Williamson / New York / United States
My passion for vehicles began at a young age because I grew up in the automotive industry. My father owned an auto parts store and as a teen I worked for him part-time while attending school. My father was a tremendous salesperson, and from watching him I learned what characteristics make a great business owner. He was ethical, caring, and his customer service was unique in that he went above and beyond the call of duty. He actually went out to his customers garages and listened to what they told him they needed. My father was flexible and worked with the needs of the customers right up until he retired and closed the business. I was still in high school at the time so I worked part-time at a sporting goods store. While there, I had the opportunity to engage customers in conversations and zero in on what they really needed. I actually had customers who would not make a purchase if I was not there to advise them. They would come back another day because they would only deal with me. At the age of 20, I was recruited to work at one of the largest auto dealership groups in New York State. I was a sales representative and in that position for only one year and three months before I was promoted to a management position. While working in that high-paced work environment, I was taught how to quickly Tag, Bag and ship out customers in their new vehicles, never to see them again. But that didnt feel right to me. Sure, I made a lot of money that way but I thought; if I was the one purchasing a vehicle I wouldnt want to be treated that way and I certainly wouldnt want my friends and family to be treated like that. I decided the Tag & Bag approach was NOT the way auto sales should be done. Whats in it for me? I can go to sleep at night knowing my customers are happy. The proof is in when they come back to me for their future purchases and when they eagerly refer their friends and family to me. You see, I feel everyone deserves to drive a nicer newer car.
