Volks Centre Cairns | BMW | Mercedes

Meet the Volks Centre Cairns and Smithfield team

All our mechanics are carefully selected and trained to the highest German standard. Meet our qualified mechanics across two great locations in Cairns and Smithfield.

Tobias Schneck
Local Owner and Operator

Born in Germany, Toby started his apprenticeship at 15 years of age and has always wanted to be a mechanic. He completed his apprenticeship with Mercedes Benz and has worked for Mercedes in Stuttgart, Germany. Since Toby finished his tenure with Mercedes he’s worked with Bosch Service Garages repairing all German makes and models. Toby has been calling Australia home since 2005 and took over from Werners VW Centre in 2006 when he rebranded the business to Volks Centre Cairns. Toby now has 26 years’ experience in this specialised industry, making Volks Centre Cairns one of the leaders in this field and now expanding the business in Smithfield as a second location. In his free time Toby likes to spend time with his family, play soccer and ride his motor cross bike.

Lisa Essig
Accounts Manager

Lisa was born in Germany and as Tobias’ other half came to Australia in 2005 and took over the business with Tobias in 2006.

Lisa has been working in the office since the beginning of Volks Centre Cairns.

Lisa is fully certified in business management and her role at Volks Centre Cairns is management of accounts and she oversees the direction and administration of the business.

Lisa enjoys spending time with her family.

Nadim Sheik
Workshop Manager Cairns

Nadim completed his apprenticeship as a motor Mechanic in England where he was born and has over 10 years’ experience in the industry. Nadim started working for Volks Centre Cairns in 2015 as a mechanic and loves liaising with customers daily and has a real passion for cars. With Nadim’s passion and skillset, it was evident to Tobias and Lisa to transfer him as our office manager, being the first point of call when you phone us. Our clients are assured of experience when phoning Volks Centre Cairns with enquiries and Nadim can certainly handle all your technical questions straight away with his wealth of knowledge as a qualified mechanic.

Ryan Crow
Workshop Manager Smithfield

Ryan enjoys working with our great team based in Smithfield, working on prestige and performance vehicles, tuning and performance parts. Previously a service manager for Gold Coast Volkswagen for over 4 years and spare parts manager for Japanese brands, Sea-Doo. Ryan brings to the Volks Centre Team his training as an Accredited Volkswagen dealer as well as other brands. Having owned multiple performance Volkswagens over the years and a former member of Queensland GTI and R owners club, rest assured his expertise working on your vehicles with over 20 years’ experience means you’re in good hands. Regularly advising his clients that routine maintenance will save you in the long run.

Jake Pressley
Qualified Mechanic

Jake originally hailed from England, has a passion for working on European made models and advancing himself on the latest range of technology. Jake will ensure customers get the most of their vehicle by ensuring the integrity of ongoing maintenance and customer satisfaction. Jake has worked extensively across England across a range of German makes and models and excels in mechanical maintenance.

Rene Raith
Qualified Mechanic

Born in Austria, Rene completed his apprenticeship in a VW-Audi Dealership in Austria and has over 12 years’ experience in the automotive maintenance and repair industry.

Rene has been with Volks Centre Cairns since 2015 and very motivated within his field, there is nothing to hard for Rene to fix.

In his free time, Rene likes to do Rock climbing and crafting.

Loedolff Visser
Qualified Mechanic

Originally from Cape Town, South Africa, Loedolff brings his mechanical expertise to the new Smithfield location for Volks Centre Cairns.

Having worked as a dedicated mechanic for Audi for over 8 years, where he completed his apprenticeship.

Also a specialist in Mercedes Truck repairs, Loedolff ensures customers maximise the life cycle of their vehicles through expert ongoing mechanical maintenance.

Logan Moss
Qualified Mechanic

Logan started working with Volks Centre Cairns at the very beginning of his apprenticeship being completed through Volks Centre Cairns and a local specialist training centre.

Logan enjoys working on his customers vehicles and is inspired by the newer technology rolling out in European models today.

An avid 4WD enthusiast, Logan enjoys the popular 4WD tracks found in North Queensland.

Billy Holiday
3rd year Apprentice Mechanic

Billy joined our Cairns workshop in 2021 and is studying to become a qualified mechanic, specialising in German made vehicles. Seeing the benefits of having a European made vehicle as well as learning the challenges when repairing Euro cars, enabling Billy to become an expert German auto technician.

Billy loves to go four-wheel driving as well as working on cars with his friends during his spare time and always recommends to all clients, family and friends that when it comes to your vehicle always ensure you check your fluids are topped up regularly.

Michael Biegert
Qualified Mechanic

Michael was born in Germany and has been working in the auto mechanical industry for over 10 years and has been qualified for 8 years. Specialising in German makes and models, Michael also really enjoys working on German cars and working with his team at Volks Centre Cairns.

Outside of working hours Michael enjoys fixing up cars and riding his motorbike. Some advice by Michael is to ensure you always keep up to date with servicing and vehicle repairs.

Jordan Best
Qualified Mechanic

Jordan has been working with the Volks Centre Cairns team for over 3 years, hailed from Bedfordshire, England. Jordan really loves the prestigious BMW brand - the ultimate driving machine. Having been a qualified mechanic for over 10 years, Jordan brings a wealth of knowledge across all European makes and models.

In Jordan’s spare time, if he’s not working on cars, he’s building his own race car! A true racing enthusiast, which makes Jordan an excellent fit at Volks Centre Cairns.

Daniel Hoflacher
Qualified Mechanic

Daniel hails from Schwabenlandle, Germany and is a Mercedes Master technician of 10 years and has over 13 years’ experience in the automotive industry. Daniel’s family currently owns two Mercedes Dealerships in Germany and is a huge German car enthusiast. Our clients’ vehicles are in good hands with Daniel taking excellent care of them based on his level of experience.

You’ll find Daniel located in our Smithfield workshop. When he’s not working, he likes to explore FNQ, photography, 4x4ing, camping and hiking. Daniel recommends to his clients to look after their vehicle by servicing and maintaining it on time, so you can maximise its life span.