Eastgate brings Optimus Prime to its customer appreciation day

by Sonia Straface

HAMILTON, Ont. – Eastgate Truck Centre didn’t host your typical customer appreciation day.

Sure, there was a free BBQ lunch and great conversation for all who attended, but the dealership had a special truck for its customers and their families to get up close and personal with – Optimus Prime.

Eastgate’s dealer principal, Mike Sharpe, next to Optimus Prime at the company’s customer appreciation day on July 8.

“The one that is on display outside today is one of two (Transformers) vehicles,” said Matthew Gervais, district sales manager, Western Star Truck Sales. “The vehicle (on display today) is the stunt vehicle from the movie that all the action scenes are done with. The other vehicle is termed the ‘glamour vehicle’ which has a customized interior. This is not a copy, this is the actual vehicle from the movie, so it’s seen some action…This truck is the workhorse.”

Eastgate’s customer appreciation day went from noon until 9 p.m. on July 8, something that new addition, Mike Sharpe, says is necessary because of the tricky schedules in the transportation industry.

“It’s also to allow our customers to bring their families,” he said, noting that Optimus is especially popular with younger children.

“Essentially the day is an opportunity to thank our customers with a BBQ and an exclusive look an Optimus Prime,” he said. “It’s also another great opportunity to showcase our facility. And we have some new staff, including myself, and we can meet and greet some of our customers and showcase our portfolio of products at the same time.”

Sharpe became Eastgate’s dealer principal in June, and says the day gave him the chance to meet with existing clients and make new ones. So far, he says he is enjoying his role with the company and plans on growing Eastgate’s share and increasing the customer experience.

“I was in the dealerships years ago before I was with Eaton,” he said. “And it feels good to be back. It’s a familiar area…and I’m really enjoying it.”

Sharpe added that as an ownership partner he hopes to bring all the knowledge and experience he has from his 20 years in various sales, service and management positions within the industry and make the dealership that much stronger.

If you missed Eastgate’s customer appreciation day, Sharpe says not to worry as the company plans to make the event an annual one.

“We haven’t had (a customer appreciation day) in a bit, but it’s something we’d like to see in the future,” he said. “We’re looking into making it an annual thing.”


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  • it is good to have a Appreciation Day. it means a lot for the Drivers for what they do on the Kings highway. Drive with Pride.#1 Safety. Keep on Trucking. the Western Star the BEST.HAVE A GREAT DAY.A B M -Z.