🪜 Lifting While We Climb

When you’ve finished today’s Recharge, hit reply and let us know — what’s your weirdest service lane story? 🤔

Action-figure stuck in the exhaust? Bird nest under the hood? Nickleback CD stuck on repeat?

The best story wins some swag.

Keep Pushing Back
-Paul, Kyle, & Chris

INDUSTRY HIGHLIGHT

Amanda George: Accepting, Growing, and Lifting As We Climb

This week Chris spoke with the Sales Director of Germain Honda of Beavercreek, Amanda George. Amanda’s story highlights the power of knowing what you want, knowing what you’re working for, and saying yes to opportunities to move closer to it.

To start, could you tell us how you began your career journey in this industry?

Sure, my journey started about six-and-a-half years ago. After graduating from college in December 2015, I moved home the following summer and began job hunting. Interestingly, I applied for a job unrelated to my degree, a receptionist position at Germain. Following the interview, I was hired and ended up working in Internet Sales. At the time, I did not understand what a lead was or what CRM entailed.

It sounds like you turned opportunities to say "yes" into a thriving career. What strategies did you use?

Yes, I did! After my then-boss quit, I found myself as the only BDC person and began to expand my skills and responsibilities. I volunteered to help management with tasks, as long as they taught me how to handle them. I kept on accepting new tasks and gradually became the Internet Supervisor, then the manager, a position I held for about four years.

Recently, my General Manager presented me with an irresistible job opportunity as Sales Director, starting to handle sales and working directly with our customers while still maintaining my marketing and internet sales responsibilities. It’s been an exciting journey so far.

That's fantastic! It appears you received a lot of support from your team.

Yes, the support from my GM, Cliff, and the management team as a whole has been instrumental. Every time I showed interest in a new area, they provided the necessary training and resources. They ensured I had all the tools I needed to succeed.

What did you study in college, and how has it influenced your current role?

I double-majored in Political Science, Pre-Law, and Sociology, Criminology. At 18, entering college, you seldom know what you want to do or where your strengths lie. While these subjects may not directly align with the automotive industry, they have inadvertently made me better at what I do.

This industry has provided countless opportunities to learn, adapt, and evolve. It has served as a catalyst for personal growth, teaching me valuable lessons about resilience, customer service, leadership, and the power of influence.

So, if a law school opportunity came calling, would you consider it?

No way, I would stay in the automotive industry. I love the people, the leaders, the culture, the energy, and the environment it provides.

What would you say is the defining quality that people should consider when thinking about entering this industry?

The opportunity for growth is phenomenal. There is so much to learn, and the people you meet along the way are invaluable. The industry has a very professional setting with intelligent individuals who are always willing to help while also presenting challenges, which further promotes growth.

You have progressed significantly in your career. What's your vision for the future?

In the coming six-and-a-half years, my goal is to expand my knowledge of the business. I want to understand how the whole operation works, focusing on areas I'm not well-versed in currently.

I also want to expand my influence on our employees, fostering a supportive environment that encourages personal and professional growth while assisting young automotive professionals on their journey toward success and development. All while continuing my growth and expansion as a leader within the Germain organization.

I will keep building influence and lifting as I climb.

Any final thoughts you would like to share?

One thing I would add is that being helpful and showing a willingness to assist in areas outside your job description can go a long way. Lastly, my family, especially my nieces and nephews, are a major driving force in my life. I aim to be a role model for them, just as I aim to be daily for my employees.

Thank you so much! You've been so generous with your time and insights! I know the industry is heading in a good direction because you are in it.

CONTENT RECAP

Peeking At Last Week

Email Recap:

• The Ciocca Group is making a difference in many ways on many days.

• Tony Graham Automotive got out the motorcycles at the Ride for Dad event.

• Matthews Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram got muddy for a good cause!

• Cavender Auto donated family support by the box load.

Podcast Recap:

Bruce Miller of Miller Motors spoke with us about the importance of culture, balance, and connections in the business.

CAPTION CONTEST

Bit Early For a Swim, Huh?

For those of you who don’t know, our very talented Diana Marino is just as comfortable in front of the camera! 📸

Help us caption this chilling image from a recent modeling gig she had in Fort Lauderdale, FL. 🤭

SOMETHING FUN

Rocket Man

Meet Bob — an adrenaline junkie turned premier pulsejet designer from Phoenix, Oregon. 😎

Inspired by ‘60s rocket launches, Wile E. Coyote's jet-powered antics, and a skydiving experience, Bob's love for thrust-powered machines led him to craft innovative jet creations like these.

Merging his fine art and woodworking skills, he has transformed pulsejet design.

Bob continually pushes the boundaries of aviation and adventure, from rocket-powered balsa wood airplanes as a kid to audacious jet-powered machines today (including a Harley Davidson-style jet land speed bike).

With Bob, the sky isn't the limit—it's just the starting point. 🚀