Customer Satisfaction Lachlan's Greatest Reward
Lachlan Corridan is an expert at servicing John Deere equipment, from mowers to vineyard machines to the massive X9 combine harvester, but it's customer service he prides himself on most.
The 25-year old works as a Service Technician at the Haeusler's Sea Lake John Deere dealership in the heart of Victoria's Mallee wheatbelt region, and says no two days are the same.
"Whether I'm in the workshop or out in the field there's always a fresh challenge and something new to learn," he said.
"The most rewarding part of the job though is dealing with customers every day. I find it really fulfilling to build that relationship with them and help get their machines up and running when they need me.
"The customers in the agricultural industry are good, honest people and once I started building relationships with them, I knew I was in the right job."
That dedication to service helped Lachlan win the Australian Agriculture & Turf Service Technician of the Year title at the 2023 John Deere Technician Awards, after being nominated by Haeusler's Group Aftermarket Manager, Jason Hannig.
"This award is really nice recognition of my hard work, but knowing I have the respect of my customers and colleagues is the greatest achievement of my career so far," Lachlan said.
"I believe John Deere products are the best out there, so I pride myself on delivering a level of service which matches that high standard.
"I hope to continue providing this level of service throughout my career. There's no greater reward than the gratitude a customer expresses for your job well done."
One of those customers is Travis McGarry, who has called on Lachlan to conduct servicing and maintenance tasks at his broadacre farming business at Nyarrin for the past four years. Mr McGarry travelled to the awards ceremony in Brisbane to support Lachlan.
"Lachlan has a keen understanding of the farming and mechanical industry with an excellent knowledge of diagnostics, parts and installation," Travis said.
"He remains calm under pressure and uses problem solving skills to get the job done, even with tight timeframes.
"He often goes the extra yards to ensure our mechanical issues are resolved, even if it means working afterhours or weekends.
"It has been invaluable to have someone like Lachlan to work with, especially in busy, high-pressure times such as sowing and harvest."
Growing up in the rural Victorian town of Swan Hill sparked Lachlan's passion for the agricultural industry, beginning work experience and his technician apprenticeship while still at school.
Upon completion, Lachlan moved west to work at Haeusler's to gain more experience with broadacre machinery, and has become a specialist on combine harvesters and self-propelled sprayers.
"I've spoken to a lot of young people who are trying to find their career path, and my advice has been the same to all of them — if offered a role in a John Deere dealership, seize it with both hands!" Lachlan said.
"I strongly encourage others who are passionate about being a part of something bigger to get involved in a vital part of agriculture like I did."