Although our administrative functions are run centrally from our Christchurch Head Office, you’ll soon be connected with our regional sales and service field teams for personalised service. As a close knit organisation, we value integrity, good communication and our long term relationships with customers. So no matter where you are located we’ll be nimble, easy to deal with and able to fix an issue or source a solution – fast. BDL people are the best in the industry, we know you’ll agree. With an unwavering focus on delivering the highest levels of Customer Service, our commitment and loyalty to our customers is at the forefront of everything we do.
Based around the country, meet some of the BDL team below.
After gaining a Degree from Canterbury University, Garth’s first job was selling Olympia typewriters. Bitten by the sales bug, Garth saw an exciting sales opportunity with the progressive multi national company 3M in their new Visual Division. This led to starting a 3M distributorship and subsequently to the establishment of BDL in 1973.
From a one man band, BDL has grown through many economic cycles and the enormous changes in technology to now being a nationwide business and Garth would be the longest serving person in this industry in New Zealand. Garth is still usually first into the office when he’s in town and in recent times has been integral in developing the internal IT systems. Of course none of this would have been achievable without the steadfast partnership of over 50 years with Fay. Both are really proud of the longevity of BDL and especially that the daily management of BDL is now in the capable hands of the next generation.
After Graduating from UC, Penny started working life in NZ as an Analyst in Business & Corporate Banking. Afterwards she held Regulatory roles in the investment banking sector in London. Joining the family firm in 2009, Penny has overall responsibility for management of the Company. In 2023 she will also be driving the newly incorporated BDL 3D venture. With special interest in ensuring the wellbeing of the BDL Team, she is passionate about being a local & sustainable business.
Always searching for new ways BDL can incorporate being properly “green” in its business practices (not just writing policies about it while being light on action!), she’s implemented toner cartridge, hardware and waste recycling programmes & is currently converting the BDL fleet to electric vehicles. From 2019 to the end of 2022 92% of the BDL fleet was fully electric, PHEV or hybrid.
BDL partnered with “Trees that Count” in 2020 and have now planted a decent sized native forest for NZ. BDL also strives to build relationships with local suppliers in each region. These ongoing efforts have resulted in BDL being awarded “Sustainability Partner of the Year” at the HP Partner Awards in 2020 and 2022.
Ben joined BDL in 1999 delivering Copiers then moved into Sales in 2002. Since 2004 he has been managing the growing Sales Team, now with Nationwide coverage. Ben’s role includes day to day liaison with HP & Toshiba, working with the Regional Account Managers and overseeing all Sales activity across the country. Ben excels in building and maintaining lasting relationships with Customers and Suppliers alike.
With an exceptional affinity for understanding and implementing the constantly advancing technologies in this industry, Ben’s calm & relaxed leadership style & extensive industry experience has empowered the Sales Team who have gone from strength to strength over the past few years. Its still a thrill for him to work with Account Managers around the country and see them work through any number of hurdles to finally sign that elusive contract.
Daryl joined BDL in 1996 as an Account Manager. It would be fair to say he got his training right at the coal face and has learnt the ropes by trial and quite a bit of error. Through sheer hard work, perseverance and an enduring partnership with Ben, he is now the National Sales Manager.
Daryl has spent most of his career committed to building the BDL business & is still as excited about coming to work every day and doing this job as he was 20 years ago.
He just loves putting deals together & travels regularly to all of the branch locations, supporting the Sales Team to reach their targets. He enjoys meeting people from all walks of life and developing long term relationships with these Customers. Everyday is another challenge and he is excited to be part of the future growth opportunities at BDL.
Bill’s career began as a Technician in 1986. He joined BDL in 1996 as a Field Technician & became Technical Manager in 2001. Bill is the Technical liaison with HP and supports the Field Technicians with ongoing product support and training. With a huge amount of industry experience and contacts, Bill is a key member of the BDL Service Team.
He is always on the phone with Technicians around the country problem-solving the issues that always come along with new technology. Along with liaising with the support teams of suppliers to deliver solutions for every individual Customer application, everyday is full! With his dry, quick wit and velvety radio voice Bill is a BDL institution.
