It means to go the extra mile for customers, to make them happy, to give them more than what they expect, to supply superb after-sales care.

Tegan is the new Dealer Principal at Lexus of Darwin and Bridge Toyota.

She is extremely proud to be the first female Dealer Principal of a Lexus franchise in Australia and is also one of a few female Dealer Principals throughout 245 Toyota dealerships around the country.

The motor vehicle industry is a highly male-dominated industry, but Lexus and Toyota are leading the way in gender equality.

It’s inspiring to see strong leaders such as Tegan and others, including Lexus Australia General Manager Yolande Waldock, who have paved the way for women in the industry. They are proving that with hard work, dedication, and a commitment to excellence, the sky’s the limit.

Tegan has applied the “pickle” philosophy from the first day she started as a humble car care assistant straight out of school in 2004.

From working back late nights to coming in on a Sunday – her wedding anniversary – to help a customer, as it was their only day free, Tegan ensured that she delivered great experiences at every customer interaction.

She now uses this to help teach and train her staff to ensure they, too, create “Oh What A Feeling” moments at every touch point with the dealership customers.

‘I’m proud to be a part of the Northern Territory’s number 1 vehicle brand in both the general and luxury market and to work alongside a fantastic team,” she says.

“We’ve developed a hardworking but family-friendly culture here. I truly enjoy helping train members of our team. It’s important that they have all the skills and confidence needed to look after our customers on the front line.”

Bridge Toyota has just over 150 staff working across seven departments in both Darwin and Palmerston, making it a major economic player in the Top End.

Bridge Toyota and Lexus of Darwin are deeply involved in the community.

They support many local businesses and sports clubs, such as AFL NT, Darwin Turf Club, Darwin Salties Wheelchair Basketball and the newest partnership, Netball NT.

“Our dedication goes beyond selling cars and parts, and servicing vehicles – it extends to actively taking part in community initiatives that matter.

“Recently, I had the privilege of visiting a local school to educate young students about vehicle emissions and the importance of planting trees in combating greenhouse gases and preserving our planet. It was a fulfilling experience to impart knowledge and contribute to environmental education at a grassroots level.”

Tegan’s dedication to her work and the community is a reflection of her belief in the power of partnerships to make a positive impact.

From educating students on environmental issues to hands-on involvement in local charitable activities, Tegan and her team are committed to making a difference.

“Our team at Bridge Toyota and Lexus of Darwin takes great pride in our role within the community, seizing every opportunity to assist, give back and educate. We are passionate about making a difference and fostering a sustainable future for generations to come.”

Tegan says she is “truly blessed” to be associated with the senior management team.

“We have long-term managers who inspire our departments”

The entire management team recently visited Foodbank NT to roll up their sleeves and cement further commitment to the community.

Tegan has worked in the motor trade for 20 years, since she graduated from year 12 in Adelaide at the age of 16.

Her dad was Dealer Principal and general manager of two major Toyota dealerships in South Australia and the NT, along with uncles and cousins in the motor industry.

“It’s in my blood,” she says.

Attitudes towards women in so-called male industries have undergone a revolution over the past few years.

Tegan remembers when she was selling cars and had a couple of customers say: “Get me a bloke – I’m here to buy a car.”

“I would say to them, ‘I know the industry as well as any man. I will help you.’ It’s safe to say that you need to be a strong woman to work in a male-dominated industry.

Nowadays her professionalism is treated with respect, although a few people still raise an eyebrow slightly when they find out that she is the dealer principal.

About 25 percent of Bridge Toyota employees are female – Tegan won’t rest until they get closer to 50 percent.

Tegan moved north when she was 17 after her mum and dad relocated to Darwin.

She only expected to stay for a year – but met an “amazing” apprentice mechanic named Doug at work. They have been married for 17 years and have two children, Mia, seven, and four-year-old Bella.

Doug too has worked his way through many roles throughout his 20-year career at Bridge Toyota and is now Bridge Toyota’s and Lexus of Darwin business development manager, which makes their conversations at home or during work about the business or their two little girls.

And her favourite car?

“It’s a hard pick between the 300 series, which is king of the road, or the pinnacle of excellence – the LX600 Ultra Luxury… You know you’ve made it when you have a chauffeur driving you around in one of these.”

Tegan has worked ferociously hard to get to the top.

“I’ve always had a good work ethic. Times were tough when I was young. Dad was working and studying at night school to better his career – I didn’t see much of him – and mum was working two jobs.”

Her first job was in a pizza store … at the age of 14.

“I learnt from a very young age that if you wanted something in this world, you have to work for it.”

CONTACT

Lexus of Darwin

1/11 Stuart Hwy, Stuart Park

(08) 8989 5110

lexusofdarwin.com.au

Bridge Toyota Darwin

1/11 Stuart Hwy, Stuart Park

(08) 8946 0000

Bridge Toyota Palmerston

79 Chung Wah Terrace

(08) 8935 1000

bridgetoyota.com.au