Riviera rewards outstanding achievement at the 2013 Australia/NZ Dealer Awards

Sydney, Australia: Marine industry excellence, innovation and exceptional customer service was recognised at Riviera’s esteemed annual Dealer Awards held in Sydney during the Sydney International Boat Show.

Australia’s favourite and most awarded luxury boat builder has been rewarding outstanding achievement by their long-standing dealer network since the awards inception 19 years ago. 

The team at R Marine South Australia were honoured to win the coveted Overall Dealership of the Year award for the second consecutive year. 

The team at R Marine Sydney did exceptionally well this year with the dealership winning the award for ‘Sales Excellence by a Dealership’ for the second consecutive year, the dealership’s sales consultant Pete Devery received the award for ‘Sales Excellence by an Individual’ for the second consecutive year, and R Marine Sydney service manager Cameron McGoogan received the award for ‘Service Excellence by an Individual’.

Riviera’s dealer relationship manager Peter Welch said the annual Australia/New Zealand Dealer of the Year awards recognised excellence, outstanding achievement and dedication to Riviera’s loyal owners and brand.

“Dealers are judged on their ability both to service Riviera owners’ needs as well as their boats.  They must conduct owner experience events and maintain professional and highly ethical representation of the brand.  The dealership must conduct overall boat sales of both new and pre-owned Rivieras, must comply with the factory’s strict business guidelines, adhere to Riviera’s values and always strive to create and deliver the ultimate boat experience,” Mr Welch said.  

R Marine South Australia dealer principal Paul Harrop congratulated his team on such a tremendous achievement.

“I am proud of our team and everything that we have been doing over the past 12 months.  Our owner functions and experiences are bringing the Riviera family together in South Australia.  Our pre-loved Riviera sales have been incredible with more than $16 million in sales over the past nine months,” he said.

“Our team consistently goes above and beyond to best serve our customers and it is nice to be recognised and appreciated for our efforts by winning this highly contested and prestigious award.”

R Marine South Australia’s managing director Ross Almond commended his team on their effort, persistence and professionalism.

“I tell my team that this is not just a job, it is a lifestyle, and every single member of our team is dedicated to ensuring our Riviera owners receive the best customer service, advice and support.”

Paul said the introduction of the Riviera Owners Club has been very popular.

“The owners club has built camaraderie between our owners by bringing them together for social events and experiences and Ross brings invaluable experience to the team as a long time Riviera owner since 2001.  Ross knows what owners want and need and how we as a dealership can ensure our owners enjoy the ultimate boating experience.”

R Marine Sydney’s service manager Cameron McGoogan was surprised to receive the Service Excellence award.

This is the first time a shipwright has won a Riviera Dealer Service Award, which Cameron claims is a result of his team’s efforts, not an individual award.

“I am honoured to receive such an esteemed award.  I have an excellent team and I would like to congratulate them on their efforts this year,” Cameron said.

“I have been service manager for R Marine Sydney for two years and in that time I have had a lot of job satisfaction from getting the boats finished on time and receiving customer feedback about the quality of our workmanship.

“In the future I would like to see the service department grow so that we are a one stop shop providing both warranty and aftermarket work.”

Riviera’s annual Dealer Awards continue to recognise excellence and encourage the dealer network team to strive for quality, exceptional owner care and service innovation.