Karen has been part of the BDL family for over 3 decades. She is loved & admired by Staff & Customers alike. Her brand of Customer Service is as uniquely fresh and unflappable as it has always been and has a commitment to Customers seldom seen today.
Karen manages the daily challenges of running Field Technicians with a smile and calm manner that would elude most in the fast paced & stressful area of getting machines fixed fast. Karen has been with us through thick and thin, 2 buildings, Earthquakes, Earthquake repairs & a pandemic in the mix. In fact right through every Alert Level during lockdown Karen was on deck as part of our Skeleton Crew for Essential Services.
John joined the BDL team in 2015, having 15 years experience in the IT industry. His role is diverse, from installing photocopiers at client sites to the installation, integration and ongoing support of software based document management solutions. John also manages BDL’s internal system and network and provides technical support to customers and IT teams. He loves his job and often repeats its the best job he has ever had. If he ever has any down time from his busy role you may find him down on the floor chatting with the company dog.
With over 15 years experience in the Copier Industry Dobbie joined BDL in 2016. One week into his job, we asked if he’d like to go and pick up his brand new Subaru Outback from Nelson. Only later did he admit he was really nervous about doing something to the brand new car! Dobbie enjoys the culture at BDL, he feels he is treated like family and not a just a number like the big corporates.
He finds it really rewarding to leave the Customers happy after repairing their printers & loves the fact that no two days are the same and full of interesting challenges. “My colleagues have been very supportive and helpful and that’s what makes working at BDL really enjoyable”.
Chris started with BDL in March 2024 after a 20 year stint in the automotive industry left him looking for a fresh start & a new challenge. He is excited about bringing his excellent level of service & expertise to his extensive network of clients & contacts in a new field. Outside of work you’ll find him exploring new places to walk & explore with his wife & dogs, or trying out whatever new eateries are on offer in Christchurch
Wendy has been in charge of Accounts Payable at BDL for 14 years. Her attention to detail and accuracy ensures that the accounts are squeaky clean at all times. She says every single day is full on from go to whoa! If its not bringing in stock, customer/supplier queries or meter billing time there will be any number of reconciliations to do or the other ‘special projects’ that always need to be done to keep us out of trouble!
With fun people to work with and the added bonus of on-site carparking here at BDL, Wendy says that she’s not going anywhere else.
Aubrey came to work for BDL under pretty unique circumstances from South Africa. He noticed a job advertised by BDL for a Field Technican in Hawkes Bay while on holiday. With a a huge amount of industry experience, he has been the mainstay of BDL in the Hawkes Bay since 2017 and provides an exceptional level of service to his customers in the region.
Aubrey always goes the extra mile for his Customers & members of the BDL Team. His exceptional work ethic, organisational capabilites and warm manner endear him to colleagues and customers alike.
Todd’s been with BDL as a Field Service Technician since 2017. He thrives on the daily challenges of his job and every single day is completely different with every model, customer site and application presenting a new and unique challenge. The tight knit family feel of BDL is a favourite aspect of working here.
“The respect between staff members is unmatched by any other company I’ve worked for, the open an honest culture means its an incredibly easy and comfortable place to work”. Todd brings an incredible Customer Service focus & flexible attitude.
Meet Alex, our extremely talented Workshop Technician & in house inventor. Alex walked into our office looking for a job in 2014. We really loved the fact he was willing to walk into every business looking for his opportunity. So the stars aligned and he came on board, which was a lucky day for us. Alex is steadfast, his work ethic & reliability unequalled. It can be a really high workload getting equipment ready for delivery but Alex just goes about his business with a smile and good grace.
He is also incredibly resourceful & invents all sorts of things from materials that would otherwise be waste. Every tiny screw that could possibly be reused by Alex is neatly reserved for that very occasion. He is a one man example of pure excellence when it comes to reusing, recycling and repurposing. He’s a pleasure to have around and a real asset to the BDL Team.
