Howdy! - Jim Burke Ford

J I M B U R K E E M P LOY E E U P D AT E • A P R I L 2 0 0 8
B uildin g L a s t in g R e l a t io n s hip s T hro u g h Gr e a t Cu s to m e r S e r v ic e Sin c e 19 13
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not face
Howdy!
Company-Wide Roundup In Full Swing!
T
he Downtown and Automall Dealerships are currently
in Cowboy/Cowgirl mode with a Western Days’ Roundup
celebration. All employees are encouraged to sport western
wear and the men are even being allowed to grow BEARDS!!
This is a renaissance of sorts as the Ford store had a similar
campaign in the early 80’s.
What’s new this time around,
other than our outstanding line-up
of both New and Used cars and
trucks, is the renaming of many
of our employees. Some of those
Last seen circa 1983 name changes include: Michelle
“Bootleg” Buxtun, Kyle “Big Bang”
Galaz, Ed “Speedy” Gonzales, “Slim” Houser, Skip “Hot
Lead” Cowsert, and Teresa “Shooter” McDougall. Also
undergoing this western transformation: Joe “Long
Wanted
Spur” Hay, Troy “Bullet Proof” Fringer, Cindy “Blazing Saddles”
Setser, “Poso Creek Posse” Buell, “No Way” Jose Tamayo, and
Gary “Pack Mule” Pelmear. Let’s not overlook: Chad “U.S.
Marshall” Manning, Stan “Lefty” Loewen, Sathi “Little Doggie”
Sanghera, Adriana “Eagle Eye” Pena, “Hooligan” Hargett, Temo
“Zorro” Martinez, and “Ricochet Rosie” Charmley, who I’m led
to believe is quite the line dancer.
For the promotion, we have brought in bales of hay, have
cut-outs of John Wayne and Dale Evans on the Ford and LMJ
showrooms, western music playing throughout the dealerships,
and some of the best audio and video commercials ever put
out by our crack Advertising Department. Also, we are going
to have a best and worst beard contest with the winners
each receiving $100.00! There was line dancing on the Ford
showroom Friday, the 14th and for those of you who
participated, thanks for joining in
“Building Lasting Relationships Through Great Customer Service”
.
“Building Lasting Relationships Through Great Customer Service”
Major Anniversary Milestones Reached
Q
uarterly we recognize our employees who reach a 5 year milestone of employment. Employees who reach either 5,
10, 15, 20, etc... are invited to attend a wonderful lunch held in their honor. First time 5 year employees also receive
a Vision plaque. Congratulations to the following:
Terry Buffington 5 years. Terry started as the truck shop
porter and janitor. In the fall of 2006 he was promoted to
Maintenance Assistant were he does a great job helping to
take care of our facility.
Denise Shepherd 10 years. Denise is an F&I Manager at the
Automall. She had previously been with Dan Gamel RV as
F&I Manager and also worked at Bethel Apostolic Academy.
Denise is always a pleasure to be around.
Mark Waybright 5 years. Mark came to us from the Koon’s
organization on the east coast to accept the position of Fixed
Operations Director. He is an active member of the executive
and operating teams and sits on the Blue Diamond board.
Mike Houser 10 years. Mike not only was Automall Sales
Person of the Year for new vehicles, but he is an avid and
award winning tennis player. Mike is well known for his
excellent customer service, high viewpoint scores and his
sense of humor.
Ed Gonzales 5 years. Ed joined the Fleet Sales Department
after retiring from the County where he worked for 30 years
as a buyer. Ed’s connections with the County and local
government have been valuable to the dealership.
Leo Salazar 5 years. Leo started as a New Vehicle Sales
Person. His experience and success promoted him to Used
Vehicle Sales. Leo continues to use his professionalism and
pleasant demeanor to be a successful salesperson.
Raul Medina 5 years. Raul is another success story in the
sales department. He came to Jim Burke Ford after 10
years in management at Payless Shoes and 6 years with
Circuit City where he was the number one sales person.
