Kilcolgan man Michael Butler is a familiar face to motor customers in Galway as Managing Director of Windsor Motors. However, Michael didn’t take the direct route to his chosen career.

Originally from Birr, Michael Butler began his career as an engineer but soon crossed over to the world of motor sales when he was offered the position of Parts Manager with Motor Park Galway. In June 2004, he was asked to take over Windsor Motors and the company has gone from strength to strength ever since.

"It is a very busy job but I love it. I would be ultimately responsible for most aspects of the business from keeping an eye on the forecourt to overseeing the accounts, sales and customer issues. Customer service is so important, as there are a lot of dealers out there, so you have to deliver across the spectrum. That is one of my favourite things about the job, meeting customers that come into the forecourt and being able to help them to leave the dealership with a car that is going to meet all their needs."

With the downturn in the economy and the lean towards environmental awareness, times are changing in the motor world. According to Michael, customers are now opting for diesel cars, which are more fuel efficient with lower emissions. As a result, a wide range of new cars are being released by manufacturers keen to stay ahead in a competitive market.

"The manufacturers, including Nissan, Ssang Yong and Chevrolet, which we deal in, are very aware of the sway towards environmentally friendly cars, so there are a lot more of these models coming on to the market. One of our biggest customers would be young families and a lot of the current Nissan models are aimed at that demographic, such as the Qashqai. Used cars are also very popular and we have approximately 60 cars on view in the Used Car Showroom. With the awful weather we have been having, it gives customers an opportunity to view the best deals in used cars while staying out of the elements!"

Going forward, there are a lot of exciting developments underway at Windsor Motors. Having recently opened a new entrance on the Monivea Road to provide easier access for their customers, they have now put forward an application for planning permission for a new dealership adjacent to the existing development in Ballybrit.

"Even though the market has been hit by a 15 per cent downturn, we are heading into one of our busiest periods at the moment as people pre-book new models coming out in 2009. Then come January, used car sales will be very busy. There are a lot of bargains to be had as 86 per cent of Nissan models have actually fallen in price. We are very lucky to have a settled team here, some of whom have been with the company for over 20 years. I am here for four years now and I am still one of the new guys! Having such a loyal staff and customer base is a great boost," he says.

In his spare time, Michael loves to kick back by playing golf and spending time with this wife and two children. However, he says his GAA allegiance may get him into a bit of trouble.

"When I have a bit of time off, I like to spend it with my family. I also like to play golf and I am a member of Ballyhaunis Golf Club as well as playing in Salthill and Portumna. It was great to see Padraig Harrington getting on so well recently. He is a great ambassador for the sport and seems like a really nice guy as well. However, I was very disappointed with the coverage of the PGA Championship in the Irish media, so hopefully his success will encourage RTE to give more coverage to these events in the future.

"I am a big fan of GAA, but mostly the hurling. While I support both Offaly and Galway, I suppose if it came down to it I would have to go with Offaly – once a BIFFO, always a BIFFO!"

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