Pendragon Newsletter

Pendragon
Newsletter
Dear Team,
I’m sure we have all had time to gather our thoughts on the recent
attacks in Paris and the effect it has around the world.
Unfortunately we now have to be even more vigilant wherever we are
and this also applies at home and work. Ensuring that your fellow
team members are aware of visitors and vendors at your business is
important. If you see unknown guests in your facility then please
ensure you inquire who they are and what they need and if you don’t
feel comfortable then alert your manager.
The Holidays are one of those periods where security needs to be
tighter. The dark nights mean you must be more vigilant when
opening up and closing at night and should be done in pairs.
That said, we have had a great year with the Land Rover brand and
Jaguar traffic has increased with high expectations for the New XE and
F Pace which was shown for the first time at the LA Auto show
recently. These 2 new models bring an additional 22,000 units in sales
for Jaguar in 2016 and this alone should give us confidence that the
brand is on its way back.
July – Sept 2015
As always Land Rover continues to be our consistent performer and
they also announced the Evoque convertible at the LA Auto show and
the car looks great.
My name is Bond, James Bond!!
We had a very successful ‘Spectre’ launch with all 4 stores inviting our
customers to a pre-screening of the new bond movie. It was a total
success and sell out with every seat taken by our customers and it was
great to see all of our brands being represented in the new movie.
A big thank you to Valerie and Julie Le for arranging these wonderful
events on behalf of the stores.
July – Sept 2015
October saw another visit from our UK team who were winners in their
respective departments and were lucky enough to visit California and
meet up with the US team. We had 13 ‘Top Gun’ winners who for
many was the first time they had been to the states.
Below is a note sent by Kevin Jarvie, UK Dealer Principal
Just a quick line to thank you very much for looking after us on our trip to LA.
The whole trip was fantastic and the balance between business and pleasure was spot on.
Business highlights were the Manheim Riverside Auction visit (awesome) and the Orange
County Dealer Association / Pendragon North America presentations which were both
extremely informative.
The site visits were excellent and provided some really good ideas that we can introduce at
dealership level and pleasure highlights included our visit to Hollywood and taking in the
Trojans game and the Classic Cars on Saturday morning. Leisure day at Laguna Beach was
also superb what a place!!!
Dermott and his team in California were truly brilliant. They looked after us extremely well and
really could not have been any more helpful in ensuring our trip was a trip of a lifetime.
Many thanks to you and everyone involved in what can only be described as the “LA
EXPERIENCE” – tremendous.
Kevin Jarvie
Dealer Principal
Mercedes-Benz of Hamilton
Wishing you all a happy and safe Thanksgiving!!
Dermot
July – Sept 2015
Written by Jeff Bondoc Aston Martin Sales Consultant
See this young man Tim...this is an incredible true story.
Two weeks ago my general manager Steven Brown at Aston Martin
Newport Beach called me into his office and told me of this young man
Tim who was attending Berkeley. While Tim was attending school one
day he collapsed on campus and he was rushed to the hospital. Both
of Tim’s lungs had collapsed and doctor's research revealed that both
of his lungs were riddled with cancer cells.
I was told that in his bucket list one of the items was to drive an Aston
Martin. My general manager asked me if I could take care of this
young man and talk to him about Aston Martin's and take him for a
test drive. I told him I would be honored to do it.
The next day Tim came to the dealership with his dad and we started
talking about cars and came to find out that Aston Martin was one of
Tim’s favorite cars of all times, so we proceeded to figure out which
car to drive and so he proceeded to jump into a 2015 Rapide S. I
drove them off the lot and up the hill on San Joaquin behind Fashion
Island mall and Tim asked me to get a little frisky on the gas which I
did.
As we were headed up the hill toward Newport Coast all of a sudden I
saw flashing red lights in my rearview mirror!! Yes it was the Newport
police. I knew for sure I was in trouble. The officer approached the
car and asked me for my license and insurance which I produced both.
He then asked me if there was somebody dying or was there an
emergency in the car for the reason I was driving so fast. Tim told me
to go ahead and tell him the story and why we were there. I looked at
the police officer and told him that I was sorry for driving so recklessly
but the reason why I did was for Tim. You see this young man has
terminal cancer and one item on his bucket list was to drive an Aston
Martin and I was trying to fulfill that dream. The officer looked at him
and his dad and said I'll be right back and walked away.