Raul was in the New Vehicle Sales and was promoted to
Used Vehicle Sales.
Bob Cunningham 20 years. Bob is consistently one of our
top performers in Vehicles Sales. He is very professional,
dependable, and his paperwork is always very clean. Bob
believes this is the best place to work.
Staci Waters 20 years. Staci started at Jim Burke Lincoln
Mercury and was transferred to Jim Burke Ford. She worked
in several different departments including Service, Truck
Shop, Warranty, Fleet, Main Office, and now is a great asset
in the Body Shop office.
Pat Walsh 5 years. Pat brings multiple years of experience in
the automotive business; he originally started with us in 1997
as a Used Car Sales Manager. He relocated to be with family
out of state and then moved back. Today he is a successful
sales person in the Used Vehicle Department.
Sathi Sanghera 20 years. Sathi joined the Hyundai store in
1987 as a salesperson. He then became F&I Manager at
the Automall. Today he is a Sales Manager with the “can-do”
attitude that is contagious to the entire sales staff.
Catherine Mahan 5 years. Catherine works in the Rental
Department. Catherine is very busy working 35 hours a week
and attending CSUB majoring in Liberal Studies to become
a teacher one day soon. Her nick name is “All State”, our
customers are in good hands with Catherine.
Rudy Galicia 30 years. Rudy has been known as Rudy Junior
to many “old timers” as his father used to be a salesperson
here as well. He continues the legacy and even has some of
the same customers as his father. Rudy does an excellent job
and is known for delivering outstanding service.
Javier Pena 10 years. Javier has held several positions in our
Parts Department; he has gained knowledge in retail and now
Wholesale Parts Sales. Javier is currently Master Certified in
Parts and a great asset to the company.
Abel Mendez 30 years. Abel came to us in 1977 after some
time with the rail road and Pacific Southern Foundry. Abel
started as an AC installer and has continued to learn the
technician trade and has been growing ever since. He has
adapted to many changes in the shop over the years and
has continued to do a great job.
Robert Mendoza 10 years. Robert is a technician specializing
in front-end brakes. He brings years of experience from
Suburban Propane, Superior Fleet Service, and Glen Miller
Auto. Robert is pleasant, quiet, and a joy to work with.
2
Bob Morales 15 years. Bob first started in Parts Shipping and
Receiving: he moved around to different positions between
front counter and wholesale. Bob left in 1991 and returned
in 1993. Today he is in charge of the Body Shop Parts area,
and makes the best BBQ in town.
We are proud of our loyal employees and the team work
they display in meeting our customer’s needs.
JBF/Sales BDC Wins National Award
C
ongratulations are in order for Jim Burke Ford and the companies’ sales Business
Development Center, for being recognized as a Top Five Ford Dealer nationally in
internet sales for 2007. The BDC, headed by Jeralynne Mica-Guzman along with
Nicole Martinez and Edith Medina, follow all incoming internet leads and ‘farm’ them
out to sales personnel. They stay actively involved throughout the sales process until
the customer either buys or is no longer a viable lead.
Customers who start their buying experience through the internet typically are
looking to bypass the normal method of walking into the showroom, dealing with the
salesperson, and then negotiating their deal. This way,
they are able to ask about inventory, state their needs,
and get a firm price before ever coming to the dealership.
When the customer has found the right vehicle and terms,
an appointment is then set up to show the vehicle and
complete the purchase. Internet sales are meant to allow
the buyer to ‘shop’ on-line, find the best prices, and get
their new car without having to ‘haggle’.
The BDC uses their computer skills and ability to
correspond quickly and intelligently via e-mail. Internet
buying is aimed at greater volume while minimizing
customers’ time in the dealership. Once a lead comes in, a response is e-mailed introducing
ourselves along with a window sticker, including pricing, of the vehicle in stock that is
similar to their request.
