Blacklocks Isuzu Sales Consultant Richard Pineros has been named the 2025 National Champion Sales Consultant in Isuzu Australia Limited’s Team Elite program.
The Wodonga-based truck sales professional claimed the national title after close to a decade of steady development through the program, which recognises high-performing sales, service and parts staff across Isuzu’s Australian Dealer Network.
Pineros was selected ahead of fellow finalists Ben Deane from Dwyers Truck Centre in Wollongong and Jacque Semerjian from Patterson Cheney Isuzu in Melbourne.
What is Isuzu Team Elite?
Isuzu Team Elite has operated for more than 25 years, recognising dealership professionals who deliver strong customer service, product knowledge and business support.
The National Champion component tests finalists across areas including product knowledge, sales capability, customer service and broader dealership support.
IAL Head of Sales Craig White said the program remains central to the company’s customer experience standards.
“The Team Elite program reflects Isuzu’s ongoing commitment to excellence across every aspect of the customer experience,” White said. “Our Dealer Network is one of the great strengths of the Isuzu brand, and people like Richard embody the professionalism, product knowledge and customer-first attitude that Australian truck buyers value so highly.”
How did Richard Pineros reach the top?
For Pineros, the title marks the result of years spent refining his approach and learning from other experienced Isuzu sales professionals.
He said the award brought both pride and relief after a long period of personal effort.
“To be honest with you, it’s something I’ve been working hard for over the past 10 years,” Pineros said. “Winning this award is not just a feeling of achievement and pride, but also a feeling of relief in a sense.”
Pineros said his focus has remained on finding the right solutions for customers and improving the dealership experience.
“I work hard to provide solutions for my customers, and I’ve really focused on delivering the best customer service possible. This is paramount to me,” he said.
Why does the award matter for dealers?
The Team Elite program places dealership staff under pressure through practical and technical assessments, rewarding those who can combine sales skills with product knowledge and customer engagement.
White said Pineros had shown consistency over several years, repeatedly featuring among the top salespeople in the program.
“This is no small feat considering Isuzu Trucks has been the number one selling brand in the Australian truck market for 37 consecutive years,” White said. “To be crowned the ‘best of the best’ in such a competitive environment is really something to savour.”
What shaped Pineros’ career?
Pineros said support from Blacklocks Isuzu, Dealer Principal Michael Dixon and the broader Tony White Group helped shape his development.
“The Tony White Group has been fantastic,” he said. “Through our Dealer Principal, Michael Dixon, they’ve always offered every support, and I feel thankful for having that.”
His career path also carries personal significance.
Pineros arrived in Australia from Colombia in 2007 with limited English and no experience in the truck industry. He said persistence, learning and strong mentors helped him build a career in the Australian truck sector.
“I started in the industry with no experience at all,” he said. “It’s about always excelling in everything you do and learning from the people around you.”
For Isuzu, the result highlights the role dealership staff play in supporting customers well beyond the initial sale.
“Richard’s story is a fantastic example of what dedication, professionalism and customer focus can achieve,” White said.