ISUZU BIDS FAREWELL TO TRUCK VETERAN

Having only last year celebrated a historic 40 years in the truck sales business, Patterson Cheney stalwart and former Dealer Principal, Terry Jewson has officially called time on a storied and important career.   

With 25 years spent in senior positions within the group and decades spent as a fierce advocate for the Isuzu brand, Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) Director and Chief Operating Officer, Andrew Harbison issued thanks to an industry ‘legend.’  

“With a quarter of a century under his belt and overseeing some momentous shifts across Australia’s road transport sector, Terry has truly earned some time off,” Mr Harbison said.   

“When I first came across to Isuzu, Terry was well established in Melbourne and a font of knowledge on the product, the customer base and all things Isuzu.  

“Terry is emblematic of why Isuzu has managed to stay on top for so long. It’s all down to meaningful working relationships, something Terry nurtured that better than anybody in the business.  

“For everything Terry has brought to the table over the years, for the blood sweat and tears, and for the thousands of committed Isuzu customers he’s partnered with, we at IAL say thank you and good luck!” Mr Harbison said.   

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS  

Mr Jewson’s expansive career started many years ago when as a young butcher, he was told that he would make a good used car salesperson.   

He took the advice to heart and found a job doing just that. Thankfully, he was better than good and soon found himself rapidly climbing the ranks within the Patterson Cheney group in Melbourne.   

He started out as a Trainee Salesperson in 1982 before moving into used truck sales. From there he was promoted to Used Truck Sales Manager, then onto Truck Sales Manager, before reaching the final rung as Dealer Principal.  

“For me, sales has always been a great fit. I know it takes a certain kind of personality, but I’ve always loved the thrill of the chase,” Mr Jewson recounted.   

Known for his business intellect and tireless work ethic, Mr Jewson always went the extra mile, meeting with potential customers at their homes or places of work and outside of office hours if necessary, but when pressed, Terry had revealed one attribute essential to success in the business.   

SECRET TO SUCCESS  

“You have to have the care factor,” he said.   

“The care factor can be a tough one because you have to live it, it has to be part of everything you do. Truck customers are savvy, so it takes business acumen and tremendous knowledge to work well with them…you have to know your stuff, and thankfully my team has always been very, very good!”  

For many years Mr Jewson has also been a key figure within the Isuzu Truck Dealer Association (ITDA), the representative association for Isuzu dealerships across Australia. A driving force for a number of seismic changes throughout the truck leader’s dealer footprint, Terry ensured dealer partners had a genuine voice and that everyone who came to work with him received a fair go.   

“No one works for me,” he’d always say. “They work with me.”  

Mr Jewson will be fondly remembered by those who have worked alongside him, the countless businesses and families he has helped through his work and by the entire Isuzu dealer network, who are saying goodbye to a staunch supporter, a vocal champion for their issues and above all, a friend.