Dealer principal Gary Melrose is raising the bat after marking an incredible 50 years with Gilbert & Roach Isuzu at its Huntingwood, New South Wales site.
Melrose initially linked up with the business back in 1975 as a fresh-faced 16-year-old apprentice mechanic at Gilbert & Roach’s old Homebush location.
Reflecting on his 50 years with the business, Melrose says a love of trucks helped foster his long and successful career in the industry.
“When I was a kid, I loved working with anything mechanical,” Melrose says. “To have turned that passion into a career lasting 50 years is incredibly special.
“For me, I loved working on the trucks and climbed the ranks from foreman to service department manager, then onto sales, general manager and eventually dealer principal of a business I never imagined would be so successful.
“I’ve had the privilege of working with many incredible people, and I continue to meet with others who inspire me to deliver the best outcomes for our customers.”
Melrose has been with Gilbert & Roach selling Isuzu’s since the manufacturer’s first foray into the Australian market, and he’s been on top of the bubble that has seen it become the most popular truck brand in the country.
It has grown from offering just its KS21 and SBR 50 models to now providing 27 variants that can be customised to operate across a broad range of industries.
Gilbert & Roach has grown alongside Isuzu and relocated from its Paramatta Road site to Huntingwood in 2000 due to an increasing demand for its services. It now also has locations in Gosford, Newcastle and Nerallan.
“Seeing the Isuzu name evolve into what it is today is a tremendous achievement,” Melrose continues.
“Isuzu is a premium brand in Australia, and it attracts people.”
Melrose’s achievement of 50 years with Gilbert & Roach has not gone unnoticed by the broader Isuzu Australia Limited team, with Chief of Sales and Aftersales Ben Lasry praising the dealer principal’s extended tenure with the business.
“As someone who turned 50 this year, I am in awe of Gary’s half-century in the industry,” Lasry says.
“Gary is incredibly passionate and puts the customer first. His wealth of experience, from Isuzu’s early days to its current success, is truly an inspiration to Gilbert & Roach and the entire network.
“In cricket terms that’s 50 not out, and there are still many more runs to be made.
“Congratulations Gary.”
Melrose’s tenure dealing with Isuzu vehicles is set to start a new chapter in the coming weeks and months, as the manufacturer prepares to launch its first all-new model range in Australia in over a decade.
The models are set to be fully unveiled to the public at the upcoming Brisbane Truck Show, and Melrose believes evolving customer habits will help make the launch a success.
“I think our customers are constantly evolving, and the products we get are generally ahead of that evolution, which is always a good thing,” he says.
“But they’ll be the first to let us know if we’re hitting the right spot.
“People used to fear technology, but now they embrace it and want to know more about their truck than ever before.
“It’s a challenge each day, but Isuzu isn’t just another truck brand; it’s a leader in every sense of the word.
“Gilbert & Roach Isuzu is poised for an exciting future.”
