Meet Roger Phutanakul: Porsche Centre Gold Coast Service Technician.

At Porsche Centre Gold Coast, Roger is more than just a technician—he's a passionate automotive professional who brings dedication and expertise to every vehicle he works on. From his early beginnings in Thailand to becoming a certified Porsche technician, Roger’s journey is one of devotion, learning, and a deep love for performance cars.

Roger was born in Rayong, Thailand, and spent his early years there before moving to Bangkok to pursue his bachelor's degree. His professional career initially revolved around sales, working with automotive parts at Bridgestone Thailand and other industrial companies. However, his curiosity about vehicle mechanics led him to seek hands-on experience. Selling parts wasn’t enough—he wanted to understand how they functioned within a car. “Sometimes it was hard to answer customer questions about parts,” Roger recalls. “I wanted to get my hands on fixing things and really understand how everything worked.” That desire sparked his transition into the world of automotive technician.

Upon arriving in Australia, Roger enrolled in the Automotive Mechanical Technology program, earning both a Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology and a Certificate IV in Automotive Management. As part of his vocational training, he secured a placement at Porsche Centre Gold Coast. “I walked in and asked Bobby if I could do my vocational placement here,” Roger shares. “That’s how it all started.” Impressed by his dedication and growing expertise, the team welcomed him as a full-time technician upon completing his studies in mid-2024.

Roger’s daily routine involves servicing some of the finest performance vehicles in the world. From annual maintenance to major repairs, each day presents new challenges. Under the guidance of his peers, he has expanded his skill set, delving into diagnostics, electrical systems, and complex mechanical tasks. “Every day is a learning day,” Roger says. “One day I could be working on suspension, the next on advanced electrical diagnostics. It’s always something new.” Working with high-performance cars requires meticulous attention to detail, a quality Roger embraces wholeheartedly.

For Roger, the thrill of working at Porsche goes beyond just the vehicles—it’s about continuous learning. “Everyone here is my teacher,” he says. “If I don’t know something, I can always ask, and if someone else needs help, I’m happy to share what I know.” The culture at Porsche Centre Gold Coast fosters growth, with a team that supports and uplifts one another, making the workshop feel like a second family.

?Among the many Porsche models, Roger has a particular admiration for the 911 Dakar. “It’s not just a performance car,” he explains. “You can take it off-road, go camping, even do a rally. It’s different, and that’s what I love about it.” The combination of power, design, and adaptability makes it his dream car to work on and see in person himself.

Roger’s ambition is to specialise in electric vehicle (EV) technology. With Porsche expanding its EV lineup, including the Macan EV and the Taycan, he sees this as the next frontier in automotive excellence. “I want to grow with Porsche,” he says. “In five years, I hope to be an EV technician, working on the latest technology and innovations.”

Outside of work, Roger enjoys cooking authentic Thai cuisine, drawing from his experience as a former restaurant manager. “Cooking Thai food is something I love.” He also maintains an active lifestyle, participating in Parkrun to stay fit. His passion for food and fitness complements his high-energy career, keeping him balanced and motivated.

Roger’s journey from selling automotive parts in Thailand to becoming a Porsche technician in Australia is a testament to hard work, curiosity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. At Porsche Centre Gold Coast, he has found not just a job, but a career that fuels his passion for high-performance engineering. With a bright future ahead, Roger is set to leave a lasting mark in the world of Porsche servicing.