Downtown Toyota Distinction Awards

This year’s Downtown Toyota Distinction Awards were a highlight of our annual Christmas party, which embraced the vibrant Havana Nights theme. Held at the stunning Bougainvillea House at Howard Smith Wharfs, the event was an unforgettable celebration of excellence, teamwork, and dedication. Against the backdrop of elevated views of the Story Bridge and city skyline, team members dressed in their finest themed attire gathered to honour the remarkable achievements of their colleagues.

Here’s a look at this year’s standout winners and their contributions:

Honouring Our Team Members: Team Distinction Awards

The Retail Sales team had an incredible year, with standout performances from Nav, Jon, and Mitch. Nav’s infectious energy and positive attitude have made him a rising star in the team. As a newcomer to car sales, his background in sales shines through in his customer interactions, and his drive has quickly made him a key player. Jon, with 25 years of experience, continues to be the cornerstone of the team, inspiring both customers and colleagues with his deep product knowledge and steady presence. Mitch’s contributions as a leader and team player were also recognised, reflecting his ability to drive success and foster a collaborative environment.

Mitchell Hocking shared his thoughts on his teammates:

“Nav’s energy and positive attitude have been a game-changer for the team. He’s new to car sales but already making a huge impact with his drive and customer focus.”

“Jon is the backbone of our team, bringing unmatched expertise and a commitment to excellence every day.”

Phil Bryan, General Sales Manager, added:

“Mitch’s strong sign-up rate and his willingness to help his team make him an essential part of our success. He leads by example with his hard work and positive attitude, showing what teamwork and dedication can achieve.”

The Used Sales Department recognised Ed and Brooke for their exceptional contributions. Ed’s ability to connect with customers and deliver consistent results has made him a cornerstone of the team’s success. Brooke’s friendly attitude and natural talent for building trust with customers have made her an integral part of the team’s success.

Joel Holomek, Manager of the Used Car Department, shared:

“Ed’s unwavering dedication and ability to connect with customers have been instrumental to his success. His consistent results and leadership qualities set a high standard for the team, making him a vital part of our success and a true example of excellence.”

“Brooke’s friendly attitude and willingness make her a joy to work with. She has a natural ability to build meaningful connections with customers, fostering trust and loyalty. Her positivity and results-driven approach are an inspiration to everyone around her.”

The Finance Department highlighted Todd’s exceptional performance and contributions. His ability to exceed targets and maintain a positive approach has set a new benchmark for success.

Phil Bryan, General Sales Manager, reflected on Todd’s achievements:

“Todd’s incredible results and attitude have blown everyone away. As a business manager, he has lifted his numbers significantly and set a new standard for success. His dedication and positive approach show what’s possible with focus and hard work.”

The Fleet Department celebrated the accomplishments of Summer and Tina. While Tina’s success has already been recognised with the Best of the Best Award, Summer’s achievements were also commendable. Her excellent clearance rate throughout the year is a testament to her hard work and dedication.

Michael Lucas, Fleet Manager, shared:

“To see Summer achieve a fleet award for her excellent clearance rate throughout the year was a reflection of the hard work she’s put in during 2024, setting her up for an even bigger 2025. 2024 has been a great year for the fleet team at Downtown, and I know we are all motivated to make 2025 an even bigger year again.”

The Admin team celebrated Lindsay and Danica for their outstanding efforts. Both were recognised with Distinction Awards for their exceptional contributions, with Danica’s work in accounts payable across all departments playing a vital role in supporting the dealership’s operations, and Lindsay's contributions earning her the DP Distinction Award. 

The Admin team celebrated Lindsay and Danica for their outstanding efforts, with both receiving Distinction Awards for their exceptional contributions. Lindsay’s strong work ethic, especially in her stock controller role throughout 2024, was widely praised. Jerry Sun, Downtown Toyota’s Chief Financial Officer, highlighted her dedication, noting, “Lindsay consistently goes above and beyond to ensure the job is done right. Her commitment and hard work have been invaluable to the team.”

Danica was also recognised for her adaptability and support during a year of transitions. Jerry remarked, “Danica’s adaptability during the debtor collection in 2024 was impressive. She handled the transition smoothly and helped the team adjust quickly. Her flexibility and willingness to embrace change have been truly commendable.” Although Danica couldn’t attend the event to accept her award, her achievements were celebrated and acknowledged as vital to the dealership’s success.

The Service Department recognised Rowelito, Bobby, Zosimo, Matt, Farhan, Darren, and Alex for their exceptional performance and dedication throughout the year. Pre-Delivery was also highlighted, with Frederick receiving well-deserved recognition for his contributions.

The Parts Department celebrated Alinh Sayaxang, Bobby, and Lucianna. Lucianna’s team spirit and initiative earned her first place in the People’s Choice Awards, while Alinh’s contributions were recognised with second place. Bobby’s hard work behind the scenes has been instrumental in keeping operations smooth and efficient.

Steve Perry shared:

“Lucci is everyone’s ‘go to’ when they need a hand. She is across so many things and is always willing to provide support or even just encouragement. Our life in the Downtown Toyota Parts department would not be anywhere near as rich and enjoyable if we didn’t have our Luc.”

“Big Al is a champion among champions. He has proved that the right person can not only work effectively from him, but can indeed excel. Our customers love him, we all love him and can’t wait to have him back in the office. He brings so much positivity to the room.”

Each of these individuals exemplifies the dedication, professionalism, and teamwork that define Downtown Toyota.

The evening was a true celebration of our team’s accomplishments, with laughter, camaraderie, and well-deserved recognition. To capture the spirit of the event, we’ve curated a gallery of photos showcasing award winners alongside their managers, the vibrant Havana Nights theme, and candid moments from this memorable night. Be sure to check it out below!

Thank You and Congratulations

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in the awards and a big congratulations to all of our winners. Your hard work, dedication, and team spirit continue to make Downtown Toyota a leader in the community. Here’s to another fantastic year ahead!