Who:  David

What:  Financial Services Manager

Bio:  David is one of the people customers meet when it is time to arrange for financing and/or leasing options.  David has been part of the Surrey Honda team for 18 years and started in sales so customers are always in good hands.  The fact that David spent time in the sales department makes him even more specialized in the entire process.  He says his role in the process can be a very personal part of car buying – talking money and budgets.

Q:  How to you get people to be comfortable with you within minutes to do the money part of the deal?

A:  “This is the one stop where we have to  build instant rapport with customers as this can be the most personal part of car buying – the financial process.  I try to keep this light as possible and having a sense of humour helps them smile or laugh and that releases any stresses instantly.  I also work out options that work for them.  Whether it’s interest rates or terms, I help customers look at their entire expense sheet of having a car – gas, insurance etc.  We work with the overall budget – not just payments and I find that is the best and most helpful process for our customers.  This way they feel they have covered all the bases.”

Q:  Are people surprised at how in-depth this process is?

A:  Some people are really grateful to be able to get a vehicle.  We help them figure out payment plans that work better with their needs such as bi weekly payments and we also discuss how much some features on the newer Hondas will help them save on gas and that goes towards the car payment too.  We do all the number crunching so there are no surprises.  The only surprise is customers who think they won’t get approved and we make it happen.”

Q:  Give us an example?

A:  “Well today – there was a couple who thought they couldn’t get approved and got it instantly.  They had great credit but didn’t know until we looked at their credit history with them.  Money naturally stresses people and we try to take the stress out of that part of car buying.  The favourite part of my job is the reactions and surprises from customers when they realize the affordability here at Surrey Honda and how happy they are.”

Who:  Lal

What:  Sales Specialist

Bio:  After spending years in the furniture sales business, Lal made the switch to selling cars with Surrey Honda and he is loving every day of it!

One year into the business and he has no problems pointing out all the plus sides of working in the automative industry.  Lal says, “I just love the process here so much more.  It is a people friendly environment.  Customers come in and in this industry – you don’ t have to push sales.  You just meet people and talk to them about their needs.”

Be it that customers are browsing or know exactly what they are looking for, Lal takes it upon himself to help each customer have a good shopping experience here.  “The best part about working at Surrey Honda has to be that the product sells itself and the biggest difference is we get to sell great products and not push prices.”

Who:  Rana

What:  Sales Specialist

Bio: The past four years of working in the Surrey Honda showroom has flown by for Rana who says it feels like it was yesterday when he first became part of the family.

Q:  What do you think makes the time fly working here?

A:  “When you enjoy what you do, where you work and the people – it’s just easy.  Luckily that is the case here with me.”

Q:  What do you think sets Surrey Honda apart?

A:  “It starts at the top – with the exceptional management team here.  It is a forward thining organization that is always striving for the best.”

Q: How so?

A: “For one, they are always investing in their people and the processes we use here.  Surrey Honda has an attitude of just moving forward and never looking back or being hung up on things.  Find the best solutions in every situation and just work on being better daily.  It is a daily effort.”

Q:  What can customers expect from you?

A:  “It’s more of a passion for me than a job.  I listen to my customers and fit them with the best suited vehicle for their lifestyle, budget and needs.  I believe that apart from a house, a vehicle is the next big purchase a person makes and it’s my sincere effort to provide everyone with the best and that is what everyone deserves.”

Who:  Carol

What:  Showroom Front Desk Specialist

Bio:  With a background in managing the offices of real estate companies, Carol’s transition into the car world was an easy one.  She is more than used to working with customers who are making big ticket purchases and a highly trained sales team.

Carol maintains a great front desk – swift and smooth even through the busiest of times.  Whether you come in or call for information, she will make sure you get taken care of.

Q: How is working in the Surrey Honda showroom different than the real estate office?

A:  “Here I get to see the process of buying a major item such as a vehicle – step by step.  All the sales and help is mostly in house.  From the moment customers walk in the front door, through test driving and leaving happy with their new Honda – it is a great place to watch it all happen.”

Q:  What is most important in your role here?

A”  “I try to make sure everyone feels comfortable here and make sure they have the best experience possible.  I work closely with the sales reps and managers to make sure the highest level of customer service is delivered each time.  It is a big priority for all of us here.”

Q:  What do you enjoy most about working the front desk?

