So… Why the Car Biz? By Mike Pezzella
Fresh out of college, I moved back to my hometown in Central Jersey (Yes, it exists). I was unsure of exactly what I wanted to do, so I decided to take a temporary full-time job at a Toyota Dealership… or so I thought. The place was filled with suits sitting up at “The Desk” or “The Tower” with their fresh cuff links and shined shoes. It was like I was in another universe. They spoke such strange words and phrases I had never heard before… “First Pencil”, “SPOT”, “The Box”, “It’s a sled”, “Four Square”, “Should I break his legs?”… What the hell did I get myself into? Answer, the most exciting damn job I ever had.
It took me 12 “Ups” to close my first deal… I thought I was a jinx. I’m shocked they didn’t blow me out right then and there, but that was never a thought in their mind. They saw potential in me, and the used car manager at the time told me it took him 15 customers to close his first, so I knew I just had to focus and it’ll happen. In strolls lucky number 12, “SPOT!” Once the car was burning gas, it was time for the Holy gathering in the showroom for my tie to be cut in front of all employees, and officially join the team.
Man, the car biz is like the land of misfits, and I was hooked. I sat down with my GM, GSM, Sales Managers and even Finance so I could learn everything I could about my new venture. Each day was a new subject to learn, a new customer across from me, and the same old way to find a way to close them. Aside from the business aspect, I’ve met some outstanding people at that Toyota store, and to this day I consider brothers. It’s funny; the car business works in mysterious ways. One day you can be on a sales floor a hero or crush someone at the desk, and the next, someone gets blown out and you never see that person again. But in our business, it’s all about who you know. You could be fired and start work the next day at another store you have connects at! It’s that crazy! One guy I worked with said he quit one store, strolled across the highway, and started on the sales floor that same day; it’s amazing.
This is why I do what I do. With a company like Dealer Retention Services, I can expand my reach and assist the type of people I resonate with on a daily basis. I love the car business, and I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure I help as many as I can, because that’s the kind of person I am. You have a problem; I will find you a solution. Your profits are down; I’ll get them up. You can’t keep a position held; we’ll find you a hungry new-hire. You can’t handle inbound call volume or need training; I’m here. Contact me, and let’s shake things up!
