Giving Back, Together: How Park Place is Supporting the Community This Holiday Season

At Park Place Dealerships, supporting the communities we serve is not something we reserve for a single season, it’s a year-round commitment rooted in service, compassion, and connection. Still, the holidays offer a meaningful opportunity to show up in especially tangible ways, and this season, Park Place Members have done just that.

From bringing joy to hospital patients and military families to ensuring local nonprofits have the resources they need, Members across the Park Place family have been actively engaged in spreading kindness throughout North Texas.

In the spirit of gratitude, more than 50 Park Place Members stepped out into the community before Thanksgiving to serve meals at Boys & Girls Clubs in Fort Worth, McKinney, and Dallas. These hands-on volunteer efforts helped ensure families and children could enjoy a warm, welcoming holiday meal.

In December, Lexus Plano Members visited Scottish Rite Hospital in Frisco to decorate a Christmas tree in the hospital lobby. The festive decorations helped create a warm, joyful atmosphere for patients, families, and staff. It is the small touches Park Place Members provide that can make a big difference during the holiday season.

Acura Members teamed up with Lexus Plano to provide toys, puzzles, shoes, clothes, pajamas, gift cards, and funds to cover two months of their mortgage to a family with a child battling cancer in Collin County. Through the nonprofit, Leia’s Kids, Members brought hope to a nine-year-old girl and her family during this difficult time in their lives. 

Members at Lexus Grapevine and Land Rover rallied together to support GRACE Grapevine’s Christmas Cottage. Hosting a holiday toy drive, Members donated and delivered new, unwrapped toys, shelf-stable pantry items, hygiene products, and cleaning supplies helping local families experience a brighter holiday season.

Motorcars Dallas and Porsche Dallas Members supported Operation Homefront by donating gingerbread house kits to local military and veteran families. The kits provided a “sweet” opportunity for families to spend quality time together and create joyful holiday memories.

At Motorcars Fort Worth, Members raised funds to provide holiday gifts for a dozen residents at Evergreen Life Services, a Park Place Season of Giving recipient that supports adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Each gift helped ensure residents felt celebrated and remembered during the holidays.

“These moments of service reflect who we are as a company,” said Amber Garrison, Marketing Director at Park Place Dealerships. “Supporting local organizations throughout the year and especially during the holidays, allows our Members to connect more deeply with the communities we serve. It’s about showing up, building relationships, and making a meaningful impact together.”

As the season of giving continues, Park Place remains grateful for its Members, nonprofit partners, and the communities that make this work so meaningful. Giving back isn’t just something we do—it’s part of who we are.

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden Celebrates 20 Years of the City’s Premier Autumn Experience Through November 2

The 20th annual Autumn at the Arboretum is in full swing, featuring more than 100,000 pumpkins, gourds and squashes that transport guests to a fall wonderland. Park Place Dealerships, the official automotive sponsor, is helping bring this highly anticipated annual event to life.

Running through November 2, Autumn at the Arboretum welcomes guests from across Texas to experience breathtaking fall scenes featuring pumpkins from Floydada – known as the Pumpkin Capital of Texas. As guests stroll the walkways, they will encounter more than 150,000 vibrant, fall-blooming plants, creating a sensational seasonal display.

This year’s special feature, ¡Mundo México!, celebrates the beauty and richness of Mexican culture. The exhibit showcases contemporary art, harvest traditions, and iconic sculptures by world-renowned Oaxacan artists Jacobo and María Ángeles.

“There’s no better way to celebrate new beginnings than by spending a beautiful fall day at the Dallas Arboretum,” said Kara Connor, Community Engagement Manager at Park Place Dealerships. “Park Place is honored to once again support Autumn at the Arboretum, bringing families and friends together to experience the beauty of the fall season and enjoy the creative and colorful ¡Mundo México!exhibit.”

For more information on Autumn at the Arboretum and to plan your visit, please go to www.dallasarboretum.org.

Driving Joy at Camp Blue

For children recovering from trauma, a little joy can go a long way. That’s why Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth partnered with Alliance for Children to support Camp Blue, a safe and supportive summer camp for child abuse survivors across Tarrant County.

Thanks to generous donations from Park Place Members, the dealership raised more than $1,600—and put every dollar to meaningful use. With these funds and a whole lot of heart, the Park Place team was able to provide:

80 hand-assembled personalized fidget keychains

40 custom lanyards with each child’s name

40 Welcome Bags packed with bubble wands, jump ropes, sidewalk chalk, water guns, snacks, and more to help kids feel excited and comfortable on day one.

40 Graduation Bags with fidget cubes, stress balls, squishee and pop-it keychains, and sweet treats to celebrate the children’s progress at the end of the week.

But that wasn’t all. The dealership secured 80 donated tickets to NRH20, ensuring every camper could enjoy a splash-filled day of summer fun. And to cap off the week, the team rented a bounce house for an unforgettable final day.