Fenn began his Sales career with BDL 7 years ago. He came from a completely different industry and has learned the ropes on the job under the guidance of Ben and Daryl. He soon grew to love the challenges of this business and really enjoys meeting new customers and finding the right business solutions for his Hawkes Bay customers. Fenn also
regularly travels to BDL New Plymouth and Wellington offices to support customers in those regions as well. We all look forward to those special occasions each year when we get all the team together for training or the famous Christmas Party..
Scott started at BDL in the year 2000 as field service technician and moved into the IT field in 2007. Recently Scott has taken on the role of National Education Manger and is based in Nelson but travels to all of BDL’s locations to work with education customers. Scott is the point of contact for Toshiba’s sponsorship of the New Zealand Catholic Education Office and Association (NZCEO) and The Association of Proprietors of Integrated Schools (APIS).
Greg started at BDL in 2012 as an Account Manager and now holds the role of Christchurch Sales Manager. With a focus on building and maintaining relationships with our wide range of customers, he enjoys the challenge of finding the right solution to meet their needs in this dynamic and ever-changing industry. Outside of work he can be found socializing with family and friends, riding his mountain bike or pursuing his lifelong love of music as a guitarist and bass player in local bands.
Mike started his career in the Photocopier Industry 13 years ago as a Workshop Technician. Since then he’s worked on nearly all of the major brands in our industry. He made Christchurch his home in 2016 and loves this wonderful city. Having started working at BDL shortly before the lockdown, it felt a bit nerve wracking for his family not knowing how things would pan out.
But having been welcomed to the BDL family with open arms he says he feels truly fortunate to be part of a company with such high work ethic, friendly staff and excellent customer service. Mike is a family man who enjoys a braai (BBQ), watching rugby and is a keen golfer – though apparently not a good one!
Our customers might see Mike out and about in Christchurch, he’s one of our fantastic team of Field Technicians around the country who may call on you to service your printer.
When did you start with BDL?
March 2020 – 2 Weeks before lockdown
What did you do before that?
Copier Service Technician for about 11 years, prior to that I built Cellphone sites & way in the beginning I was Croupier at a Casino!
What does your job entail?
Keeping customers satisfied by maintaining their multifunctional devices and printers, both onsite and in our workshop.
What is a typical day like?
First (and most important) the day starts with a cup of coffee, then a phone call to Karen (our Service Manager) to plan my day. From there I take each job as it comes, travelling between customers and our office until the day is done. Nothing beats a mix of office time, meeting with customers and travel – that’s why I love my job!
Favourite memory from work?
Having not worked at BDL for such a long time yet, I’d say it would have to be when I came in for my 1st interview and I was enthusiastically met by Paddington (our office dog) at reception. He’s otherwise known as the “Morale Manager”!
What is a common question you get from customers?
Where in South Africa are you from?
What do you like most about your job?
Meeting new people, solving a customer’s problem and the fact that not one day is the same.
You work at BDL in Christchurch – what do you like most about your City?
There is so much to mention, but my top 3 would be: seeing our beautiful new City being built, the stunning scenery (snow filled mountains on the one side and grassy hills on the other) and the respect between the people.
What is a fun fact about you?
I totalled my Dad’s Race Car when I was 18.
What do you like the most about working for BDL?
Being the “new guy” is always challenging but BDL’s staff members welcomed me with open arms, positive attitudes & friendly conversations. Working at BDL is such a pleasure, it feels like home, a great family atmosphere and good banter.
Michael joined BDL in 2019 as Helpdesk and Data Collection Admin, remotely monitoring customer equipment for faults, toner supply and meter reads. Michael quickly proved to be a valuable member of our team, his kind, calm and friendly demeanour endears him to customers and staff alike. Once we took delivery of our first MJF 3D printer, Michael was quickly captured by the magic and future possibilities of 3D printing.
His natural technical aptitude makes him a perfect match for this burgeoning sector of print and he has spent many hours of his own time learning about 3D design. Michael has jumped at the chance to follow this passion and move full time into BDL’s 3D Print Manufacturing Service. We know 3D Printing will be transformative moving into the future and we feel fortunate to have Michael on board to help us grow in this area.
