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Burdekin Communications owner Paul Benvenuti (right) was named the first-ever Garmin Marine Hall of Fame inductee during Garmin’s annual training seminar at SeaWorld Resort. Photo supplied.
A Burdekin local beat out stiff competition to claim an inaugural national award on the Gold Coast last month.
Burdekin Communications owner Paul Benvenuti was named the first-ever Garmin Marine Hall of Fame inductee during Garmin’s annual training seminar at SeaWorld Resort.
Mr Benvenuti earned the award ahead of hundreds of leading marine electronics specialists from around Australia. The honour recognises his long-standing service and commitment to the Garmin brand, having installed, serviced and maintained its GPS-enabled products for more than 30 years.
Mr Benvenuti said he was “extremely proud” of the recognition.
“To be recognised by Garmin amongst such a respected group of people in the marine industry was both humbling and a very proud moment for me, my family and Burdekin Communications,” he said.
While he admitted surprise at receiving the award, presenters said there was “only ever going to be one winner.”
“When we were thinking about doing this award, there was always only ever going to be one guy that we’d be putting forward as the first recipient,” Garmin ANZ Manager Gordon Triplett said.
“And yet, he was genuinely surprised that he got the award. He didn't think it would be him at all, and I think that’s a perfect measure of the guy.”
Mr Triplett said the honour rewarded Mr Benvenuti’s strong sales, long-standing loyalty to the brand and positive customer feedback, describing him as “very easy to do business with.”
Although the sole recipient, Mr Benvenuti was quick to thank Garmin representatives, his customers, and his past and present staff for their role in his success.
“An award such as this may be presented to one person, but it represents the efforts of many people who have contributed along the way,” he said.
“This award is something I am extremely proud of, but it is also a recognition I am very happy to share with everyone who has been part of the journey.”
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