They then call to discuss the e-mail, answer any questions, and try to schedule a test
drive. They are given directions to the dealership along with a salespersons’ name who
will be assisting. A Sales Manager then makes a confirmation call to seal the appointment,
and thank them for their interest in our product. The customers comes in, takes a test
drive, and buys the vehicle.
Jeralynne, Nicole and Edith work very hard to ensure that these customers receive the
highest level of customer service and are living the adage of building great relationships!
Our hats are off to the BDC and sales staff for doing such a great job with this increasingly
savvy and time-oriented buyer.
Just in: Jim Burke Ford was recently honored as a Premier Club recipient for 2007. This
award recognizes those Ford dealers who finish in the top 50 Nationally in ESP Sales, and
also top 50 in Wholesale Parts Purchases. This is the second year in a row for this honor,
and we have every intention of adding a third part, or Triple Crown Winner, for 2008, by
adding the President’s Award as well—something we achieved in 2006! More details to
come in May’s newsletter
COOK’S
Wonderful
Peach Cobbler
From “CAT’S Kitchen”
Ingredients:
Vegetable cooking spray
¼ cup reduced-calorie
stick margarine, melted
2 (16 oz) cans sliced
peaches in light syrup,
undrained
CORNER
Hats off to the BDC and sales staff for doing such a great job with their computer
skills and ability to correspond quickly and intelligently via e-mail.
¾ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
¼ cup skim milk
Instructions:
Coat a 9-inch square baking
dish with cooking spray. Place
margarine in bottom of dish. Set
aside. Drain peaches, reserving
peaches and ½ cup liquid. Set
aside. Combine flour, baking
powder, and sugar in a medium
bowl. Add reserved ½ cup peach
liquid and milk, stirring well. Pour
batter evenly over margarine in
dish. Spoon peaches over batter.
(Do not stir). Bake at 375 for 35
to 40 minutes or until golden.
Yield: 6 servings.
Nutritional content per serving:
Calories 244, Fat 5.2g (Sat Fat
0.7g), Carbohydrate 50.0g, Fiber
0.8g, Protein 2.5g, Sodium 85mg.
Submitted by:
Catalina Martinez
Downtown Custodian
.
JUST SO YOU’ll KNOW!
SAVE THE DATE!
JIM BURKE
COMPANY
PICNIC
Thursday, June 12th, 5:30–10 p.m.
Kern River Golf Course
Picnic Area
Hey! Where did the Automall
Rental Department go to?
The Rental Department at the Auto Mall has moved from the Lincoln
Mercury Jaguar building to the Service Department Counter. Customers
who bring their vehicle in for service and need to rent a vehicle can now
make all their transactions in one location. No more walking across the
service drive to rent a vehicle. Jill Villa and Erica Vaughn are eager to
help make business more convenient for our customers.
3
Mark
Your
Calendars!
April
ember
Birthdays
Amalia Matienzo...................... 4/2
Javier Pena.............................. 4/3
Jose Ruiz................................. 4/3
Jason Hunt.............................. 4/4
Joe Hay.................................... 4/4
Ryan Underwood..................... 4/6
Damon Blanton....................... 4/7
Bonafacio Saucedo................. 4/7
Shorty Harris......................... 4/11
Jeremy Reyes........................ 4/11
Bill Scott................................ 4/12
Don Summers....................... 4/12
David Banda.......................... 4/12
Kayleigh Lenke...................... 4/14
Mike Brennan........................ 4/15
Derrell Roberts...................... 4/16
Dan Hay................................. 4/16
Mark Waybright..................... 4/17
Mike Gurrola.......................... 4/17
Oscar Perea........................... 4/18
Jose Rodriguez...................... 4/18
Gil Sernas.............................. 4/18
Jose Casamalhuapa..............4/20
Jonathan Scott...................... 4/21
Valerie Macias....................... 4/21
