And this difficult-to-achieve accolade is made even more noteworthy by the fact that Brand Nissan also received this best-in-the-business title ten years ago. Certainly no small feat to achieve for a dealership categorised by Nissan in the Very Small division.

Brand Nissan, which moved into their new purpose-built dealership in the beginning of May, has a rich history as part of the Brand family’s automotive portfolio in the northern part of the Western Cape along the Atlantic seaboard.

“My grandfather, better known locally as Jassie Brand, started Brand Ford 75 years ago. My dad, Gerhard, took over the reins from him and continued to establish the dealership and its solid reputation in our region,” says Quinton, the third generation Brand in the family business.

“I am a qualified lawyer, and after completing my articles, I was ready for the judiciary world. The family then bought the Nissan franchise in Vredendal 18 years ago and soon afterwards my dad became seriously ill,” Quinton tells Dealerfloor.

“On my first day at my new job at a law firm, I had to resign to assist with the family business. My wife, also a lawyer, joined later and my mom, Yvonne, and I were the driving forces in the two dealerships. I had built up a good knowledge of the business since a young age, working for pocket money on the forecourt and the dealership. I did, however, not grow up thinking my career will be in the automotive retail world,” he tells us.

“I was fortunate to have my dad with us for a couple of years during his illness as well as my mom until last year when she passed away. Ever since I was young, my dad taught me the value of money and a simple principle not to spend what you do not have.

“With my mom, a pillar of the business, gone, the training wheels are no more. The lessons I have learned from them played a huge part in how we operate, and this contributed to the success like the recent overall Nissan Dealer of the Year award.

“Not only did we win our category, which we have also done before, but this time the big title as the best was bestowed on us for the second time in our 18 years’ existence. Although we knew what the goals were to be on top, it was a very big surprise to win the top accolade from Nissan,” he tells Dealerfloor.

Quinton says they have since decided to relocate the Nissan dealership closer to their other dealership. “We had the space, and although our Nissan and Ford dealers are separate, they are in close proximity which makes managing them a lot easier.

“Our Nissan dealership is a brand-new state-of-the-art facility. And the customer base we built up over 18 years has been good to us. In a small town, your reputation, commitment and care can make or break you. Our team members must also get credit for their part in our success story.

“I am proud of what we achieved with both our dealerships over many years and the recognition we have received from Nissan. It is a feather in our cap for a job well done. Our staff took responsibility and ownership of the different departments and excelled across all spectrums of the business. Without this level of dedication, awards like these will not be possible,” says Quinton.