Russell Guy (aka Russ/Boss)
Russell started in the automotive trade straight out of college. Working at two different workshops one specialising in Citron's and one in all makes and models, Russell then founded Kenepuru Cars with his father in 2004 at the ripe old age of 18. Russell is MTA qualified, a NZ Advanced Vehicle Inspector (WOF authority), and in that time has built Kenepuru Cars into a preferred repairer for all major insurance company's and supplier of a huge range of products and services such as diesel tuning upgrades, MCC 4x4 accessories, Hella Electrical, supplier of all leading tyre brands and much more.
In his down time his wife Alicia and two little girls Payge and Paytin take top priority, with (and in no particular order in case his precious motorbike takes offence) hunting, fishing, and getting out on his Harley Davidson rounding out his hobbies.
Claudio Salvador (aka Claude, Mex)
Among the many strings to Claudio’s bow, he is a qualified auto electrician and was working as a specialist in this field for 13 years before joining our crew in 2015. This specialised field enabled Kenepuru Cars to significantly widen our all-round service offering and customer base. Claudio is an insurance approved alarm technician and WOF agent, and has attended many trade and specialist courses over the years to ensure we stay at the forefront of this ever-evolving industry.
Also a gym junky, Claudio has three kids Isabella, Harvey and Ashlee and a fabulous (and patient) wife plus two dogs Lucy and Libby. He claims spare time is rare but when he gets it you can catch him riding his Harley Davidson or getting one of his many, (oh so many) haircuts!
Ben Kam (aka Oddjob)
Originally from Hong Kong, Ben started with Kenepuru Cars in 2017 doing work experience while he was at college. Turns out Ben enjoyed it so much he joined fulltime as soon as he turned 18. Since then Ben has graduated from Weltec in 2018 with his NZQA – National Certificate in Automotive Electrical & Mechanical Engineering 4. Russell claims Ben has learned everything he knows at the feet of the master. Ben, on the other hand, would argue the student has become the master. This is often the cause for robust debate in the garage.
In his spare time Ben rates himself as quite the food critic, an avid gamer, with a passion for motorbikes (this is a theme running through the team!). But more often than not you'll find him working hard on whatever car he is currently fixing.
Sharon Dodd (aka Shazz, Shazza, Workshop Mum)
A born and bred Porirua local Sharon is the latest addition to the Kenepuru Cars team, and arguably the most important! With a finance and office management background, Shazz is the one that holds all the pieces together, ensuring things get done expertly, on time and on budget.
When Shazz isn’t running the office and keeping the boys in line, she is a busy Mum of two, Anthony and Shaela. She also manages to find time to help her husband Shane run their painting business. So when this multitasking megastar does have spare time, you can be certain she is spending it with her family - on the farm or quite possibly riding dirt bikes.