The alpha and omega of the car biz.

[Kylehnat]

Sorry to hear the news. Having worked in customer service before, I know how fun people can be. I imagine working exclusively with snobby luxury car owners is a barrel full of monkeys. The bitch of it is that sometimes no matter how hard you work to help a customer, they still walk away unsatisfied for whatever reason (often because they have unreasonable expectations).

Good luck with the job search. Job hunting is the most horrible thing in the world, but hopefully you won't have to play "the game" for long.

 

[Der Alta]

Man... Pupik, I could only wish that there was something I could do for you. In all my career, I've only lost two jobs (due to poor management by owners) and luckily I'd seen it coming. I already had a back-up plan in place, and wasn't worried.

I'd have no idea what to do in your situation.

I can only compliment you in having your life together so that this isn't a hard a blow as it could have been.

I sincerely hope you see through teh smoke to a bit of light on the other side. My thoughts are with you.

Good lcu, my good man. You deserve better than this.

 

[Slicks]

As the saying goes, Pupik, 'What doesn't kill you can only make you stronger'.
I wish you good luck in the hunt, and the hopes that you'll come out on top.

 

[X 4 Zeta]

Dude, ouch. Hope everything takes a turn for the better.

 

[a6m5]

So sorry to hear this, Josh. It's been so slow at my work, I've been thinking that I could get laid off, but I'm not prepared for something like that at all. You really got it together. 👍

Good luck on your job hunting, man. I'd think that you being a former Service Manager at a prestigious dealer like Lexus gotta help.

 

[YSSMAN]

That really sucks man, as I know you always sounded like you were very proud of that job, and talked about it a lot. I would assume that working at a Toyota/Lexus dealer gives you a lot of bonus points when it comes to other jobs similar to that elsewhere, so I wish you all the best in finding a new one.

I'm sure the VW dealer could always use an extra set of hands, since they break down so often... Otherwise, check out the GM dealers. Saturn is gaining quite the reputation, and I'm sure they are looking to expand some of their services, and furthermore, Lexus-level experience always boosts their customer-service record.

 

[Philly]

That sucks man. At least you were smart enough to plan for the worst. At least you won't be totally destroyed.

I hope you can find a good job soon and get back on track quickly.

 

[TheCracker]

That's tough Pupik. You seem to have a really good attitude to what's happened though 👍

I'm sure plenty of new oppotunities will come your way if you keep up the same pace as you've started with your job-hunting.

 

[GilesGuthrie]

That sucks. Seems like you might be able to get good references from there though, and all you need say is exactly what you relayed to us: that the numbers were falling even though the bosses knew you were good. It was a statistical thing.

Just keep on with the job hunting: your employability falls exponentially with the time you're out of work.

 

[Sureboss]

Hard luck Pupik, hopefully you can find another job soon.

I take it you worked in selling cars?

Our life insurance policies are mostly canceled. I can't see my personal physician anymore, and neither can my wife, unless we pay all premiums. I normally wouldn't care, but with a baby, you actually start to worry about these things.

Certainly is a bummer that one, where I think the NHS comes into it's own.

 

[Blake]

Oh Josh, I’m sorry to hear that. I’m glad to hear that you’ve got a plan and have prepared for this sort of thing. It’s really impressive long-term thinking. 👍

I hope that it all works out for you and the family.

 

[Duke]

Man, Josh, that's a tough break. It's especially nervewracking when there is a family involved. My wife has been through numerous purges at her job, and it's tough to deal with. It's to your credit that you are prepared for a calamity like this. I'm sure you'll get through it.

Ouch! Good on you though for keeping the finances and resume in order – hopefully that kind of long-term thinking is the sort of thing your next potential employer will see in you.

I can only compliment you in having your life together so that this isn't a hard a blow as it could have been.

Good luck, my good man. You deserve better than this.

That sucks. Seems like you might be able to get good references from there though, and all you need say is exactly what you relayed to us: that the numbers were falling even though the bosses knew you were good. It was a statistical thing.

Just keep on with the job hunting: your employability falls exponentially with the time you're out of work.

Ditto to all of that - good words from good friends. We're here to help you in any way that we can. My thoughts are with you and I wish you the best of luck in finding a new job!

 

[Pupik]

Thanks for all the support, guys.

The good news is that I was offered a job yesterday, and this morning I took it. By my calculations, it is a little bit of a pay cut at first, but there's less stress. The customer base is a bit more "hamburgers and hotdogs" rather than "filet mignon and foie gras", but bringing confidence and experience to the table was all the service director needed at the nearby Honda dealer. Once all the necessary background/license/drug checks clear, I start up right away. Another thing, no more neckties...Not even upper management wears them!

