For Amanda Namane from Welkom in the Free State, this is exactly what happened. Her story is one that should inspire anyone in any position to live and practise the principle of, as she puts it, “work as if you are going to win an award for it”.

Not only does this former car washer and cleaning lady these days fulfil the role of the warranty clerk at the BB Group’s, Hyundai/Renault/GWM/Haval and pre-owned dealerships, but she has gained experience in all aspects of the business.

“It is by the grace of God and the teachings of my mother to always work hard and give your best that I got all these opportunities. Opportunities that I grabbed and made the most of with each and every one,” she tells Dealerfloor.

Not only is she passionate and knowledgeable about every aspect of running the business at dealership level, but also about the motor trade in general.

“I never thought this would happen to me. I was a car washer, and my dedication to my job was noticed in 2008 by the then Dealer Principal of Hyundai/Proton and Daihatsu. From cleaning cars, the next step was cleaning the dealership, something that I am also passionate about. “A neat and clean environment is essential when you work with customers,” she says.

In 2012, I got my driver’s licence and started delivering parts. In between, I still cleaned the dealership, something I did for many years, although I was predominately doing different jobs at the dealership,” Amanda laughed when telling us.

She used every opportunity to learn every aspect about the business and was soon receiving and sorting parts, learning how the service advisors operate, assisting with the selling of parts, doing filing, working as the cashier, receptionist and how the workshop functions.

Amanda assisted in the showroom and soon became a Jack of all Trades before focusing mainly on the work as a warranty clerk, which she thoroughly enjoys. When the warranty clerk resigned, Amanda was in a position to take over those responsibilities. She also acts as workshop manager if needed and is an ace in the parts department.

As if that wasn’t enough, she is the health and safety officer at the dealership, and she makes sure that everyone attends courses on first aid, and she handles all aspects of the auditing of this crucial part of any business.

“No matter what you do, do it as if you are going to win an award for doing it. Grab the bull by the horns, learn as much as you can at every opportunity and respect everyone. Then it will happen for you,” Amanda says.