Starting on the Spanners: From the Workshop to the National Stage: Jonesy’s Drive to Succeed

FROM THE WORKSHOP TO THE NATIONAL STAGE: JONESY'S DRIVE TO SUCCEED

In our Starting on the Spanners series, we explore the diverse career paths that begin with a passion for hands-on work.

This time, we sit down with Glenn ‘Jonesy’ Jones, Isuzu Trucks’ National Service Business Manager, whose early love for anything mechanical didn't just lead to a job—it launched a dynamic career built on seizing opportunities.

From a dealership apprentice to a key player at the nation’s number one truck brand, Glenn's story is a powerful testament to where skill, dedication, and a willingness to "have a crack" can take you.

Q: Was there a pivotal moment that sparked your passion for the automotive industry?

For as long as I can remember, my answer was always "mechanic," when asked what I wanted to be as a kid.

Cars were my family's entire life. My dad raced cars, and I started in go-karts when I was very young. I loved the mechanical side—understanding how things worked and how to make them go faster.

School wasn't really my thing, not because I couldn't do it, but because I didn't see the purpose. So, when I was offered an apprenticeship at 15, it was a real turning point. I was lucky my parents supported me too. Before that, I think they were a bit worried—all I wanted to do was go racing on the weekends.

Trade school was a completely different world, and I finally understood why I was being taught these things; it all made perfect sense.

I excelled and finished my training months ahead of schedule. Absorbing that practical knowledge was like winning the lottery.

Q: Where did you kick-off your career and how did you progress?

My first job on the tools was at a Hyundai and Chrysler dealership in Werribee (Victoria).

I was incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by the right people who gave me great guidance and support. That first role was a fantastic introduction to the working world.

It was through that dealership that I got involved in skills competitions, something I’m still a huge advocate for today. I saw them as an opportunity to get my name known and show what I could do beyond my own workshop.

I’d always had a knack for diagnostics and became the ‘go-to’ person for problems no one else could fix. That naturally led to building relationships with the technical teams at the manufacturer.

Once I saw the kind of work they did, I knew that was where I wanted to be.

I started entering every skills competition I could, setting a clear goal for myself. I ended up on the podium at the 2005 national competition, and the very next year, I was working in their technical centre.

Q: How did that "have a crack" attitude shape your journey?

I believe that in anything you do, if you want to succeed, you have to try and be better.

You need to get your head above the crowd. There's absolutely nothing wrong with being a fantastic mechanic who loves their daily work—I know many who are completely satisfied with that path.

But if you want to progress, you have to take the opportunities that are offered. Putting myself out there in those competitions is a big reason I'm here today.

Q: Now that you're with Isuzu, what stands out about working for an OEM?

I’ve been with Isuzu for seven years now, and the difference is palpable.

Other manufacturers I've worked for were great, but there was often a gap between what they said and what they did. At Isuzu, they genuinely live their values.

When they say, ‘the customers are the most important,’ you see it in every action. We are truly here to support them, understand their business, and keep their trucks on the road. It’s not just talk; it’s a deeply ingrained belief.

Q: What is the most satisfying part of your role today?

Without a doubt, it's the team. The people at Isuzu are here because they want to be the best and do great things.

There isn't a single person in our aftersales team who is just going through the motions. We’re a group of skilled, knowledgeable, and passionate people.

Every day is a challenge, but it’s a real team effort. Everyone is pulling in the same direction, happy to be here, and supportive of one another. That kind of environment is rare, and it’s incredibly satisfying.

Q: What advice would you give to a young person considering this industry?

If you have a passion for the mechanical world, follow it. You'll always do well when you love what you do.

But you must be willing to put in the energy. I see a lot of young people who want to be the boss from day one—you must build up to that.

This industry offers so many directions for those willing to learn and better themselves.

If you walk through our office, you’ll see over a hundred people in different roles, and a huge number started as an apprentice or sweeping floors in a parts department. The skills they learned on the tools are invaluable and allow them to understand exactly what our customers need.

There's a misconception that this is a dying industry. I see the opposite—it’s a massive opportunity. Trucks and diesel engines will be on the road for many years to come. If you’re the person with skills and expertise in this space, the world is your oyster!

Check out our other ‘Spanners’ piece on Brenton ‘Cookie’ Cook, who worked his up the east coast of Australia jumping on every opportunity along the way.