Meet the Team
Joel Wright
General Manager - Ashmore
How many years’ experience in the Auto Industry?
25 years in total & first 12 month in service & parts at Tweed Holden.
How many years have you worked for von Bibra & what position/s have you held?
20 years, I have worked as a Sales Consultant & Sales Manager for a variety of manufacturers across 3 locations, Beginning in Tweed then at Ashmore. In 2012 moved into the General Sales Managers role at Helensvale in total for 8 years and returned back to Ashmore as General Sales manager in 2020. After serving under Max Johnson as his "Apprentice" I have now taken on the role as General Manager effective July 2022.
Who did you previously work for and what was your role there?Tweed Motors Holden (Previous owners before von Bibra's purchased the business in 2002) Started in parts & service & moved to used car sales where I commenced my cadetship. Great family business which intern was taken over by another successful business in the name of the von Bibra family.
Where did you grow up?
Locally at Burleigh Heads & born in Southport, so in someway I have always lived & worked in the same area, I'm sure that makes me a true local.
Favourite quote or best piece of advice given to you?
Perfection is the total sum of a lot of small things done very well. Which ties in very well with what my grandfather said to me when I was 8yrs old on the back of his tractor mowing over 15 acres of land. "In life bite off more than you can chew, then chew like hell".
Martin Simpson
General Manager - Robina
How many years’ experience in the Auto Industry?
17 years, all with von Bibra.
How many years have you worked for von Bibra & what position/s have you held?
17 years – I have worked as a Salesperson, Sales Manager, General Sales Manager & General Manager.
Who did you previously work for and what was your role there? Grumps Wharf Restaurant, Manager.
What do you love most about your job?
The relationships you build with customers and staff over time as well as seeing people start at the bottom, grab an opportunity and create a successful life filled with opportunities they can create by doing what’s right not what’s easy!
I love, that I still love my job after 17 years.
Where did you grow up?
Currumbin and Ashmore always lived on the Gold Coast.
Favourite quote or best piece of advice given to you?
'If you have no confidence in self, you are twice defeated in the race of life, with confidence you have won even before you have started.'
Life is 10% what happens and 90% how you react. If It Is To Be It Is Up To Me!
Chris Rockell
General Sales Manager - Ashmore
How many years’ experience in the Auto Industry?
I have had 6 years this November in the industry and all my time with von Bibra.
How many years have you worked for von Bibra & what position/s have you held?
I have been with the company 6 years in November, I started my career in Ashmore Honda after progressing to the Nissan Sales manager for 4 ½ years. Now into General Sales Manager as of 1st July 2022
Who did you previously work for and what was your role there?
I worked for von Bibra Honda Ashmore, being the number 1 salesperson for over a year hitting 20+ sales every month. Then into the Nissan Managers chair consistently being number 1 in the region for 3 years running.
What do you love most about your job?
I love that I can provide my family a better opportunity in life and bright future with my hard work, love helping my team/ friends achieve an amazing result so they can achieve their dreams!!
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Cornwall, UK
Favourite quote or best piece of advice given to you?
Best quote would have to be from my grandad, to achieve anything in life Chris he said remember the 6 P’s prior preparation prevents, piss, poor, performance.
The quality of the question will provide you the quality of the answer.
Ryan McCabe
General Sales Manager - Robina
How many years’ experience in the Auto Industry?
16 years.
How many years have you worked for von Bibra & what position/s have you held?
Joined the von Bibra group in June 2018 as General Sales Manager at Robina.
Who did you previously work for and what was your role there? Toyota 7 Years, BMW 3 years, Started off selling Holden, Trainee Sales Person, Salesperson, Sales Manager, Business Manager and General Sales Manager
What do you love most about your job?
It is exciting buying a new car and it is great seeing people everyday picking up their new cars and having a great experience.
Where did you grow up?
Bundaberg then the Sunshine Coast
Favourite quote or best piece of advice given to you?
"The harder I work the luckier I get"
JAZZ WALLACE
NISSAN CAR SALES MANAGER - ASHMORE
How many years’ experience in the Auto Industry?
6 ½ Years
How many years have you worked for von Bibra & what position/s have you held?
5 ½ Years. Started at NISSAN Sales, Moved to a Relief Management Position - Launched the Chery Brand as Manager in March 2023 and now I have returned to NISSAN as Sales Manager.
Who did you previously work for and what was your role there?
Glyn Hopkin NISSAN, Romford, England. Sales Consultant.
What do you love most about your job?
It's a dynamic industry with lots of moving parts - there is never a dull moment and always something to do.
Where did you grow up?
Harold Hill, Romford, Essex - England
Favourite quote or best piece of advice given to you?
Do what is right, not what is easy.
DREW CONWAY
SERVICE MANAGER - ASHMORE
How many years’ experience in the Auto Industry?
22 years.
How many years have you worked for von Bibra & what position/s have you held?
10 years with von Bibra, firstly as the Helensvale Service Manager transferred to Ferry Rd in the Service Manager at Ashmore.
Who did you previously work for and what was your role there?
I worked with Zupps as a Technician & service Advisors & with AHG as Fixed operations manager
What do you love most about your job?
The people! Working together improving daily and having fun while doing it.
Where did you grow up?
Port Macquarie NSW.
Favourite quote or best piece of advice given to you?
“The way we communicate with others & with ourselves ultimately determines the quality of our lives”
ALEX JURKENAS
NISSAN CAR SALES MANAGER - ROBINA
How many years’ experience in the Auto Industry?
1 year
How many years have you worked for von Bibra & what position/s have you held?
8 months as GWM New Car Salesman
Who did you previously work for and what was your role there?
Gym Manager & Strength Coach at Nexus Performance Gym
What do you love most about your job?
I love that there is always something to learn and improve upon. Also, the level of effort and work you put in directly correlates to your results
Where did you grow up?
Melbourne, Victoria for 28 years before moving to the GC
Favourite quote or best piece of advice given to you?
“Have a stack of undeniable proof that you are who you say you are”
Brent Rynehart
Service Manager - Nissan Robina
How many years’ experience in the Auto Industry?
13 years
How many years have you worked for von Bibra & what position/s have you held?
13 years / Service Advisor / Assistant Service Manager / Service Manager.
Who did you previously work for and what was your role there?
Ran my aunty and uncle's pubs (New Albury Hotel in Albury NSW & Tumbulgum Tavern just south of Tweed Heads).
What do you love most about your job?
The people and the Von Bibra culture
Where did you grow up?
Wagga Wagga
Favourite quote or best piece of advice given to you?
Two I always run with: “Attitude is a choice” and “Be good to your mother”.