Alliance For Children is the only Tarrant County non-profit organization involved directly in the protection from child abuse through coordinated and teamed investigations with local law enforcement agencies, Cook Children’s Medical Center, JPS Health Network, Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney’s Office, Tarrant County Juvenile Services and the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

This partnership is just one way Park Place lives out its commitment to community. Together, we’re driving more than cars—we’re driving hope.

Park Place Motorcars Dallas and Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth Honored with Mercedes-Benz Best of the Best Award for 2024

Park Place Motorcars Dallas and Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth have once again been recognized among the top Mercedes-Benz dealerships in the country, earning the prestigious Mercedes-Benz Best of the Best Award for 2024. This honor is awarded annually to dealerships that demonstrate excellence across sales, service, and customer satisfaction.

“This recognition is a testament to the dedication and passion of our entire team,” said Robert Hinkle, General Manager of Park Place Motorcars Dallas. “Our clients expect an elevated experience when they walk through our doors, and we take pride in delivering a level of service that goes beyond expectations. Being recognized as one of the top Mercedes-Benz dealerships in the country is both an honor and a motivation to continue setting the standard.”

The Best of the Best is presented to the top 50 Mercedes-Benz dealers across the nation who exemplify the brand’s commitment to innovation, luxury, and superior customer service.

“We have a team with an extraordinary commitment to serving our clients,” said George Johnson, Motorcars Fort Worth GM. “Every Member genuinely cares about our clients and we strive each day to be the experience for them. To be recognized for doing what we love to do is a great reward for the team.”

Park Place Motorcars Dallas and Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth have a long-standing reputation for excellence in the automotive industry. From world-class showrooms to expertly trained service teams, Park Place continues to raise the bar for luxury automotive experiences.

For more information about Park Place Motorcars Dallas or Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth, visit www.ParkPlace.com.

All in the Family

Motorcars Dallas Pre-Owned Sales Manager Mike Wasserman is passionate about nurturing and developing the Park Place ‘family’ culture. “I’ve spent more than half of my life here,” he said. “And I don’t see myself stopping anytime in the near future.”

Celebrating 30 years at Park Place, Mike’s story really is a family affair. Mike’s wife Linda spent 17 years in sales at Lexus Plano. And for the past year and a half his daughter Ashley has worked as a Sales Experience Manager at Porsche Dallas.

“I remember from the time I was little visiting Lexus Plano and talking to one of the Members who is still at the dealership,” says Ashley. “She’s like an older sister to me. When I got my first car, Park Place always treated me right as a client. Then, coming to work here, it’s like my life has come full circle.”

After graduating from UNT with a degree in Hospitality Management, Ashley started as a greeter but quickly moved into sales. “Personalization is important,” she says. “People don’t want to be treated as a number. That’s true of how we treat our clients, and also how we treat each other. Other Members don’t treat me as Mike’s daughter. They treat me as an individual. In my experience, Park Place is different than other dealerships.”

Mike has seen a lot of change over the years in the automotive industry, but what hasn’t changed is Park Place’s dedication to culture. “You have to experience change in order to grow,” he says. “But you can still build on the legacy of those who came before you. We’re not in the car business. We’re in the people business. Take care of the people – both our clients and fellow Members – and success will follow.”

“After 30 years at Park Place, I feel a certain obligation to protect our culture and nurture new Members for the benefit of our clients. We have so many Members who are tenured here. It’s our responsibility to adopt the new Members and lead by example. It’s important we walk the walk and not just talk the talk.”

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a Pumpkin-Filled Wonderland Through November 3rd 2024

Park Place Dealerships Official Automotive Sponsor of 19th Annual Autumn at the Arboretum

The 19th annual Autumn at the Arboretum, a beloved fall tradition that transforms the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden into a pumpkin-filled wonderland, is in full swing. Park Place Dealerships is the official automotive sponsor helping bring this seasonal event to the community.

Running through November 3, guests will see more than 100,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squash from Floydada, Texas—known as the pumpkin capital of Texas—and features 150,000 vibrant fall-blooming plants, creating a breathtaking seasonal display.

This year’s Autumn at the Arboretum highlights a special exhibit, “Texas Town,” which takes visitors on an immersive journey through the lives of Texas pioneers. Guests can explore six distinct pumpkin houses, each representing a unique aspect of pioneer life.

From the cozy atmosphere of a log cabin to the lively spirit of a local saloon, Texas Town offers a captivating glimpse into the history and resilience of early Texans. The exhibit also includes a pioneer farmstead, a general store, a humble sod house, and a one-room schoolhouse, each adorned with detailed historical markers to provide insights into the era’s daily life and architecture.

Autumn at the Arboretum is one of our favorite events of the season in North Texas,” said Kara Connor, Experiential Marketing Manager at Park Place Dealerships. “This year’s ‘Texas Town’ theme adds such a rich historical dimension, allowing families to not only enjoy the beauty of the fall season but also to step back in time and experience the pioneering spirit of Texas. We’re honored to be part of this incredible celebration.”

In addition to Texas Town, visitors can admire the striking colors of autumnal flowers, including marigolds, chrysanthemums, pentas, and other seasonal blooms, which complement the warm tones of the pumpkins, creating a truly magical experience for guests of all ages.