A:  “It gets busy and it is always fun to see all the interactions that happen here.  The one thing I have always noticed is how surprised people are at the high level of service we provide.  It is the one thing customers comment on the most to me.  We don’t just hand keys to them and let them go on a test drive, we address their every need and walk them through the process step by step.  I always have a good time here and it is just a great work environment.”

Who:  Farooq

What: Sales Specialist

Bio:  With a masters of business administration and marketing degree in one pocket and love for sales  in the other, Farooq is the perfect addition to the Surrey Honda family.  This is his first job since he moved to Canada with his wife and child.  Having spent years in the sales world in Pakistan and Saudi Arabi, Farooq has an appreciation for working with people from all walks of life.

He speaks 5 languages including Hindi, English and Arabic.  He has had a multicultural career and it seems to be the perfect fit with the Surrey Honda team.

When asked about his thoughts on working at Surrey Honda, Farooq said, “Well first of all we have great management here and the showroom is upscale and the Honda name seems to sell itself.  Secondly, we have the best inventory so picking the perfect vehicle for buyers allows for great options.  Working with a friendly staff is a great and all of this makes for a great combination.”

Who:  John Vu

What:  New & Used Car Sales Specialist

Bio:  John is one of the youngest members on the team and started at the Surrey Honda dealership while he was still in high school.  In total he has been part of the family for seven years with the last two spent working with the sales department.

He started off working and gaining  experience in the detailing department and grew to be one of the most knowledgeable Honda sales rep around.  Why?  He pays attention to every single detail of every make and model.

That is what we call passion for vehicles and that is why John says he decided to be on the showroom floor.  His degree in Economics and love for cars is the perfect combination.  A combo that has served him and his customers well over the years.

This once 19 year old member of the team is now one of the top five sales reps and always ready to help with customers who come in store or online.   John is one of the main people who will answer your questions via the website http://www.surreyhonda.com/

Who:  Rommel   (pictured with the award for the 2011 winner of the Senior Sales Master for Western Canada, Honda)

What:  Sales Specialist

Bio:  Rommel has been working the showroom floor in more ways than one for the past decade.  He can be found making hundreds of customers happy when they meet their Honda match.  Rommel is more like a match maker in our eyes.  His work ethic is as unique as him.  He is also not afraid to bust out a move or two in the showroom and keeps things light and comfortable for everyone around him.  Goals driven, always there to help and amazing at knowing his customer’s needs and finding them a vehicle to match.  Did we mention, he can also be the resident comedian?

Q:  Tell us about your start here?

A:  “I was part of sales training session and there was a number of us in that class being taught by one of the top pros in Canada.  It felt more like the show, Survivor, and lets just say I won that contest when I was hired to work here.  Sales is not the easiest job but if you can find a passion for it, it becomes more than just a job.  It’s more like a mission for me these days to help my customers.”

Q:  You have been awarded top sales person in recent years and are very goal driven.  Tell us what keeps you going in this business through the ups and downs?

A:  “We all know the last couple of years have been up and down with the economy but I am a goals oriented person and everyone has a goal.  My customers goal is to get the best vehicle at the best price.  My personal mission statement is to always be consistent in everything you do, if you make a promise, follow through every step of the way.  Every customer is unique and deserves the same amount of time and effort.”

Q: Where triggered this way of thinking and working?

A:  “I learned early on in my training and it is one thing that always stuck with me – if there is ever an opportunity for a random act of kindness, do it.  Working at Surrey Honda is a great place to do that daily.”

Who:  Mary

What:  Showroom receptionist

Bio:  Mary manages the busy front reception desk.  Working with the sales team and greeting clients are just some of the things Mary does.  It is a busy section of the showroom but she makes it run smoothly to make sure customers in store or on the phone get their questions answered in  a timely and polite manner.  This is the hub of where Surrey Honda’s great customer service practice starts.

Her Story:   Many moons ago, Mary was living on the eastcoast and decided to go the opening of the Skydome in Toronto.  She had won tickets to a Blue Jays game where they handed out baseballs in clear cases as collector’s items.  Years went by and Mary moved to the lower mainland.  A few days after getting her job at Surrey Honda that baseball in the case fell over.  As it rolled towards Mary – the Honda logo appeared on the other side of the ball.  Yup, we took it as a good sign of this was just meant to be!

Mary went to the G.M. with her story.  He had the same one.  It’s just one of the stories that makes Surrey Honda a magical place to shop for your next vehicle but also a place where you just happen to become part of our family.