• Top performing truck stores in the Bridgestone networked named for 2023.
• Bridgestone Service Centre Rockhampton takes out top honours.
• Truck store of the year recognises stores committed to Bridgestone and Firestone truck and bus tyres and Bandag retreads.

ADELAIDE, South Australia — Leading tyre supplier Bridgestone has recognised its top performing stores within its network through the 2023 DRIVE excellence program, with Bridgestone Service Centre Rockhampton named as National Truck Store of the Year.

Chris Bollins and the team at Bridgestone Service Centre Rockhampton claimed the top prize for Bridgestone's network stores throughout Australia servicing commercial vehicles and recognises sales performance of Bridgestone and Firestone truck and bus tyres, and Bandag retreads.

"Bridgestone is the most highly respected tyre brand in this country so to be recognized as their best truck store nationally is incredibly rewarding and the biggest honour we can achieve," Mr Bollins said.

"This win is down to our team, led by store manager Chaice, and second-in-charge Mitchell. They are exceptional team leaders and have made a successful transition from our previous manager Les who helped build our Rockhampton store to what it is now.

"Everyone works together as a team, no one in our business is afraid to get their hands dirty and get what needs to be done, done – and ultimately it's our customers that benefit. I'm thrilled that their hard work is being showcased as the best in the Bridgestone network," he added.

In addition to celebrating national winners, DRIVE also highlights the top-performing stores in each sales region.

Ashley McDougall and Bridgestone Service Centre Thornton claimed back-to-back victories in the Truck Store of the Year award for the NSW/ACT region, while Alf Bamford, Dave Barry and Terry Gilcrist from Bridgestone Service Centre Mount Gambier also claimed back-to-back SA/NT victories.

In VIC/TAS, honours went to Bridgestone Service Centre Benalla owned by Tony Sait, Kevin Saxton & John Zappala while Shane Hay's Bridgestone Service Centre Geraldton claimed the WA prize.  

Bridgestone Australia & New Zealand Managing Director, Heath Barclay, said the DRIVE program highlights the top performing stores in the best tyre and auto network in the country, and celebrating their success is a highlight of the year.

"The DRIVE program highlights our commitment to delivering great customer service and sets the benchmark for our entire network of stores throughout Australia, and this year was another close contest between stores. We're pleased to recognise Chris Bollins and Bridgestone Service Centre Rockhampton team on winning National Truck Store of the Year," Mr Barclay said.

"I'm always proud to showcase our top-performing stores through the DRIVE program because it showcases how committed our network is to deliver on our customer experience promise. These stores are the very best in our industry and continue to drive our business forward," Mr Barclay said.

The Bridgestone network recently claimed Gold in the annual Reader's Digest Quality Service awards for tyre retailers, and Silver for independent car servicing, as well as taking out perfect scores for car servicing in CANSTAR's Outstanding Customer Service awards. Earlier this year, Bridgestone was also named Australia's Most Trusted Tyre Brand for a 10th consecutive year.

Bridgestone Australia Sales Director, Claudio Sodano, says the accolades Bridgestone continues to win is because of the strength and commitment of its network of stores.

"Bridgestone has an award-winning network, and that's because of the incredible efforts of our stores and their teams to continue delivering exceptional customer service. Our own DRIVE program is recognising and celebrating those in our own network that are the best of the best," Mr Sodano said.

"Australians continue to put their trust and confidence in Bridgestone stores for expert tyre and auto service needs, and it's our stores that have built the outstanding reputation our Bridgestone Select Tyre & Auto and Bridgestone Service Centre have," he added.

In the other major DRIVE awards, Bridgestone Select Tyre & Auto Belmont (WA) and Martin de Villiers won National Franchise of the Year, while Bridgestone Service Centre Kyneton, owned by Roger Jukes, was awarded National Service Centre of the Year – the top prize for regional stores.

-ENDS-

Bridgestone Truck Store of the Year
National Winner/QLD – Bridgestone Service Centre Rockhampton
NSW/ACT – Bridgestone Service Centre Urunga
VIC/TAS – Bridgestone Service Centre Benalla
SA/NT – Bridgestone Service Centre Mount Gambier (truck centre)
WA – Bridgestone Service Centre Geraldton