Tim and his dad started laughing. I asked what was so funny. They
told me that also on Tim’s bucket list was to get a ticket. Of course at
July – Sept 2015
that point we all started laughing and I told him I guess I'm going to
be taking one for the team seeing since I was driving. The officer
came back to the car and handed me my license, insurance
information and a ticket, but to my surprise it was a just a warning.
We thanked the officer and then Tim and I switched seats. I let him
drive and I sat in the passenger side as we drove away laughing. Tim
said we can now check off two boxes on my bucket list, Aston Martin
and a ticket.
I can't tell you how blessed I was that day
extraordinary man with an incredible heart. When
dealership we gave him a gift pack from Aston
proceeded to take Tim and his dad to the Red O for
to meet such an
we returned to the
Martin and then I
lunch.
I received such a humbling experience of how life is so short
sometimes. You see Tim was told by the doctors that he only has two
weeks to two months left. When Tim told me that I had to do all I
could to hold off from crying. It’s hard to fathom that this bright
handsome 19 year old young man will pass way too soon, such a
tragedy. I guess the Lord has more need of him than us.
Written by Ralph Rodriguez
PNAA After Sales Director
A team from our US Pendragon operations just traveled to the UK.
The purpose of our trip was to visit our corporate offices for some
training and to visit some of our UK operations to get some insight to
how our Pendragon stores in the UK deal with used cars, new cars,
and aftersales.
During our trip we got to spend some time with the UCM team headed
by Jim Blackwell. He reviewed with us their new processes, projects,
and the new “Move Me Closer” program. The company plans to
expand the used car operation in the UK.
During the week we also visited several dealerships like BMW and Mini
in Derby. These are run by some familiar faces like Chris Astle, GM for
BMW and Sandra Domagala, who is the GM at Mini of Derby. We also
visited Nick Waite who runs a very successful and busy Nottingham
Vauxhall. (General Motors)
We spent some time with Trevor Finn, who shared his vision with us as
well as his views on the automotive business not only in the UK but
also in the US.
During our free time we visited some beautiful places like the Makeney
Hall in Derbyshire near Derby which is a Victorian country house.
July – Sept 2015
We were able to visit some old pubs from the 1700s and had a taste of
some of the local brews!!
July – Sept 2015
We experienced some of the countryside along with the goodwill of a
“shooter” (not a hunter) who left behind a gift of pheasants for the pub
to make some hunters pie.
While visiting a beautiful farm in the countryside of Nottingham we
met some wonderful people and experienced some tea time with their
beautiful dogs, a couple of Rhodesian Ridgebacks they rescued.
July – Sept 2015
Some also took advantage of some free time and golf (in the rain) at
the beautiful Grove Golf Course for a Magical day of golf.
Overall the trip was very successful, meeting some of our counterparts
in the UK. I believe this trip strengthened the comradery we already
had between the UK and US teams. We were able to put faces to the
names of the people we speak to once in a while. We learned new
ways of doing business that we can implement here in the US.
Hornburg Los Angeles was also visited by Yushi Katayama, owner of
Jaguar Land Rover in Yokohama, Japan. He brought along several
employees that had won awards and some visiting the states for the
very first time.
July – Sept 2015
Service Clinics – Dec 7 – 14th
The goal of service clinics is to re-engage our customers and provide them an
experience that will hopefully build retention and loyalty. These service clinics are
free to attend but are by appt. only (snacks, gifts, product demos, car wash). We
also offer service discounts (15% off recommended service, $95 detail) for those that
attend the clinic.
July – Sept 2015
Each year Reid Stolz from our Hornburg Los Angeles dealership sponsors a
Toy Drive event. Proceeds go to Grandparents as Parents (GAP). GAP’s
mission is to provide programs and services that meet the urgent and
ongoing needs of grandparents and other relatives raising children at risk
and living in homes not headed by their parents. Over 90% of non-traditional
caregivers are grandparents most often stepping up to care for youth-inneed when the biological parents are unable to do so.
Come out and enjoy some Texas BBQ and a day filled with vintage dragsters,
race cars, hot rods, customs and muscle cars. Guests this year are Barry
Weiss from Storage Wars along with Candy Clark and Bo Hopkins from
American Graffiti.
Last year they collected enough toys for 200 kids and had full holiday
dinners for 5 of the neediest families. Let’s help make this year even better
for some kids!! Bring your unwrapped gift to the event below. Can’t make the
even you can donate a gift and send directly to Reid at our Hornburg LA
service location.
