Since joining the dealership five years ago he went on to be runner-up for the award in 2013 and 2014 as a sales consultant, then took out the sales manager award in 2014. Selection is based not only on sales performance but also customer service and product knowledge, assessed through car sales and customer feedback.

While not so long ago there were four car dealerships in town, Sexton and Green is the last one standing. Still it’s an enduring tradition, with Mr Silver saying it’s not uncommon to have two or three generations of a family as customers, with repeat sales forming the bulk of the business.

But he hates being called a car salesman, and the connotations that invites. “I really love my job, and to me it’s helping people find the right vehicle for them, giving them enough information to make a decision.”

He said the dealership supports sporting and community groups around town, so it’s important for the community to support it. While there has been a contraction in the market, Mr Silver said Tenterfield is in no worse a state than other small towns around it and better than some, as his award would indicate.