We are truly excited to recognize Robbert Young as the July 2026 Jim Ellis Client Champion. Robbert is a Technician at Mercedes-Benz Van Center Atlanta South and was nominated by John Pomponi.
The Jim Ellis Client Champion Award has been presented monthly since 2014 to a Jim Ellis team member who goes above and beyond to deliver the Jim Ellis Promise to one of our guests. With more than 1,700 team members in the organization, only a small percentage of team members each year receive this honor.
Here is the story behind why Robbert was nominated as the monthly Client Champion:
A client traveling from Florida to Tennessee for Memorial Day experienced an unexpected breakdown when the belt came off their Sprinter van near the dealership after business hours on Friday evening. Stranded far from home and with holiday travel plans at risk, the client needed immediate assistance to continue their journey.
Although the dealership had already closed, Robbert remained at work and quickly diagnosed the problem as a failed pulley and broken belt. Tim from the Parts Department stayed late to process and bill the replacement belt, but the required pulley was not available in inventory. Rather than letting the client wait until after the holiday weekend, Robbert took the initiative to find another solution.
Determined to get the client safely back on the road, Robbert located the correct pulley on an inventory vehicle and carefully installed it on the client's van. He remained at the dealership for more than two hours after closing, working alongside Tim in Parts and Kathryn, the Service Advisor, to complete the repair and ensure the vehicle was safe to continue its trip.
By taking ownership of the situation, thinking creatively and working as a team, Robbert turned what could have been a major disruption into a positive experience for the client. His willingness to go above and beyond allowed the family to continue their Memorial Day travels with minimal delay and demonstrated an unwavering commitment to exceptional customer care.
Through his initiative, problem-solving, teamwork and dedication to helping others, Robbert exemplified what it means to be a Client Champion. His actions reflect the values of Jim Ellis and show how going the extra mile can make a lasting impact on the people we serve.
Congratulations, Robbert! Thank you for making a difference when it mattered most.