McIntosh & Son Welcomes Byron Blevin as New Service Manager for Narrogin

Byron Blevin and Group Service Manager, Daniel O'Neill.

When Byron Blevin got the call from his manager offering him the Service Manager role at the newly acquired Narrogin McIntosh & Son dealership, he knew it would come with high expectations to perform, lead, communicate and set a strong example. And that it would be an opportunity he couldn’t let pass.

The appointment may have come as a surprise to Byron, however, the Southern Group leadership team at McIntosh & Son, including Devon Gilmour, general manager, and Daniel O'Neill, group service manager, believe there is no one better suited to help grow and develop the Narrogin team.

Having worked closely with Byron in the service department at McIntosh & Son Katanning, Daniel O'Neill, said he had earmarked Byron for a leadership role early on in his career, so was excited when the Narrogin opportunity presented itself.

Managing a team of over 100 staff across 5 dealerships himself, Daniel knows the qualities needed to make a dealership service department tick and was eager to let Byron take the reins at the new branch.

"Byron is one of those employees that has the right mix of mechanical skill, natural problem-solving ability, leadership and great customer service."

"The only difficult part of this decision was that I knew I'd be losing him from the Katanning dealership!"

Growing up around machinery and farms on his grandparent's cattle stud in Serpentine, Byron spent most of his free time tinkering on engines, working as a farm hand before starting his apprenticeship with McIntosh & Son.

"I knew the (McIntosh & Son) facilities were the best around, and I liked what they were doing," Byron said.

"The farmers that I was working with all said they're the best in class for service - so I knew that was where I wanted to learn, and who I wanted to work for."

As well as being an 'all-round top guy", Daniel O'Neill said it was Byron's work ethic and technical ability that stood out and helped garner the respect he's earned from the team, including senior technicians and management.

"Byron has taken on the most difficult and technical aspects we have in this field and excelled."

"From electrical and hydraulic troubleshooting to full tractor transmission rebuilds and changeouts."

"I know guys who have been in this industry for years and still wouldn't touch an engine rebuild, there are just so many components that you need to get perfectly right."

"He's got natural problem-solving ability and a keen eye for detail, which you need in spades to do that sort of work."

While he expects to stay 'on the tools' for a while when he moves into the new role this July, Byron said it was the opportunity to build a tight-knit team that drew him to the role.

"I've got so many ideas, always wanting to find a better way to do things, keen to not only give advice but to learn, so I'm excited to have a team that I can help develop."

"I want the team to know we'll always get to the bottom of things, that we'll all have each other's backs."

"There's a real thrill in knowing you can help a customer and find a solution that gets them going again."

"And there's no better feeling when you get to solve a problem that no one else can fix!"

Devon Gilmour said the appointment is pivotal to the success of the branch, and did not question that Byron was the right person for the role.

"Coming from the service department in Katanning, we know Byron will inject our culture and our work ethic, especially as we continue to add more staff to the branch."

"We want our new Narrogin community to feel secure that they'll be getting the same level of service that McIntosh & Son customers have come to expect from us, and Byron will help drive that."

Along with this recent appointment, McIntosh & Son is currently looking to grow the service team in Narrogin, specifically heavy-duty diesel mechanics.

Those interested in employment opportunities at the branch or within the group are encouraged to apply via their website mcintoshandson.com.au/careers.