Trailblazer Spotlight: Nicolas Rodríguez, Service Technician – Express Maintenance

Trailblazer Spotlight: Nicolas Rodríguez, Service Technician – Express Maintenance

At Downtown Toyota, excellence often shines in the quiet consistency of those who show up, stay late, and put care into every vehicle that passes through their hands. This month’s Trailblazer Award goes to Nicolás (Nic) Rodríguez, a valued member of our Express Maintenance team whose work ethic, positive spirit, and precision have made him an indispensable part of the service department.

A Journey Across Continents

Nic first joined Downtown Toyota through an international apprenticeship program designed to help students learn both English and a trade in Australia. He completed his final vocational placements with the dealership and quickly proved himself. “He was a successful workplace student, motivated, capable, and always willing to learn,” recalls Service Manager Adam Finney. “We offered him a position because he was really good at what he did. He became an asset to our team for quite a few years.”

After returning home to Argentina for family reasons, Nic realised how much he missed the work and culture he’d found in Brisbane. “Downtown didn’t just open the doors to the company; they opened the doors for me to build a life in Australia,” he says. “When I came back, they welcomed me again. Now I’m here, making it fun and enjoying the ride.”

Balancing Speed and Precision

In his current role as a Service Technician in Express Maintenance, Nic’s days are a mix of focus, teamwork, and fast-paced precision. “The challenge is that in EM there’s pressure. You have to be quick, but you still need to get everything right. It’s quantity and quality,” he explains. His secret to managing that balance is simple but effective: stay organised, trust your knowledge, and keep calm even when the clock is ticking.

That mindset recently paid off during a major service that included replacing an in-tank fuel filter, a task known for slowing everything down. “We were already running late and the guest couldn’t wait much longer,” he recalls. “So I suggested my workmate handle everything outside the car while I stayed inside as the hoist went up, so I could work on the filter at the same time. The timing worked perfectly and we finished the job on time.”

Nic’s approach reflects a mix of professionalism and gratitude. “I’m on my own in this country, so my job is something I depend on. Working hard is my way of showing appreciation and making my time here meaningful.” That appreciation shows in the way he approaches every car and every guest with the same standard. “Treat every guest’s car as if it were a Rolls-Royce,” he says with a grin.

A Culture That Brings Out the Best

Adam describes Nic as “a very valuable team member, first one here, last one to leave, always willing to do whatever needs to be done, and always happy to put the customers first. Legend.”

For Nic, the job is about more than maintaining cars. It is about continuous learning and being part of something bigger. “There’s always more knowledge to pick up, and that makes the job exciting for me,” he says. “I focus on being consistent, working efficiently, and keeping a good workflow in EM so the team can run smoothly.”

Looking ahead, Nic plans to move beyond Express Maintenance and take on more complex jobs as he works toward his Pro Technician qualification. “My goal is to keep developing my skills, complete more courses, and keep levelling up,” he says.

When he’s not in the service bay, Nic finds balance through his passion for photography. “I like taking my camera, exploring new places, and capturing memories,” he says. “It helps me switch off and reset.”

A technician with talent, focus, and heart, Nic exemplifies the Downtown Toyota spirit — a culture that makes work enjoyable, encourages growth, and celebrates those who go the extra mile.