Lewis realized that the depth of experience and knowledge gained by top qualified technicians could be shared nationwide so he set up the group page on the popular social media platform to help colleagues across SEAT's 134-strong UK dealer network. Now 33 Master Technicians are posting and commenting in the group.
Lewis, who lives in Dover, said: "The facebook group is providing a level of technical support which is invaluable. SEAT Master Technicians collectively have a great amount of knowledge and experience and by sharing that expertise it means we can all be of help to each other."
Lewis has been working at Hollis Motors in Crabble Hill since he was 17 apart from an eight month stint working at another dealership in Kent.
Recently he joined a 14-strong group of Master Technicians from SEAT's dealer network on a two-day trip to the brand's heartland in Barcelona. The group enjoyed a tour of SEAT's state-of-the-art Martorell factory as well as a Segway-powered tour of the historic city.
The trip also featured team-building games on the beach at Mas Nou, including raft-building, while football fanatics in the group were mesmerized by a tour of the iconic 95,000-seater Nou Camp stadium, home of Barcelona FC.
Lewis qualified as a Master Technician after passing gruelling tests at the Volkswagen Group's National Learning Centre in Milton Keynes. He was assessed for a range of skills over two weeks based on customer interaction, brand knowledge, fixing electrical and engine faults and training apprentices. Master technicians complete over 250 hours of specialist training with re-accreditation every three years to keep skills up to date.
Hollis Motors, now run by Billy Hollis who is the son of the late founder Bill Hollis, celebrates its 50th anniversary next year, and it is the company's dedication to outstanding customer service which has impressed no one more than Lewis. "I am working for a family business which looks after me well and I feel appreciated," added Lewis. "The company looks after its customers very well and I enjoy talking to them too."
Lewis, who enjoys powerboating, wakeboarding and gym training in his free time, first encountered Hollis Motors as a 17-year-old A Level student when he needed repairs done to his modified VW Golf. The technician who used to work on the car - George Gartshore - is also a Master Technician at Hollis Motors and has mentored Lewis throughout his career.
"Little things would go wrong with the car and I would ask George how to fix them," explained Lewis. "George told me I might as well get a job at Hollis Motors as I spent so much time there. Before long I quit my A Levels and joined the company as an apprentice."
