End of an Era – Karl hangs up his keys after 26 years

April 14, 2020

Karl hangs up his keys after 26 years

On Saturday 4 April, Karl Edmondson completed his final delivery for John Cole Toyota; A beautiful & highly anticipated All New Rav4 Hybrid Cruiser for the lovely Olivia, as he prepares to enter the next phase of his life – Retirement, after 26 years at John Cole Toyota.

Karl Edmondson stumbled into the motor industry in 1971, after sustaining an unexpected injury in his previous line of work. With a passion for cars and a gentle way with people, he quickly learned that he had found his career.

Karl worked for several local dealerships over the next 23 years, before finding himself behind the wheel of a LandCruiser at John Cole Toyota in 1994,  where he continued to sell new and used vehicles to the FNQ community for another 26 years.

Karl said “It has been the satisfaction of finding the perfect vehicle for each customer, along with the many long-lasting friendships I’ve made over the years, that has kept me in the industry for almost 50 years”.

Karl has watched the motor industry develop and change at a rapid pace throughout his career, with the introduction of integrated computer systems, Hybrid vehicles in 1999 to the recent addition of digital connectivity and EV has meant that he was always learning and evolving along with the industry. However, admits the introduction of digital was one of the most difficult periods in his career.

‘It’s been a challenge keeping up with all the technological changes in the industry over the last few years, with the introduction of Digital and the continuous technological advancements such as Driver Assist Safety Sense features‘ he said

“Toyota has been my favourite franchise work with due to the quality, durability, and reliability of the product with the almighty HiLux as the model of choice”, which he is the proud owner of, due to its practicality and performance.

Karl has dedicated his career to bringing that Oh What A Feeling experience all his customers, having travelled across Queensland to deliver his vehicles including many trips far north and out west.

John Cole Toyota will be left with a big hole to fill as Karl heads into retirement; where he plans to fill his days with gardening, travelling, and catching up with past customers.

He will be greatly missed by everyone at John Cole Toyota and customers alike who have relied upon him for the last 26 years to help them, their businesses and their families secure the perfect vehicle.