Leadbox staff

Meet Krista Ferris.

Krista has been Communications & Guest Relations Lead for just over four years. Her favourite thing about working here is that she feels valued and loved by everyone here. And she is! Not only does Krista do many great things for our guests, but also for the team.

She’s also appreciated, because she is always laughing and fun. “Its funny because, I was just looking at some old photos of me and noticed I am always smiling. No matter what! Even when things are tough, I tend to look at the brighter side of things. I am a glass half full kinda gal.”

We are not the only ones who get to experience her fun and caring; she also works at Loaves and Fishes once a week. “Its great working with another great team and the feeling you get after every shift is amazing!”

Her fiancé, Dean Davidson, is also part of the team at Steve Marshall, but they met long before. Together now for 7 years they have their son Logan, an adorable 6-year-old blonde haired, blue-eyed boy with a crazy imagination, and funny sense of humor, a dog named Butters, and a tuxedo cat named Meow Meow.

“Some people don’t know that I paint! Me and a couple girls from the dealership get together and do paint nights. It is a great source of meditation for me and I enjoy every moment of it. I also made a goal to run the 5k for Run for the Cure and I made it 4k-the year before.”

Krista is an Island girl. She has lived off-and-on the island since she was 8, but has been here for the past 11 years, “And I don’t plan on leaving! I like to swim in our rivers, lakes and even the ocean.” Which is good for us, because we’d miss her too much.

I am so very proud to be part of the Best Team in Nanaimo.

Hopefully we will see you through our doors soon so that we may have opportunity to Make A Difference in all your automotive needs.

Meet David Brockie

Dave has been with Steve Marshall since 2015, starting as a finance leader, then sales leader and now our newly appointed Operations Leader. In every role, Dave has always been a strong unifying part of not just the sales team, but the dealership as a whole.

Dave’s biggest loves in life are his three sons, Keevan 25, Jared 23 and Adam 21. He looks forward to when they can visit from Manitoba, but always keeps in touch with them. When he talks about them, he always beams with pride and will tell you all about them, like how his oldest, Keevan, just graduated with honours in psychology from University of Manitoba.

When asked for some lifestyle photos Dave admitted to having none. He’s not a selfie guy, or look at me doing this type; he’s all about other people. Ask what his favourite thing about working here at Steve Marshall Ford and not surprisingly he answers, “The people and the synergy of the team.” Ask anyone here and they will tell you that David Brockie is a huge part of that energy. In the mornings he can be heard as he walks in the doors and booms out, “Good morning Steve Marshall Ford Lincoln!” to everyone in the building.  It’s why we are grateful to have him as our Operations Leader.

Steve Marshall Ford Lincoln and Ford of Canada are proud to recognize and celebrate the achievements of our 2018 Summit Achievers Troy Harder and Rob Willoughby.

These exceptional individuals truly go above and beyond each day. They are part of a distinguished group from across Canada whose knowledge, skills and dedication have earned them the honour of being a top performer for 2018.

We are proud to have these inspired leaders as part of our team at Vancouver Island’s #1 Ford Store and thank them for raising the bar and inspiring all of us to achieve more every day.

Meet Rob Willoughby.

Rob has been part of the sales team at Steve Marshall Ford Lincoln for just shy of 20 years. An amazing career in this industry, and it is because of his passion and beliefs. “The thing I love is that I get to work with a great bunch of guys and gals, and I love helping our guests. I’m also passionate about the product, which I genuinely believe is the best in the world. Most of all, I love the upbeat and fun atmosphere at Steve Marshall, and the fact that we are all part of this as a team.”

Rob Emigrated with his parents and sister in 1976 from Oxford England. Interesting fact, Rob got to play at Wimbledon in the English school boy championships when he was 14. Calgary was home until he decided to make the move to Nanaimo. “Since then, our family has grown to 19! I feel blessed that I have a wonderful wife Denise, two great kids, David and Dana, and just last year, my first of what I hope to be many grandkids, Ethan.”

Rob’s spare time also goes to his passions, golf and gardening. Every year Rob likes to host the sales team at his place and show of his garden and his skills on the Bar-B-Q. As well, he also has an amazing sound system he loves to entertain with. Rob is a huge audiophile and one of his first jobs was selling stereos, back in the 70s and early 80s. “I love music and have seen pretty much every great rock band in concert, to many to mention, but my favorite would be a toss-up between Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd.”