Akshay joined BDL as part the Auckland HP Sales Team in 2018. He was thrilled to find an opportunity which enabled him work in a family owned business partnered with a globally recognised brand, delivering a work environment which has the best of two worlds to offer. He has since transferred to the Wellington Office and is enjoying life and the new challenges of doing business in the Capital.
Akshay is always out and about in Wellington meeting with current and potential customers. He is enjoying his new life and the challenges of doing business in the Capital, his big warm smile and gentle manner make him a favourite with Customers & the rest of the BDL Team alike.
When did you start with BDL?
September 2018
What did you do before that?
ICT Account Manager with PB Technologies, dealing with commercial clients in West Auckland.
What does your job entail?
My job it a whole lot more than selling a copier, it’s about listening and understanding the individual requirements of the customer and then tailoring a complete package solution for them & their budget. While ensuring the ongoing needs of existing customers are met with the support of BDL’s fantastic team, I’m also always actively looking for new business.
What is a typical day like?
Every day is a busy day and is usually taken up with the lengthy process of developing our business relationships. It can take a long time to get to the point that you win a new customer and some days you wonder why you do the job. Then you receive that one call from a customer you have been working with for months with the go ahead! Nothing can ever match up to the feeling.
Favourite memory from work?
Back when I first started working for BDL, the job was to start growing the HP business in Auckland – from scratch. This was a massive challenge and attracted me to the position but it was also a steep learning curve. This industry is really competitive and it took me about 6 months working with one particular customer before finally reaching the day when the customer said “Yes, let do it”! By keeping in touch with the customer & listening to them we found the perfect solution in the end. The customer mentioned that my perseverance got me the deal and that I should be proud of that.
What is a common question you get from customers?
“Why should I choose you over the other brands out there?”. My very simple answer to all potential customers is that the difference lies in the ongoing service and relationship we provide. BDL has been around for a really long time, with the same family owners since the beginning (nearly a half century ago) which is unique.
What do you like most about your job?
I really enjoy winning a customer who has not been given the best deals in the past. It’s about telling the client the facts about the equipment, and its costs, honestly. It is incredible to find some customers have been misled to great lengths, that they might not be able to get themselves out of that situation. The best thing about this job is to recognize those opportunities and setting them right.
What do you like most about your (region/city)?
The best thing about Wellington is the people. Wellingtonians have patience and they appreciate each other highly. And of course, I cannot forget to mention Wellington coffee. It definitely keeps me going every day!
What’s a fun fact about you?
I am from Kathmandu, Nepal and no… I have never been even close to Mount Everest!
What do you like most about working for BDL?
I was so excited to find this opportunity with BDL which enabled me to work in a family owned business partnered with globally recognised brands which offers the best of two worlds. BDL really is a family oriented business, and the best thing about working with this team is that it feels like a family away from family. With the team growing, I always look forward to the Christmas Party, where we all fly to Christchurch and have a good catch up.
Margarita also joined the BDL HP Sales Team in Auckland in 2018. She thrives on the competitive nature of this industry and thoroughly enjoys meeting people from diverse backgrounds and sectors.
Paddington holds this very important role at BDL and has been coming into work everyday since he was a wee puppy. He is still very exuberant and all 35kgs of him loves to warmly greet any new visitors to the building especially if they are wearing high vis. BDL is a company of animal lovers, we love having him in the office. As a dog of action, he is pictured in his life jacket ready for some deep water swimming with Dad.
We recently had it bought to our attention that a very important member of the team was not on the website!! Higgins is now 18 months old and has been joining his cousin Paddington in the office since he was just a baby. You can never quite tell which position a new office dog may be suitable for when they are learning the ropes of working life but, being a Schnauser, Higgins appointed himself Head of Security quite early on. He is never happier than lying on the landing barking up any dicey looking characters he might spy outside. He also loves coming to important meetings with his Dad, but as meetings can be very taxing both dogs do tend to pass out under the table before too long!