Bob Broom clocks up 50 years at Kastner Exeter

Exeter Volvo dealership Kastner is celebrating the 50th working anniversary of service manager Bob Broom.

Bob, who lives in nearby Tiverton, joined Kastner as an apprentice in 1964 when the dealership was a Ford franchised operation situated in nearby Honiton owned by Noel Kastner.  It wasn’t until four years later in 1968, that Kastner took on the Volvo franchise.  In the early 1970s Bob moved with the dealership move to Magdalen Road in Exeter when they out grew the Honiton branch, before finally settling in the current location on Matford Park in 1997.

Over the 50 years of working for the group, Bob has overseen huge advances in vehicle technology, site renovations and four changes of ownership during his time with the company.

When his career began in the swinging sixties, Kastner employed ten members of staff, however after sustained success the dealership has since grown in size and now has more than 30 staff on its books.

Having worked in the service department for the duration of his employment, the nature of Bob’s job has changed dramatically over the half century of working.  After initially writing invoices and job cards all by hand it is now all become automated with a dealership management system which has streamlined the service process.

Bob commented: “I’m delighted to reach such a significant milestone of my employment with Kastner. 

"My job has changed beyond recognition but I still retain the same passion that I did when I started here in 1964. It’s certainly a lot busier these days compared to when I started and things have changed dramatically but I wouldn’t change my time here for the world.”

Kastner Exeter franchise director Mike Lloyd added: “Bob is a fantastic asset to this dealership and consistently delivers outstanding customer service. In the nicest possible way, he’s part of the furniture here now and we’re very lucky to have him!”