say?
“A customer feels welcomed when they walk in and satisfied when they leave.”
For Powerstar Zimbabwe, what is it that it takes to make a successful dealership?
For van Rooyen, “success is measured by the urgency to responding to a customer’s request, following through on a solution and being in the forefront of their minds.” He further explains that, “support sells, and at Powerstar Zimbabwe, we strive to put the customer first.”
“Secondly, having the ability to have spare parts and stock on the ground gives us an added advantage against our competition.”
Lastly for van Rooyen, “it’s about having the right team in the right location is a winning formula. I believe this is in the hearts of the IEG leadership.”
Concluding remarks?
“A big thank you for this award, and a big thank you to our Sales and Support Team. This award is only achieved through the trust of our partners and the focus from our whole team. It’s a great team effort.”