July – Sept 2015
EVENTS
&
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Team Member Spotlight
Open Enrollment for 2016 Health Benefits.
Coming soon to a dealership near you!! Watch for
dates to be announced for health insurance
meetings at your dealership and locate sign-up
sheet!
These are mandatory meetings for all full-time team
members. Premiums and coverage to be discussed.
This is the time to ask questions and make changes!!
You will be required to enroll or decline benefits for
2016.
401k News Update –
Loans and changes to contributions can now be
completed online with Principal.
Log on to
Principal.com to make any changes to your
contributions and to request a loan from your 401k.
Ivan Covarrubias
Team Member Name
Welcome to our
Newest Team Members
Dealership Name
Pendragon Corporate
Darlene Clesceri
Walter Celis
William Nam
Maegan Lagow
Land Rover Mission Viejo
Shiba Zavosh
Ivan Lopez-Ramirez
Jose Macz
Grant Ryder
Dirk Zanchin
Melissa Ciminesi
Soheil Golchinfard
Todd Kist
Job Title:
Technician
Joined Group:
May 2006
From:
Los Angeles
Family:
Ashley (wife) and son Haiden
Pets:
2 Rat-wielers (Yorkshire terriers) Maximus and
Winston
Passion:
My family
Land Rover Newport Beach
Erik Vandermeulen
Christian Campoy
Thomas Toronyi
Joy Reyna
Tony Morago
Jeffrey Bondoc
Alexander Martinez
Joshua Murray
Hornburg Santa Monica
David Kellett
Daniel Mironescu
Vivian Naeish
Nicole Chavez
Mario Carrillo
Jeremy Allen
Wilmer Chavarria
Douglas Rodezno
Hornburg Los Angeles
Jairo Grajeda
Najee Holmes
David Sandoval
Shaun Lucy
Thomas Kirby
Favorites –
Movie:
Kingdom of Heaven
Place:
Saturday afternoon at the park watching
my
son play football
Music:
Alternative Rock
Food:
Pizza
Holiday/Season:
Christmas
Most Memorable Moment:
The birth of my son
Favorite Quote:
“We are all faced with a series of great
opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible
situations.”
Charles Swindoll
July – Sept 2015
Bwahahaha!!!
Anniversary Milestones
Hornburg Los Angeles
10 Years
Mark Sopp
20 Years
Marwan Korban
Hornburg Santa Monica
10 Years
Kristine Allen
Rebecca Korban
20 Years
Tomas Suy
30 Years
Ken Thomas
Land Rover Mission Viejo
10 Years
Scott Paul
Land Rover Newport Beach
10 Years
Janet Patterson
Sean Greene
Mario Cervantes
20 Years
Tyler Maertz
Pendragon Corporate
10 Years
Ralph Rodriguez
Congratulations and many thanks for your loyal
service and valued contributions.
July – Sept 2015
401(k)
did ya know!!
Team Members who are eligible to contribute to the
company 401k plan can contribute up to $18,000
this year (2015 & 2016) and those 50 and over can
contribute an additional $6,000. If you would like
to increase your contribution please contact human
resources at [email protected]. Team members are able to
make changes or enroll each quarter.
A shrimp’s heart is located in its’ head.
Not able to contribute the maximum?
Even a
smaller increase today may help you reach your
retirement goals.
Next two dates for any changes or enrollment is
Jan 1 – 15 pay period and April 1- 15 pay period.
To view your current balance, contributions, loan
payoff, etc. log on to www.principal.com.
In every episode of Seinfeld there was
a Superman somewhere in the picture.
A cat has 32 muscles in each ear.
Health Benefits
Are you eligible to enroll in the company health benefits?
If you are a full-time employee, you are eligible starting
the first of the month, following 60 days of employment.
You receive a notification in Compli to elect health
benefits. If you have not already and wish to enroll
please
log
on
to
Compli,
click
on
Library/Documents/Benetrac Enroller Access Guide.
The microwave was invented
after a researcher walked by a radar tube and a
chocolate bar melted in his pocket
Please note: if you forget or elect not to enroll at this
time you will not be able to enroll in the company health
benefits until Open Enrollment (December)
_______________________
Rats multiply so quickly that in 18
months, two rats could have over a million
descendants.
FAQs
Have a question about company policies?
Most questions can be answered by checking your
Employee Handbook. An Employee Handbook can be
located in Compli/Library/Documents.
