A life-long Ford man, Mr Butler is now dealer principal at one of the biggest Isuzu dealerships in the country, selling the tough and reliable D-Max utes at a rapid rate.

He runs the third most successful Isuzu dealership in the country out of a total of 83, has sold over 600 D-Maxs in four years and is chairman of the Australian Isuzu Dealer Council.

His dealership -John McGrath Isuzu Ute- also stocks Kia and Great Wall vehicles, and services all other brands.

But it was the opportunity to run a new dealership with a new, high-end product that lured Mr Butler over the border to Queanbeyan.

"The strength of the Isuzu D-Max is that it's built by a manufacturer with the legendary name of Isuzu, with the reputation of a truck that's been a market leader in Australia for over 20 years," he said.

"We've sold over 600 D-Maxs since opening in January 2009, and they've been purchased by tradesman and grey nomads who trust the efficiency and dependability of a vehicle renowned for its strength and towing capacity."

The team started out on Yass Road with just three employees, but has since doubled to six.

The dealership has also recently gained development approval for an expansion at the site, and Mr Butler said that could result in a further ten jobs at the site.

He focuses on hiring younger employees and enjoys sharing his years of sales experience with the next generation.

"We have a youth policy. We like to employ younger people where possible who can gain from the experience that I've had," Mr Butler said.

And it's that interest and enjoyment of meeting and working with people that's kept him in the industry for 42 years, he said. 

"I like meeting new people and different people, and the repeat business, which is the biggest compliment you can get in this business.

"Over the years I've had people who've come back for the next generation of vehicles and they've had next generation children along with them, which is nice," he said.

Visit John McGrath Isuzu Ute at 41 Yass Road, Queanbeyan (phone: 6166 1111).