Christchurch car dealer Paul Kelly became the toast of New Zealand after it was revealed that he was shouting his entire staff of 45 people to a week’s holiday in Las Vegas to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his business.
Since 1998, the Paul Kelly Motor Company has sold more than 40,000 vehicles and operates from four locations in Christchurch where it specialises in selling new and used Japanese and European vehicles in addition to operating a service centre and finance company.
As the story goes, 48-year-old Kelly was motivated to reward his team because nobody ever rewarded him in his younger days. “It kind of makes sense that, if you can, why wouldn’t you,” he told The Press.
Well-known for organising annual staff events that have cost him millions over the years, Kelly says nobody ever thought he would be crazy enough to take them all to Vegas so he announced the trip on Facebook: “This year marks our 20th year in business. To celebrate the occasion we will be closed for a week from 14-18 of May. Paul Kelly is taking the entire staff to Vegas for our anniversary celebration. We won't be around to take your phone calls or email but, should you need to contact us, we will be at the Bellagio.”
Hailed in some media as ‘New Zealand’s best boss,’ gobsmacked workers said it was a “dream come true” and a perfect example of bosses and staff respecting each other and reaping the rewards. "People don't leave here, they stay on until they die" one ecstatic employee said.
Based on return airfares to Los Angeles and five nights at the Bellagio, the trip is estimated to cost Kelly at least $150,000 – not to mention closing the business for one week – which he says he can afford because of money invested outside the business.
In addition to his car dealerships, some of which are leased, Kelly has accumulated a property portfolio worth $60 million, which includes a $24m retail building and a $13m commercial office building in Addington.
A keen motorsport fan, Kelly has driven in almost 200 events and chalked up 13 wins including the 2016 ENZED Central Muscle Car race at Teretonga in his Pontiac Transam. The fun-loving Kelly also sponsors the Paul Kelly Motor Company Dancers who perform at Canterbury NPC and Crusaders rugby matches.
Photo: Stuff