Newcastle's Bridgestone Service Centre Thornton has been named Australia's best truck store, clinching the title of Commercial Business Retail Dealer of the Year for 2019 in Bridgestone's annual MasterClass awards program.
The program saw Bridgestone's commercial business stores all around Australia assessed throughout the year on safety practices, fleet servicing, sales performance, and customer experience.
With exceptional performance in all areas over the 12 months, Ashley McDougall's Bridgestone Service Centre Thornton store proved itself across all categories to claim the top prize.
"I'm incredibly proud of the team and this award is a reflection of the effort they put in all year round," Ashley McDougall said.
"We strive to go above and beyond for our customers and the national fleet customers of Bridgestone, so to be recognised with these accolades is fantastic.
"We've got members of our team who have been with us for many years, and this award is because of their expertise and customer focussed mindset," Mr McDougall added.
It was a highly successful year for Mr McDougall, clean-sweeping the NSW/ACT regional awards as well as taking out the national commercial win.
His Central Coast based Bridgestone Select Tuggerah store recorded back-to-back wins in the best NSW/ACT franchise ranks, and Bridgestone Service Centre Thornton also claiming the title of NSW/ACT's best Service Centre.
The success in 2019 adds to Mr McDougall's outstanding MasterClass record, with his fifth win since 2013 across the group of stores.
"Our MasterClass program recognises and rewards our network for the dedication they put into ensuring Bridgestone customers receive the best possible experience," said Bridgestone Australia & New Zealand Managing Director, Stephen Roche.
"Congratulations to Ashley McDougall and the team at Bridgestone Service Centre Thornton on being named 2019 Commercial Business Retail Dealer of the Year.
"Our stores are the face of Bridgestone throughout Australia, and MasterClass showcases the great work they do in delivering exceptional customer service."
Bridgestone has revamped its store recognition program in 2020, with stores around Australia now contesting the DRIVE program.