Changing of the Guard

After 34 successful years selling and promoting the Toro brand in the Surrey & London area, John Colebrook (JSM Limited) will soon be taking a well earned rest and making plans for his retirement.

Surrey's 'Mr. Toro' has seen many changes and trends during his years in the area and experienced the usual ups and downs that go with any sales job, but remains enthusiastic about his career and modest to the last. "It's easier to sell a quality product" says John, "and the team at JSM have made it possible for me to do a good job.

When I first started selling Toro, I didn't ever dream we'd gain so much market share - at various times, virtually every golf club in our area has used Toro machinery".

John hands over his sales territory to Phil Beeny. Phil's background in plant, machinery & golf gives him a head start in his new role, but his is quick to acknowledge the contribution of his predecessor. "John has become a legend in the Surrey area and I feel really privileged to be taking the baton on from him", comments Phil.

Amongst the highlights John recalls his first visit to the Toro manufacturing plant in 1978. "It was completely gob smacking, even back then. I have never forgotten the experience and the pride it gave me in selling the brand over the years. I'll certainly miss working with the machines and will follow the brand with interest".

John's contribution to the Toro brand and its success in the UK was recently recognised by Toro when during the GCSAA Golf Industry Show in Orlando, John was presented with a plaque to acknowledge his outstanding achievements, by Lely's Graham Dale and The Toro Company's Barry Beckett.

Pictures 1. John Colebrook, centre, is congratulated for a long career of successful Toro sales by Graham Dale, left, and Barry Beckett, right. 2. John Colebrook sits on a 1971 Toro GM3, one of the first sold in the UK, and is flanked by Phil Beeny (JSM Ltd.) Editors Note: JSM Limited is the Toro dealer for Kent, Sussex, Surrey & South London.