Maria Paine........................... 4/21
Ruben Garza..........................4/22
Bob Cunningham..................4/22
Ann Hansen...........................4/23
Andres Ramirez..................... 4/24
Anna Sheller..........................4/26
Barry Hopfe...........................4/26
Steve Smith........................... 4/27
Gabriel Valdovinos................ 4/28
Hector Castillo......................4/29
Edith Medina.........................4/30
Rea Griggers.........................4/30
Anniversaries
04/01 Fernando Castro........6 yrs
04/02 Aaron Carrillo..............1 yr
04/02 Jesus Garcia................1 yr
04/02 Valerie Macias.............1 yr
04/03 Arnulfo Alfaro............2 yrs
04/04 Tom Moser.................3 yrs
04/04 Brittney Cobb............2 yrs
04/04 Sam Fortner...............2 yrs
04/04 Bill Scott....................2 yrs
04/10 Rob Burke..................2 yrs
04/11 Stan Loewen..............2 yrs
04/12 Ryan Underwood.......3 yrs
04/13 Dave Urbano................1 yr
04/14 Dave Glover.............13 yrs
04/14 Emilio Duran..............5 yrs
04/14 Bonnie Bentley...........4 yrs
04/14 Salvador Ramos........4 yrs
04/15 David Villanueva......23 yrs
04/17 Rob Boyd...................8 yrs
04/17 Erika Vaughn.............2 yrs
04/18 Johnnie Guerrero.....14 yrs
04/22 Don Summers..........26 yrs
04/23 Ronda Kline.................1 yr
04/24 Ronny Riggs..............8 yrs
04/27 Louis Ortega............13 yrs
04/28 Gabriel Garcia..........19 yrs
04/30 Robert McDermott.......1 yr
04/30 Reynaldo Rodriguez....1 yr
Richard Gauthier…4X4 Pirate
W
ould you ever have guessed we might have a pirate right here in our midst at Jim
Burke Ford? Well, let’s clarify that a bit. Not quite a pirate in the traditional sense,
but someone who spends most of his vacation time as well as off time tinkering
and playing in the world of off road 4X4.
Richard, a downtown used car sales manager, has been enjoying this hobby for about
15 years, and until recently, most of these trips and excursions have been rock crawling
and exploring lakes and rivers in the Sierras, as well as ventures to Colorado, Arizona,
and Utah. Looking for some new adventure, Richard decided to “step it up a notch”, and
got involved in a first ever race, the King Of The Hammer. It also represented to him his
first race of any type.
The race took place February 21-22 in Johnson Valley, which is about 1 hour east of
Victorville. The terrain for this 50 mile endurance test was both rock crawling and desert
racing, which at times reached speeds up to 70 MPH or more. Mostly, however, it was
substantially slower, especially “crawling”, when the racers might only be doing 3 or 4
MPH. The race had 44 contestants, and Richard placed
7th, which was an incredible finish since it was his first
time to attempt anything like this in competition!
Now, about the “pirate” connection. To hear and view
this race and learn more about this competition go to
www.pirate4x4.com. You can read Richards’ comments
on the race by going to http://www2.pirate4x4.com/
forum/showthread.php?t=662173.
Anyone who might want to hear more about this exciting hobby, please stop by
the sales tower at our
downtown location,
where I’m certain
Richard can give
you a much more
in-depth account
of this thrilling
race
.
Working Together!
“Building Lasting Relationships Through Great Customer Service”
I
n February we created a joint promotional effort between the Automall and downtown
stores with the Public Notice Sale (also known as the X-Car-Sale). The level of
coordination between managers to make this happen required a partnership of
cooperation that paid off in a couple of ways; we sold over 50 used
vehicles that weekend, reduced expenses and added convenience
and value for our customers.
NOW AT TWO LOCATIONS AUTOM
ALL & DOWNTOWN
The Public Notice Sale is promoted as a one day event. Ads
FEB 23
are designed with a different look from our normal advertising.
