It was January 2005; I had lived in Richmond VA for about 2 years, and I was once again searching for a good steady job. I had just come off of working for a Temp Agency and my assignment had concluded at year’s end when an opportunity had come to me. I was introduced to who would represent my beginning to the Car Business, my Car mentor, friend and surrogate older brother, Shawn. Shawn had already been selling cars for several years now and invited me to come in and interview at a Honda dealership near Glen Allen. I thought to myself I have had some experience selling at men’s retail stores for a while, but I never really considered trying to sell cars for a living. In my mind, I was supposed to be a rising Corporate American star, who would make his mark in Banking or Corporate Real Estate all while working 9-5 Monday through Friday. Never did I think I would ever make a career out of Car Sales. In fact, when I told my Dad I had an interview for a car sales job, he tried to talk me out of it. He kept talking about how long the hours are and how hard it can be to make a consistent living. But as I thought about it, I figured if this could work out, I’d be doing what I already enjoy, which is being around cars, talking about car and helping purchase cars. So, what da hell, right?
Jan 5th, 2005, 12pm, I had an appointment to interview for a Full-time sales position. I got there a few minutes earlier and as I walked in a door, a lady who I suppose thought I was a salesperson came up to me asking for help and disclosing specifics about a car she was looking for. I told her, I apologize ma’am but I’m not a Sales consultant, I’m actually here for an interview, but I told her that I would find someone there to help her out. I went up to the Sales manager’s desk, introduced myself, asked one of the guys sitting behind the partition, “Excuse me sir, but there is a young lady that is looking to test drive a 2005 Civic Silver 4 door and would like to review financing options. She is also looking to trade in a vehicle and has a free and clear title with her.” At the time, I did not know that I was speaking directly to the General Sales Manager and the person who conduct my interview as well. He looked at me and told me, he appreciated me sharing that with him and he would get one of his sales consultants to assist her. He asked me to have a seat on the leather couch next to one of the showroom cars. When I was called into the main office, I met the General Sales manager, who told me he was impressed with my candor and brief description of the customers wants and needs. From there, we proceeded with the interview and then I left shortly after. The turn around seemed to happen pretty quickly because not even a two days later, I was called and told I got the job! I was pretty happy but confident that I felt I did well on the interview. The next week, I began orientation along with two other new hires. We were tasked to quickly learn about the steps to the sale, product knowledge and practical connecting techniques with potential buyers. By the end of the month, I had sold 6 cars, and I felt like this could really turn into something long term and really really fun…
I did my best to learn and study under the Sales managers and Shawn about how to be successful and develop the proper working habits required to be a good salesman. From there, I was blessed to create a 20+ year career out of car sales and it has been a crazy ride, ups and downs at times of course, but this has been one of the best life experiences I have ever had and I am so thankful for what it has taught me and how it has molded me… Wouldn’t change it for the world…