Steve Marshall Ford Lincoln and Ford of Canada are proud to recognize and celebrate the achievements of our 2018 Summit Achievers Troy Harder and Rob Willoughby.

These exceptional individuals truly go above and beyond each day. They are part of a distinguished group from across Canada whose knowledge, skills and dedication have earned them the honour of being a top performer for 2018.

We are proud to have these inspired leaders as part of our team at Vancouver Island’s #1 Ford Store and thank them for raising the bar and inspiring all of us to achieve more every day.

I’m a family man who enjoys the outdoors, hunting and fishing. I have been in Nanaimo since 2009 and have owned my own business’, and worked in different sales roles for most of my career. I joined the automotive industry and the Steve Marshall Ford Family in May of 2019.

It has always been my desire and passion to serve, and fulfill the needs of my customers (guests) with honesty and integrity. No obstacle or challenge is too great to overcome. I understand business, deadlines, the value of time, and I will rise to the occasion to support you in meeting your goals. Presenting solutions, navigating the challenges, and providing service that stands out above and beyond your expectations is my goal, and that of Steve Marshall Ford.

I look forward to meeting you soon.

Sincerely

John

My name is Rob Vanden Elsen and I have been a part of Steve Marshall Ford family for 22 years. I started my career in the service department cleaning cars during the day and the technicians stalls at night. After completing my automotive apprenticeship, I then specialized in Fords training program becoming a master technician in Gas and Diesel drivability/repair. In the last few years of my technician career I earned the shop foreman role and then in 2017 I was honored when I was asked to become the Service Leader.

It is both a privilege and an honor to be able to help each and every one of our guests while working alongside our amazing service team!!

Sonya just celebrated her 20th Anniversary with SMFL

Meet Joël Kress.

This incredible and bubbly woman joined the Steve Marshall team June 2020. Her upbeat personality, infectious laugh, and professionalism made her perfect to be our Lincoln Service Advisor.

Something that many know about Joël, is that she has an incredible singing voice and is passionate about singing. She shared that passion by owning a karaoke business for twenty years. “I loved it because I got to share my passion and really develop my singing skill.”  She developed her talent so well that for ten years she had a band, Sound Addiction, and they opened for many big acts like 54-40, Chilliwack, and Trooper.

Her tremendous heart shows in all she does. Before being in the automotive business, she worked as a youth care worker at an alternate school in Prince George. “10 years helping teens gain confidence, even teaching some to sing and get up on stage themselves.  That’s my passion right there.”

That huge heart is why she fits so well with the Steve Marshall team.  Her favourite thing about working here is the people, “Such great people, lots of laughter, banter and most of all support.”

When you are at the dealership make sure to say hi to Joël. She will definitely brighten your day.

Meet Kevin Hanson.

Kevin has worked with the service department at Steve Marshall Ford for four years now. He helps out in a variety of ways around the shop, and plays a huge part in taking care of the safety of our team members and guests. Several times a day, Kevin sanitizes touch points at the dealership and he makes sure that once your vehicle is done in service, it is properly sanitized before you drive away.

Kevin lives here in Nanaimo where he has built a strong family tie with his daughter, Chelsea, her husband Kaelen, and their sons Levon and Gabriel. Kevin does not look old enough to be a Grandpa, but he is and ever so grateful that they live on the same property, where he does not have to go months without seeing them, because of Covid.

I have been here at Steve Marshall Ford since 2005. Fresh out of high school I started in the lube bay, got my apprenticeship through the ford ASSET program, and then my Red Seal Certification. I have always had a passion for working on vehicles. About 5 years into my career I decided to take the path of electronic specialist and EEC diagnosis. I find it very satisfying diagnosing vehicles, especially when it’s a hard to diagnose issue. The people I work with make the daily commute from my home in Duncan completely worth it.

I have been here at Steve Marshall Ford since 2005. Fresh out of high school I started in the lube bay, got my apprenticeship through the ford ASSET program, and then my Red Seal Certification. I have always had a passion for working on vehicles. About 5 years into my career I decided to take the path of electronic specialist and EEC diagnosis. I find it very satisfying diagnosing vehicles, especially when it’s a hard to diagnose issue. The people I work with make the daily commute from my home in Duncan completely worth it.