A key component is our accumulation of low cost trade-ins that USED CAR & TRUCK SALE
are sold as-is and show high value for what you can buy from a Sale Starts Saturday 8AM SHARP!
reputable new car dealer. We let the public know these are vehicles
$
we normally wholesale, but now they have the opportunity to
$
$
467
$
989
1378
1556
$
$
$
583
$
purchase.
1172
1463
1973
The Public Notice Sales has been a favorite with our customers
ALL VEHIC
of 26 years, and we have consistently found success with it. ZER LES SOLD AS-IS WITH ON-THE-SPOT FINANCING!
O DOWN OTHER GREAT BARGAINS!
Thanks to Chad, Garrett, Howard, Gary, Alan, Richard, and Chris YOUR CHOICE! $
169
PER
for working together, a great example of how departments can
MONTH
work smarter in a tough market
PUBLIC NOTICE!
1 DAY ONLY
The following vehicles are
ones we usually wholesale
to
other dealers. Instead, we
let them accumulate to have
this BIG TRANSPORTATION
CAR SALE. Each has been
smog and safety checked.
Below are some examples
at
both locations, JIM BURKE
FORD DOWNTOWN &
the JIM BURKE USED OUTLET
IN THE AUTOMALL
98 CHEVY
CAVALIER
AUTOMALL
5315T/815483
95 TOYOTA
CAMRY DX
DOWNTOWN
T11621/607434
94 FORD
AEROSTAR XL
DOWNTOWN
97 CHEVY
BLAZER
T11575/A14813
DOWNTOWN
99 FORD
MUSTANG
AUTOMALL
AUTOMALL
These units are
UNBELIEVABLY PRICED.
Sale starts at 8AM sharp on
Saturday! Don’t miss this one!
.
02 CHEVY CAMARO CONVERTIBLE
5104T/115437
02 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER
5328T/352236
04 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS
5183T/614872
05 DODGE STRATUS SXT
P09157/656508
DOWNTOWN
P09063/230226
05 FORD FOCUS ZX4 SE
DOWNTOWN
06 FORD TAURUS SE
DOWNTOWN
P09109/198792
5301 GASOLINE ALLEY
AUTOMALL 836-6400
5325T/104213
95 CHEVY
VENTURE
DOWNTOWN
T11603/104741
98 FORD
ESCORT LX
DOWNTOWN
P09088/291589
TERMS OF SALE: Folks,
these prices are
UNBELIEVABLE, BUT VERY
TRUE! Why this
sale? We want you as a customer
now, and a
possible new car customer
in the future! ALL
PRICES MARKED ON WINDSHIELD.
AUTOMALL
AUTOMALL
AUTOMALL
T11602/178480
01 SUZUKI
VITAR
5309T/148626
ON APPROVED
CREDIT FOR
84 MONTHS
Payments include applicable tax, doc &
smog
Alarm system extra if retained. Financing fee.
through
Chevron Valley Credit Union with 725+
7.49% apr rate. $15.33 per $1000 financed. FICO.
THIS BI-ANNUAL SALE HAS BEEN
91 TOYOTA
$
01 TOYOTA
$
2546 CELICA
4 RUNNER
DOWNTOWN T11656/071292
4857
AUTOMALL 5318T/110322
01 MERCURY
$
94 FORD
$
2648
GRAND MARQUIS AUTOMALL
5330T/605730
4938
F-250
AUTOMALL 5106T/B16801
99 FORD
$
03 FORD F150 XLT $
2866 SUPERCREW
CONTOUR SE
DOWNTOWN T11648/164282
4X4 DOWNTOWN6958
T11512/B49793
98 HONDA
$
00 FORD
$
3393 F-150
CIVIC EX
DOWNTOWN T11543/081239
7382
EXTRA CAB AUTOMALL
5324T/B56847
02 FORD
$
04 FORD
$
3872 RANGER
EXPLORER
AUTOMALL 5307T/A78105
9450
AUTOMALL 5327T/B33867
OFFERD TO THE PUBLIC FOR OVER
30 YEARS!
2001 OAK STREET
DOWNTOWN 328-3600