STEVE SMITH SIGNS ON AS AN MBGC AMBASSADOR Mercedes-Benz Gold Coast signed Australian cricket Captain Steven Smith as a Brand Ambassador in early July. Steve visited the Robina dealership to accept the keys for his new Mercedes-AMG GLE 43 in August as part of the two-year deal that will include several promotional visits to the Gold Coast. “Mercedes-Benz is a fantastic brand to be associated with, and the Gold Coast is a beautiful city, so I am looking forward to coming up here more often,” he said. “The car epitomises sportiness and suits my lifestyle down to a tee.” Mercedes-Benz Gold Coast Dealer Principal Robin Mainali said it was a real coup to secure Steve and an honour to have him as an ambassador for the brand. “Steve’s attention to detail, hard work and meticulous preparation have allowed him to rise to the top of international cricket, and those same qualities have elevated Mercedes-Benz to the pinnacle of motoring,” he said. “We’re not only excited to have him as a brand ambassador, but happy we’ll be able to showcase to him what other Gold Coast Mercedes-Benz drivers experience every day – our beautiful beaches, the weather and of course the world-class city that we choose to call home.” Keep an eye out for an in-depth story about Steve in the next issue of MBGC. LEGO BATMAN MOVIE A FLYING SUCCESS Young and old alike attended Mercedes-Benz Gold Coast’s free school holiday screening of the highly anticipated The Lego Batman Movie at the Arts Centre Gold Coast in July. Based on the success of the inaugural school holiday screening of Finding Dory last spring, this event was sure to be a hit. And this year’s turn out did not disappoint! Guests enjoyed a red carpet experience, getting their photo taken in front of a Batman-themed media wall before entering the cinema with popcorn and drink in hand. Entertainers AE Events treated guests to an energetic and prize- packed pre-show with Batman himself, before settling in to watch The Lego Batman Movie from the comfort of the plush cinema chairs. What is your role at Mercedes-Benz Gold Coast? Service Manager, which is a role that I started at the end of June. It’s been great. I enjoy supporting the connection between the workshop, management, and clients. What is your professional history? The automotive industry has been my professional home for 30 years. I secured my first role, as an apprentice with Porsche, as a 15 year old, and I am 46 now. Over the years, I have held management positions at Porsche, Jaguar Land Rover, Jeep and Volkswagen dealerships across a range of departments, first in Sydney and now on the Gold Coast. I’ve always had a fascination for vehicles. It’s funny – I have tried to get out of the industry at times, but it has always called me back. It is what I know, but I am still learning every day. I don’t consider it a job; it is a career. What do you hope to achieve in your role at the dealership? Customer satisfaction is my number one priority. I want to see smiles on customers’ faces, especially when they come in with a problem – it is important that we turn negatives into positives. That is a great achievement. We need to create a ‘wow factor’ when I clients come into the dealership – The best or nothing. What is your favourite Mercedes-Benz model and why? The C 63 sedan; it’s just a beast. What does the Mercedes-Benz brand mean to you? For me, Mercedes-Benz is the pinnacle. The brand represents qualities that everyone strives towards. We were amongst the first to create automobiles, and for more than 90 years Mercedes-Benz has maintained the same reputation for excellence, class and performance. What are your interests outside of work? Enjoying time with my wife, Tracey, and three children, Tiarne, Brayden, and Gianna is my priority. Gianna is just three years old, and she keeps me young at heart. Outside of my family and work, Rugby league is another passion. I have played football all my life, and I often get out to watch games live. The Roosters are my team, even though I played for St George in my younger days. I don’t mind watching the Gold Coast Titans at Robina either. KEVIN BEZZINA Mercedes-Benz Gold Coast Service Manager O P E R A T I O N S BEHIND THE MBGC SCENES 61 M B G C 60