Dealership Administration Case Studies
Terry Shields Jones
Position At Dealership: President (General Manager)
Dealership Name/Location: Century Automotive Group, Huntsville, AL
Working at a Dealership
With a degree in Accounting, Terry Shields Jones began her career as Comptroller of her father’s dealership operation in 1988. In 1993, she became President of Century Automotive Group.
For Shields Jones, it had been a family business: Observing her father and grandfather work in the automotive retail industry inspired her to become an automotive dealer. Also, she found it exciting, challenging, and different everyday. As President, Shields Jones feels a tremendous obligation to help the people who work at her dealerships to be the very best at what they do. The powerful feeling of leading a group of people to perform at truly outstanding levels and watching their pride in their success is a “true high” for her. Another important goal in her work at the dealership is to carry on Century Automotive’s legacy of excellence by continuing to emphasize employee satisfaction and thus, customer satisfaction.
As President, Shields Jones also has the opportunity to reach out to the community through philanthropic efforts, especially Century’s involvement with the breast cancer foundation.
Benefits and Professional Development
For Shields Jones, the greatest benefit is that she gets to do something she loves while serving in the community. Also, the car business is fun and it has allowed her to hopefully make a difference in the community.
Because of her position, she has been fortunate enough to take leadership roles in an array of community service positions. This has furthered her professional development immensely by learning how to involve employees in social and philanthropic activities.
Thoughts & Advice
“Work hard and don’t lose sight of your dreams or become frustrated. If a little girl from Huntsville could come this far, then anything is possible. And when you do come into a management position, remember that enthusiastic employees leads to customer satisfaction, and that will ensure the future of your dealership.” – Terry Shields Jones
Erika Villaloz
Position At Dealership: Administrative Assistant
Dealership Name/Location: Maurice J. Sopp and Son Chevrolet, Bell, CA
Working at a Dealership
Erika Villaloz began working at her dealership as a part-time employee for extra money when she was in the middle of her junior year of high school. During college, she came back to work at Sopp Chevrolet almost every summer for internships in various positions. After graduating from University of Michigan, she currently is employed at the dealership full time.
Villaloz credits her returns to the dealership to the relaxed and family-like atmosphere. She also enjoys the ability to learn about different departments and positions, thus, becoming knowledgeable in a myriad of subjects and acquiring very flexible skills relevant to other jobs and careers.
Benefits and Professional Development
The first benefit Villaloz mentions is the great prices she is able to receive on vehicle purchases! Buying a car can be a very daunting task, but when one can truly trust the company and the employees you are buying from – it makes all the difference.
Another huge advantage is being educated regarding DMV issues and legal matters in terms of contracts, fees, and procedure. Much of the information acquired throughout her years as an employee are entirely applicable to her everyday life and possibly her own part-time business in the future.
The dealership is now in a partnership with Cerritos College and they are able to offer employees, as well as local high school students, various business classes. These are held at the dealership. While she has not yet taken advantage of the various courses she plans to in the near future.
Thoughts & Advice
“Don’t be afraid to ask questions or make mistakes – those are the best ways to learn (at least in administration). Another thing is, when you have mastered your specific job duties, ask to help other co-workers. You will never know if another position will suit you better than your current one if you don’t know what opportunities exist.” – Erika Villaloz
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