Behind The Wheel Interviews

Your glimpse into daily happenings at the car dealership

The Secret to being Successful in Sales with Jackie Burke  

Jackie Burke is THE salesperson you want to talk to at Rocky Mount Toyota. At #5 in the organization through May, Jackie has sold over 150 units already. Hear her tell us how she does it! 

Driven by Passion: Lara Sparks’ journey in fixed ops 

Lara Sparks is the Fixed Operations Director at Hoover Toyota. Hear about her love of fashion and dreams of being a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader and why that made her perfect for a role in fixed ops. She worked hard to make it to the top of fixed ops, but she’s not done yet! 

Road to General Manager with Belinda Gribble 

Belinda kills it as General Manager at Mercedes-Benz West Chester. Her journey in automotive started with washing cars. Hear about her relationship with her different mentors along the way and how now she has the opportunity to make the same difference in the lives of others. 

 

The Future is Female 

Kerri Wise is the VP of Marketing at AutoFi as well as one of the founders and president of Women of Color in Automotive. Faith London and Kerri Wise discuss everything from golf to how emotional intelligence will continue to grow in importance as we think about necessary leadership skills. 

Briana, Service Advisor

Southpoint Honda

Briana enjoys working the service drive. When not providing excellent customer service she can be found enjoying her family.

Her advise for other advisors is to be patient and have understanding. 

“Remember everyone is human don’t let other character change how you represent yourself”

 

Saresa, Service Advisor

Rocky Mount Toyota

Saresa enjoys her position as service advisor. When she is not assisting customers in the lane. she can be found DIYing projects at her home or working on her car. Ask her about her shoe collection, its pretty impressive. 

Advice to others: Realize that we are providing a service to people. People’s cars are a big part of their lives. We play a role in major life situation and we should be as personable as possible.

 

Bridget, Service Advisor

Rocky Mount Toyota

Bridget has been with the dealership for over 37 years.

She offered these words of wisdom for other service advisors…

“Learn how to listen and to talk so much – don’t be thinking about what to say next while the  customer is speaking.”

 

A Day in the Life of BDC with Latosha Simmons and Megan Mallia 

Latosha is the BDC Director at Cleveland Ford and Megan is the Pre-Owned Manager at Spartanburg Toyota. Listen as they cover the pros and cons of being a female in their roles, work-life balance, and why more females should consider sales. 

Introduction

What was your original
career path

What’s your favorite part
of this job

What are the daily challenges in your role

What do you think are the pros or cons of being a female in
this role

How do you navigate the challenges in a male-dominated industry

What are your thoughts on work-life balance

Why should more females consider sales roles, any advice

What needs to be done to make the industry more welcoming
to women

What do you do to continue to get better and learn

What do you see as the future of this industry and women’s role
in it

What are your goals, personal and career, and what you do to achieve it

How do you explain your job to a stranger

Deanna Parnell 

Rachell Porter