While Aaron Game has been recognised with the individual award for 2026 New Zealand John Deere Parts Technician of the Year, his is anchored by a team-first approach.
As Parts Manager at Brandt Silverdale, Aaron said open and honest communication has been the key to building a successful environment.
"We've built a great team culture, with parts, service and sales all working really well together, very much like a family," Aaron said.
That approach has included building stronger connections between his team and customers through farm visits, to understand the importance of each part in an operating context.
In addition to local dairy and maize producers, about 50% of the branch's business comes from the golf and turf sector.
"We all want the same thing. To work out exactly what's gone wrong and how we can fix it quickly in the most economical way to keep customers on track, particularly during harvest," he said.
"It isn't just good service, it keeps the country's productivity and economy running, and we all want success."
Aaron didn't grow up on a farm but he lived around them, and with his family working in construction and earthmoving, machinery and the primary industries became a big part of his upbringing.
He's also mastered the skill of quickly learning about the needs of customers in other sectors.
"One of my biggest challenges was learning the golf and turf range, as I didn't have much exposure to it early on," he said.
"But when I come across something unfamiliar, I get stuck in. I'll study the machine, visit customers to see it in person, and use John Deere University and other resources to build my knowledge.
"That way, I can speak confidently and give customers accurate advice.
"My greatest achievement so far has been mentoring and training new team members. Seeing them grow to the point where customers comment on how knowledgeable and helpful they are is incredibly rewarding."
Brandt Silverdale Branch Manager, Jason Mclellan, said Aaron has consistently displayed a willingness to 'go the extra mile' to supply agriculture and construction and forestry parts.
"As well as his day-to-day expertise, Aaron demonstrates a strong desire for continuous improvement, and I have no doubt he will continue to set a high standard within the industry," Jason said.