So with confidence, [cue patriotic music] experience, skills, and a never-say-die attitude, I kept the bold and unfounded promise to myself that I'd find a good job by Monday night. [cymbals crash] And I did. That's what makes open market capitalism so damned great. [/music]

I'm sure the VW dealer could always use an extra set of hands, since they break down so often...

I was set for an interview at a nearby VeeDub dealer, but the service director just went on vacation. I wasn't planning on straying too far from the area until Day 3-4. I set an appointment for next week, in case this falls through.

Saturn is gaining quite the reputation, and I'm sure they are looking to expand some of their services, and furthermore, Lexus-level experience always boosts their customer-service record.

I gave Saturn a try, but the nearby shop had enough people. Both sales and service had exactly no cars nor people there at 12pm (maybe they don't schedule during lunch?), but I filled it out anyhow. The sales manager asked if I'd like to sell cars, and I told him I'd think about it. With three all-new cars, you'd figure that people would be ready to buy, but since they're bought mostly by middle-income, aged 25-49, working-class folks, it's understandable that people aren't showing up midday. The paperwork was wierd, it asked me some personal questions that the other forms didn't ask.

I'll post a big write-up later on, since I have a mini-vacation.

 

[YSSMAN]

Thats good to hear, good job on finding a new... job.

I'd really hope your local Honda dealer is a lot better than ours, as I know that I've talked about how poor their service is here. But this really isn't the place to do it...

...The Saturn story is interesting though. I was at the dealer yesterday, middle of the afternoon, and they were quite busy. Cars were going in-and-out for the 20 or so minutes I was there, and I saw a family or so (I think) pick up their new Auras. I've always heard that Saturn was a good company to work for, but I have no idea how hard or easy it would be to do (sales or service).

A few months ago I was going to apply for a job just for the heck of it at my VW dealer, and after getting the application, I pretty much decided against it. I had no idea what kind of hours they were going to offer, and I really didn't feel like spending the $30 to get a drug test, taking time out of my day for a job I may or may not get.

...I still want to give selling cars a try though. Even if it is just for a summer. But, Steve and Barry's is keeping me busy...

 

[Omnis]

Man, I'm really sorry for you, Pupik. My dad had a really difficult time with JM Lexus, even though you were not involved. We decided to not do business with them again. Maybe the new lack of satisfaction was due to your new boss and etc. Of corse, it's nothing personal, but it seems that since Jim Moran (my dad knew him, btw) died, his dealerships have sort of kicked the bucket along with him.

Anyway, I wish you the best of luck finding a new position. I don't think you'll have a problem granted you find the right opportunity. Keep looking and stay focused for the sakes of your wife, child, and you. I'll send you a PM whenever I hear of stuff from my dad or his friends about dealerships in the area.

edit: Aah! I missed your last post. Good one, dude. You're not at the huge Rick Case on I-75 now, are you?

 

[Duke]

Well, congrats on the new job so quickly! Here's hoping everything works out for you.

 

[Sarebear]

To reiterate my signature:

Tough times never last, tough people do!

Which you have just proved. Good Luck with the new job!

 

[a6m5]

Dang, that was quick! Best of luck to you, Josh. 👍

 

[TopHat]

Pupik, most dealerships will like to see that you were working with and on Lexuses.... It shows a knowledge of technology.

EDIT: Where are you working exactly?

 

[Omnis]

JM Honda.

 

[ferrari_chris]

Wow, tough break.

But then you got another job so quick.

Way to go dude! 👍 Just goes to show where the chin-up, positive attitude can get you!

And I love this bit:

... The customer base is a bit more "hamburgers and hotdogs" rather than "filet mignon and foie gras", but bringing confidence and experience to the table was all the service director needed at the nearby Honda dealer.

 

[ceiling_fan]

I already had a back-up plan in place, and wasn't worried.

Always have a Back-up Plan.

This is good advice, in general. Pupik, I'm sorry to hear about your job, but staying positive definitely made you get things going again. 👍

 

[Pupik]

I started my new job today at Coral Springs Honda. -Fred- wasn't there, though I did hear Punk Rock in one of the technician bays.

It's the same, but different. Less complaining, and less explaining. My job is more focused on taking care of 10 things at once, instead of 30.

It's weird being the new guy again.

 

[a6m5]

I started my new job today at Coral Springs Honda. -Fred- wasn't there, though I did hear Punk Rock in one of the technician bays.

I am confused(it doesn't take much)......

 

[Sage]

Keep in mind that Punk Rock has two meanings.

Josh: Sounds like a nice improvement. Hopefully the de-stressing will make up for the (temporary) pay cut.

 

[a6m5]

Is he implying that Lexus shop would never have Punk Rock music playing?

 

[ferrari_chris]

-Fred- is a big Honda fan, and formerly known as Punk Rock.

 

[a6m5]

-Fred- is a big Honda fan, and formerly known as Punk Rock.

I know who he is, also that his name used to be Punk Rock. What I'm confused about is...... oh.