Los Angeles’ full name is “El Pueblo
de Nuestra Senora la Reina de los Angeles de
Porciuncula
1. How do I get a new health insurance card?
Log on to www.kaiserpermanente.org to request a new
medical card and/or print a copy of your current card.
Dental
cards
can
be
printed
at
www.Guardiananytime.com.
2. I have moved. How do I submit an address
Change? Log on to Compli and complete the Personal
Information Update Form
Just like housecats, the markings on
a tiger’s fur are also found on their skin.
3. Do we have Vision coverage and who is the carrier?
Our Vision Carrier is EYEMED. If you are enrolled you
would have received a separate ID card. To order a new
card you may contact them at 866.393.3401.
4. Enrolled in Colonial Optional Plans? Need to file a
wellness/health screening claim, accident claim? You
can contact Colonial directly at 800-325-4368 or online at
www.coloniallife.com.
5. Forgot your password on Compli? If you have a
company email address, enter it in the User Name and
click FORGOT YOUR PASSWORD and then hit enter again.
A new password will be mailed to you. For those team
members with no company email you will need to speak
to your supervisor to contact Human Resources.
Classified Corner
Have an item you want to sell, get rid of? It just might be of
use to another Team Member.
List it here to see if it could be of interest to a fellow Team
Member.
Forward Classified Corner posting requests to [email protected] for
consideration.
July – Sept 2015
6. Want to take a loan out on your 401k? First log on
to www.principal.com to see how much is available to
you. If you are eligible for a loan please complete a loan
request
form
by
logging
on
to
Compli/Library/Documents/Loan Request Form.
Once
you have completed the form please fax to Human
Resources at 949.365.1399 to start the loan process
Passion Sightings
Has a Team Member gone out of their way to help
you or a customer and you feel they should be
recognized?
Nominate them for a quarterly
passion award. Up to three winners per quarter.
Click on the link below to forward your passion
sightings to: [email protected].
Need some ideas for some weekend fun?… here are some
unique Southern California fairs, festivals and special
events that only come up once a year:
Victorian Christmas
Dec 5
http://www.sparkoc.com
Holiday Artisan Faire
Dec 5
http://www.sparkoc
Jouvon’s Moving Castle
18
Dec 5 – Dec
http://www.sparkoc
Continue to exhibit Passion…and Pass
it on!
Candlelight Walk
Dec 12 - 13
http://www.sparkoc
Balboa Car Show (Sundays only)
Now thru Dec
27th
http://www.visitnewportbeach.com/events/balboa-car-show/
.
Kaiser Permanente
Have you logged on and signed up on the Kaiser website
(kaiserpermanente.org). If you enrolled in our health
benefits this is where you will need to go to get your user
ID and password once you are enrolled in the medical
benefits. From there you will have access to:
Kaiser locations
Choose a doctor
Email your doctor
Make/cancel appointments
Refill prescriptions
Check test results
Mummies: New Secrets
From the Tombs
Now thru Jan 18
http://www.timeout.com/los-angeles/museums/mummiesnew-secrets-from-the-tombs
Tournament of Roses
http://www.tournamentofroses.com/
Artisanal LA Holiday City Market
Dec 5
http://www.timeout.com/los-angeles/shopping/artisanal-laholiday-city-market#tab_panel_3
Marina Del Rey Boat Parade
Dec 12
http://www.timeout.com/los-angeles/events/festivals/marinadel-rey-boat-parade#tab_panel_3
You also have access to online programs with many health
and wellness resources that include online coaching.
Take the total health assessment to help you make
smarter choices and improve your overall wellness.
Create a healthier you, know your risks, learn to eat well,
get active, quit smoking. There are also kids’ games and
activities.
Star Wars Marathon
Dec 17
http://www.timeout.com/los-angeles/movies/star-warsmarathon
th
107 Newport Beach Boat Parade
https://www.christmasboatparade.com/
You will find physician-reviewed health information and
online tools.
New CANI Site
CANI is our process that we have to ensure all our
Team Members can have their say which allows them
to put their ideas forward no matter how insignificant
or outrageous. You will have access to submit ideas or
changes to Corporate.
Any Team Member can submit a CANI form, even if
you only started with the company today.
We have an innate desire to endlessly learn, grow and
develop. We want to become more than what we
already are. Once we yield to this inclination for
Continuous and Never-ending Improvement, we lead a
life of endless accomplishments and satisfaction.
http://intranet.pnaa.us/
Dec 27 – Jan 1
Dec 16 - 20
What is Your Net Worth?
