Sandra joined her father John Phillips in the garage in 1983 after returning from her “OE”, having already built up her own qualifications and career at a Ford dealership. From that time, Sandra has worked full time in the business, and in 1991 she took over the ownership of it. She particularly enjoys the stimulation of both the business and the motor industry.
This enthusiasm is reflected in Sandra's numerous involvements and contributions, including her long-established membership of the Motor Trade Association branch, her membership on that branch's Executive Committee for 19 years, and her positions as Vice President and then as President 2002-2004. She has established a women’s network for MTA members. Awarded honorary membership of the Tauranga Branch in 2010.
As a nominated MTA business mentor, Sandra has shared her experiences and business skills with others in the industry.
In 2006 she was awarded the distinction of being admitted to the membership as a “Fellow” of the MTA.
Outside of the motor industry, Sandra has a passion for woodwork and likes to spend time in her workshop, working on exciting projects. Sandra has been a top soccer player, coach and is a Past President of the BOP Women's Football Association. She currently plays table tennis and loves fishing and getting out in her boat around the Tauranga harbour and beyond. She has a passion for music. She has been playing the drums since her school days and has played in numerous bands and in many shows. These days she plays in a band called “Jam Pact” and is often seen jamming with other musicians around town. She has a very supportive family and friends.
Sandra drives a Toyota Rav4 a Toyota Hi-ace, sails a 14ft sea nymph, 12ft dinghy and rides a pushbike.

Brian has joined the Team as Manager; Brian has had many years of experience on the workshop floor as a technician and WOF inspector.
Motor sport is his passion, as well as Dad jokes.
A Family man supported by his wife and two daughters.

Mike is a very experienced technician and a WOF inspector.
He is supported by his lovely wife Christine and enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Mikes interests are travel, fishing and family time.

Kelvin is a very experienced technician having owned and run his own workshops in the past.
He is a WOF approved inspector.
He likes to go fishing when ever he gets the chance.

Dean is a very experienced technician and a WOF inspector.
Often seen about in the great outdoors either, walking, running, mountain biking or just enjoying nature.

Kaye has joined the team after moving over from Matamata her home town.
Kaye is a x-farmer and loved it. She also loves chocolate and wine along with bush walking and nature.

Joe joined Phillips Garage to form the
promotions and marketing department in 1985 following the rejection of his NZ Land Transport application to be a crash tester on the grounds that he was too handsome. Joe much prefers this role as it gives him the chance to show off his fashion sense and especially loves to don the All Blacks or Bay of Plenty Steamers jersey.

He doesn’t drive, preferring to be wheeled around by others instead. Says Joe, “I did actually get a motor, but had it fitted to my left arm instead.


Josephine joined the promotions and
marketing team at Phillips Garage in 1985, following a short career in the fashion industry where she felt she was getting nowhere fast.

After some stiff competition from another member of the mannequin harem - Dolly - Josephine struck up a relationship with head of promotions, Joe: "Every time I saw him, he'd wave to me, so things just sort of developed from there." The couple eventually married in 1989, following a rather difficult courtship, with Josephine finding Joe “rather difficult to get close to”. In fact, it was Josephine who actually popped the question – “Joe said he couldn’t ever see himself getting down on one knee for anyone, so I took matters into my own hands. It was a big decision for me, though, having seen the way Joe drives – what a dummy!”.

Although well into middle-age now, Josephine is proud of her figure. "Although I say it myself, it's great that I'm just the same weight today as I was all those years ago when I started. A sensible diet helps, I don't eat much at all and there's no real stress in my work now. In fashion, sometimes it felt as if I was constantly in the shop window".