TO THE EDITOR:
“No experienced personnel need apply at this dealership” (James B. Treece, April 2) due to “bad habits” left me puzzled as to what group of people it was directed at. In the Portland, Ore., market, dealerships do hire experienced personnel because this is who they become:
- A service adviser placed 18 years ago with a major auto group is now the fixed operations director for its largest dealership.
- A warranty administrator who was encouraged to become a service manager 20 years ago is now a successful general manager for a large private national auto group.
- A general manager at one of the market’s most successful dealerships has made improvements in policies and procedures — and still works weekends.
- A title administrator is now a successful dealership controller working weekends because of acquisitions.
- A general sales manager placed 20 years ago has been an auto group corporate variable general manager over 18 brands for 10 years.
- A fixed operations director over six rooftops was placed with an auto group here.
There are so many hardworking people with “great habits” making a career in dealerships that I just had to respond. Interviewing experienced people and checking references has the lowest risk factor for a new-car dealership employer. The person already knows and loves the car business and has learned what costly mistakes can be made and now watches out for them.
Of course, there are very good new people to bring into our industry who, with training, may stick and become valuable talent.
WADE GEFRE, President and owner, Car People Oregon – AutoJobsOnline.com, Tigard, Ore. Car People Oregon is an automotive staff, management and executive placement service.