Do you know your net worth? To help meet your longterm goals, keeping tabs on your net worth could be
helpful and essential!
Net worth is all your assets minus any financial
liabilities or debt. Begin by adding up the value of your
largest assets like your home.
Next add the value of assets like bank and mutual fund
accounts, CDs, cash and retirement savings. Then
include any personal items of value, boat, cars, jewelry,
collectibles, etc.
Once you have your assets and liabilities listed total
each. Subtract your total liabilities from your assets
and this figure equals your current net worth.
Repeat this annually to keep track of your progress and
take charge of your financial future.
Financial
professionals can help direct you to your long-term
goals. Log on to www.principal.com to check out their
interactive retirement planning tool
July – Sept 2015
Recipe Region
With the colder weather upon us we
thought a chili and cornbread recipe were
perfect to share!!
Drain the beef mixture through a colander. Add it back
to the pot or dutch oven and stir in the chili powder,
cumin and oregano. Cook for about 2 minutes. Stir the
tomato paste into the beef mixture; this will "toast" it
and give the chili more flavor.
Add the beer (optional) and stir up any browned bits on
the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer, and then add
the diced tomatoes and beans. Simmer on medium-low
for 2 hours, stirring on occasion to keep the bottom
from sticking
Sweet Cornbread Cake
Chili Recipe
Ingredients:
2 tbs olive oil
1 large red onion, diced
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
1 medium yellow bell pepper, diced
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 lb lean ground beef
8 oz Italian sausage, casing removed
1/4 cup chili powder
1 tbs ground cumin
1 tbs dried oregano
1 4-ounce can tomato paste
1 12 oz bottle of beer (optional)
1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes
1 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 15-ounce can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 15-ounce can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
Garnishes:
Shredded Cheddar/Sour Cream/Jalepenos
Directions:
Add the olive oil to a large pot or dutch oven over
medium-high heat. Once hot, add the onions and
peppers and saute until soft, about 4 minutes. Add
the garlic and saute until just fragrant. Stir in the
beef and sausage, breaking it up with the back of a
wooden spoon, and cook until browned, about 6
minutes.
Ingredients
1 cup cornmeal
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/3 cups white sugar
2 tbs baking powder
1 tsp salt
2/3 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup melted butter
2 tbs honey
4 eggs, beaten
2 ½ cups whole milk
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350, and grease a 9x13 in
baking dish.
2. Stir together the first five ingredients above in a
mixing bowl.
3. Once stirred pour in the remaining ingredients
and stir just to moisten.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish
and bae in the preheated oven for 45 minutes
until the top of the cornbread starts to brown
and show cracks.
Have a family recipe you want to share. One the kids
love you to cook. Friends and family can’t get
enough of? Send your recipe to [email protected] for
posting consideration.
July – Sept 2015
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GRATITUDE TURKEY
P IE P ILGRIMS STUFFING
July – Sept 2015
Across
D own
2. Santa's Lead Reindeer
1. M ost popular berry at T hanksgiving
5. T he traditional holiday bird
3. Bright orange squash used to make pie
8. Season of thanks
4.T hanksgiving turkey is full of….
11. T is the season to be____
6.Whats under the Christmas tree?
7. M ashed _______
9. Old Saint _________
10. What does Santa drive?
July – Sept 2015
Team Members on the Go
Hornburg Santa Monica – Easter 2015
Cesar Luis, Unshin Donoi, Maria Olalde, Esmeralda Alvarez, Kristine Allen
Hornburg Santa Monica Nicole Chavez, Maria Olalde,
Cesar Luis, Unshin Donoi, Esmeralda Alvarez and Kristine Allen
July – Sept 2015
Land Rover Newport Beach
Gary Castaneda
Dien Tran – LRNB with his family at Knott’s Berry
Farm for company picnic.
July – Sept 2015
Donna Ziemer – in Denver at family rivalry
football game Broncos vs Packers
Angela Dean – BDC Manager with Al Jarreau at
Summer concert series Hyatt Regency Newport Beach
Valerie Valenzuela – Marketing Director for PNAA
at the Epic Race in San Diego
July – Sept 2015
Julie Le – Marketing Assistant, PNAA on her
recent visit to Chicago.
Mike Boatright (red shirt) – LRNB Parts Manager on stage
at Knott’s Berry Farm during company picnic
Quarterly Quote:
“Being honest may not get you a lot of friends….but it will get you the right ones.”
- John Lennon
July – Sept 2015