Today we’d like to introduce you to Ariel Szwec.
Ariel, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Right out of high school, as many, I struggled with what I wanted to do. Following my passion for cars, I started with some college technical training and landed a job at a local repair facility. As satisfying as that was I felt my income was limited to such a small shop. While visiting with my father at the family owned cleaners I started up a conversation with a frequent customer. I always admired the way this customer dressed. Sharp suits, crisp shirts, high gloss shoes and matching ties. In time, I found out he was the manager of a Pontiac dealership. It wasn’t long after that I was in his dealership to apply for a technician job. While waiting for him to free up I had the chance to listen in on actual car sales in progress. I was fascinated by the sales process. I felt a hunger for being involved in such a process. It must have shown because soon after I heard, “Hey kid, do you want to sell cars”? I’ll say this has been and is the only job I’ve had in the auto business. Now my title is General Manager.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Throughout my career it was always about how can I make it better? With that comes the task of sitting with every vendor who walks through the door. All wanting to show how they have the “new” way of doing things or an idea that will revolutionize the car business. The fact remains that there are steps to a sale that need to be followed but there are some processes that are better than others. I feel that we have the latest greatest processes that are very effective and efficient. One other challenge to mention is keeping a good and well-rounded sales staff. Being able to know everyone’s personalities and desires. I’ve learned that what may motivate one person could have the opposite effect on another.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Sullivan Buick GMC – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I’m very fortunate in the regard of who I work for. I can’t say from experience but I hear that not all automobile dealerships operate in the manor we do. I’ve always been told, no matter what, “Always do the right thing”. That rule along with “make it about the experience” has been the foundation to our success. I’ve learned from this that a good deal is a feeling, not a number. We have many awards and internet reviews that tell that story for us. We have customers come in with no idea of what’s in our inventory. They say they are here because of our reviews. There’s no better feeling when you start a new relationship with those words. We make it simple and easy for everyone to buy a car.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I’m excited about the future. With technology changing everyday another feature is introduced with a driving benefit to the customer. We have come such a long way in electronic advancements. I look back and remember showing off the new cruise control or intermittent windshield wipers. Today we are demonstrating how a car parks itself. Soon, self-driving cars will be all we sell. The one constant in this ever changing world is that customer service before, during and after the sale is the key to success. When a customer has a concern that will take a little out of pocket money to satisfy, do it. That will keep your customer base strong and your advertising expense low. It’s cheaper to keep a happy customer than to have to buy another one.
Pricing:
- 6 Quart Synthetic Oil Change DEXOS brand oil $39.95
- Tire Rotation $10.00
- 4 Wheel Alignment (free check) $99.95
Contact Info:
- Address: 777 West Dundee Rd.
Arlington Heights, IL 60004 - Website: www.SullivanBuickGMC.com
- Phone: 847-392-6660
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