Meet Dean Davison!!

Dean has been with us since 2017 and was selected employee of the month shortly after in 2018. He started his position in washbay and worked his way into the lot leader quite quickly. Now, he’s with Autosmile vinyl wrapping, tinting and doing paint protection on vehicles.

When asked what he loves most about SMFL, he replied “I can go into any department and ask for help and there is ALWAYS someone willing to.”

Fun Fact: Dean has lived in every province in Canada!!

In 2014, he was visiting a friend in Vancouver, and little did he know that he wouldn’t end up leaving because he met the love of his life of 7 years now. He is engaged to Krista Ferris who also works here with us at SMFL, and they have a beautiful 6 year old son, Logan Patrick Davison. “I couldn’t even blame it on the mailman because Logan looks just like me lol”

In his spare time, Dean likes to play video games, but mostly loves to spend quality time with his family.

Something many don’t know about Dean, is that he makes KILLER cheese stuffed risotto balls.

Dean wears his heart on his sleeve and always makes sure other people are taken care of before himself.

Come say hi to Dean at your next visit with us!

Meet Sarah Moorhouse!

Auto Smile Receptionist

Sarah has been with Steve Marshall Ford Lincoln & Auto Smile for one year now. “My favorite thing about working here, is that everyone helps you out if you need it. And my boss Adam! I left a toxic work place and instantly noticed how much happier I was having a boss, and owner, who really care about their employees, it makes such a big difference!”

Born and raised in Mission, BC, Sarah moved to the Island a year and a half ago, “It was my first move out of my parents house and I do miss my friends and family. I don’t have any kids or dogs yet, but I did just get married in January of this year! My husband, Zack, and I have known each other our whole lives, and came together at the perfect time in our lives for everything to fall into place.”

Maybe no kids yet, but it is always good to start with something to care for. “I own a gecko named Mushu, and I have had him for 3 years. They are one of the few geckos that will not grow back their tail if they drop it. They can live 20 to 25 years, so it’s a long-term commitment.”

Like many who move to the Island, Sarah likes getting out and exploring the beautiful place we live in. “I enjoy getting outside as much as I can and checking off some pretty spectacular hikes around the island. It can make you feel so small looking down on a massive view, and it really makes you appreciate this earth we get to live on!”

Now that Sarah has settled here, she likes to do more for her home as well. “I love to take on little projects that are a little beyond my skill set, but luckily I have someone who can help make those projects a little sturdier.”

Make sure to say hi to Sarah, when you are at Auto Smile.

Meet Scott Hanson.

Scott has been with Steve Marshall ford for 15 years now. He started with the lot team and his great work ethic got him promoted to Lot Leader where he was for four years. He then went on to be part of the Auto Smile team, protecting people’s investments with spray-in box liners and undercoat. If you have gotten a truck from here in the past decade and loved your spray-in box liner, that’s Scott. Scott’s Grandfather, Harold, is the one who originally brought Auto Smile to Steve Marshall Ford.

Scott’s favourite thing about working here is the camaraderie. “I love being able to joke around have fun with all of my coworkers.”

Scott is a great family man. Together with His wife Aldyn, they have an adorable 3-year-old girl, Ava, and a dog, Maddie. You can tell by the pics and the way he talks about Ava, that she is daddy’s girl.  He smiles and tells me, “She likes to do gardening with me and go for walks in the forest, except she calls it going into the jungle.” Scott’s excited about a new addition coming soon. Aldyn is six months pregnant with a baby boy on the way.

Something that very few people know about Scott, is that he is a massive history buff. “When I was a kid in school, all the other kids were reading Thomas the train and I was checking out history books.”

Kevin started working in Ford dealerships at Steve Marshall Motors in Campbell River, over 30 years ago.

He has seen a lot of changes in automotive dealerships business in that time.

The one thing that has stayed true is that Steve Marshall Ford is continuously changing and adapting to grow with new business and economic trends to better serve our customers needs.

Contact Kevin directly at any time for all your automotive needs, especially parts and accessories.