Well known industry identity and Daimler NZ used truck sales manager, John Campbell has retired from his position due to health reasons. John has been in the sales side of the industry for 20 years, the last eight with Daimler NZ managing the company‘s used truck sales business for Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner brands as well as other marques that came into business as part of fleet replacement programmes.
Originally brought into the Select Trucks business on an 18-month contract to sell trade-in vehicles resulting from a large fleet replacement, John‘s passion and enthusiasm meant he wasn‘t going anywhere at the end of the term. In the words of senior manager, Mercedes-Benz Truck Sales, Dave Ballantyne, “John‘s integrity and honesty make him indispensable, and his positive up-beat approach to everything and passion for the brands means he‘s just a great guy to have around.”
John‘s journey in the world of trucks started in 1980 driving for JC Walker in Papakura. He worked there for 12 years, leaving to take up his first sales role at Hino NZ in 1992. JC Walker managing director Chris Walker said, “John‘s move to Hino was instrumental in getting the brand into our business. We brought our first Hino after John started selling them. Cambolian is a great old mate of mine with whom I have had the pleasure of sharing many ales and laughs over the years.”
From there John went to Fiji for a time, managing the logistic support for the development of golf courses. Returning home he went back to JC Walker before returning to sales, joining Euro Star Trucks in Takanini selling the Freightliner and Mercedes brands.
In 1997 John took up a position with TR Group. “John was the first full-time salesman Neil and I employed. The company was only five years old, and John rose to the challenge of selling the lease and rent proposition to clients as a component of their vehicle and fleet operations, a relatively new concept in New Zealand at the time,” recalls managing director TR Group, Andrew Carpenter.
Mr Carpenter shared a funny story from John‘s time in Fiji “John once famously played golf with Colonel Rambuka without realising who it was for much of the game. He even more famously asked the Colonel if he knew Rambuka (obviously John didn‘t realise who he was playing with).
The answer came back in a deep and assertive tone, slowly spoken “I am Rambuka.” “John is a neat guy, a lot of fun and was a perfect fit for our business.” John moved on fron TR Group in October 2003, first working in sales at Road Life Trucks, before eventually accepting the role with Select Trucks and Daimler NZ.
“John was keen and happy to keep working, but it‘s time for him to focus on his health and his other passions in life, travelling, fishing, and rugby,” said Dave Ballantyne. “Everyone here wishes John the utmost happiness and he will be genuinely missed in the business.”