For more information on Autumn at the Arboretum and to plan your visit, please go to www.dallasarboretum.org.

Park Place Service Technicians Are Experts At Keeping Engines Purring, But This Is Next Level

Sometimes an ordinary day at work turns into a rescue mission with a happy ending. Sebastian Jimenez, a service valet at Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth, recently had an unexpected encounter. A client returning a loan car mentioned hearing a faint “meow” coming from the vehicle while stopped at a red light. Concerned, the client explained that he had seen several cats hiding under the car during a recent rainstorm and feared one might have become trapped.

Sebastian informed the service manager, Mauricio Zenon, who assembled a team of technicians including Jacob Munoz, Mark Hawkins, Josh Brunk, and Josh Chandler.

Equipped with tools, the team proceeded to the service drive to investigate rather than driving the car into the shop and potentially harming the kitten. Jacob, Mark, and Josh crawled under the vehicle and began removing panels. Before long, they discovered a kitten hiding under the passenger front side of the vehicle. The kitten was unharmed and in good spirits. In a heartwarming turn, Mark Hawkins decided to adopt the kitten and give it a new home.

The sweet kitten’s rescue was featured on WFAA and FOX 4 highlighting the compassion of the team at Park Place Dealerships.

Founded in 1987, Park Place Dealerships has been engaged in the community through its support of the arts, medical research, children’s advocacy, and education. Park Place employs more than 1,400 members and operates nine full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Land Rover, Acura, and Sprinter Vans. Park Place BodyWerks Collision Centers in Fort Worth, Dallas, and Plano and the Park Place Auto Auction, round out the company’s offerings. Park Place was acquired in 2020 by Asbury Automotive Group, Inc., a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Duluth, GA. For more information, visit parkplace.com.

Meet D’Angalo Jackson

D’Angalo Jackson played basketball for Mississippi Valley State, an HBCU college where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in 2013. He went on to play pro basketball in Belgium, Italy and Mexico before joining Motorcars Fort Worth in 2015 as a Sales Experience Manager.

“What began as a lifelong ambition to own a Mercedes-Benz evolved into an understanding of the broader spectrum encompassing service, lifestyle and culture after retiring from basketball,” said Jackson. “During my training, the etiquette class taught me crucial insights on dining etiquette, attire, communication, and personal demeanor. I shared this experience with my father, and I can still hear his voice affirming, ‘You’re going to be just fine now.’ The level of investment the company made into training was unlike anything I could have imagined.”

In the fall of 2022, Jackson left Park Place to get his MBA at the TCU M.J. Neeley School of Business on a Leadership Fort Worth scholarship. Jackson recently completed his MBA and has returned to Motorcars Fort Worth.

“Data analytics play a crucial role in our day-to-day operations,” he says. “From interpreting data on CRM dashboards to enhancing sales strategies, I find immense value in my ability to problem-solve in an increasingly data-driven world.”

In his free time, he likes to give back to the community. “I enjoy constructing sustainable garden boxes with the South Side Community Gardens. I also mentor youth through basketball.” 

For someone just starting out, his advice is to “prioritize building relationships. Work diligently and make the most of the resources available to you. Stay true to your guiding principles and seek goals beyond your professional responsibilities. Remember, your career is a means to fulfill your purpose, so always strive to align it with your larger life goals.”

Park Place Dealerships was founded in 1987 and has been engaged in the community through its support of the arts, medical research, children’s advocacy, and education. Park Place employs more than 1,400 members and operates nine full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Land Rover, Acura, and Sprinter Vans. Park Place BodyWerks Collision Centers in Fort Worth, Dallas, and Plano and the Park Place Auto Auction, round out the company’s offerings. Park Place was acquired in 2020 by Asbury Automotive Group, Inc., a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Duluth, GA. For more information, visit parkplace.com.

Black Heart Association Offering Free Screenings In Arlington And Grapevine During American Heart Month

The Black Heart Association will host free heart health screenings to the community during February’s Heart Month in Arlington and Grapevine.  

On Thursday, February 8,the Black Heart Mobile Unit will be at Park Place Lexus Grapevine located at 901 E. State Hwy 114 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and on Thursday, February 29 and Park Place Motorcars Arlington, 4201 Beltway Place from 10 a.m. –2 p.m.No appointment is needed for the screenings and is open to the public.

After suffering three heart attacks in one week, Tara Robinson, along with her husband Frederick, founded Black Heart Association in 2014 to fight for the thousands of minority men, women and children who experience the impact of heart disease or stroke each year.

In 2022, Park Place Cares, the philanthropic arm of Park Place Dealerships, recognized the work of Black Heart Association with a $5,000 Season of Giving grant to provide heart health education and screenings through its Mobile Heart Health Unit to patients who are primarily uninsured. Upon learning the organization also had maintenance needs for the Black Heart Mobile Unit, Park Place Dealerships has been providing experienced technicians to assist with keeping the mobile unit on the road serving the community.

“This is a wonderful nonprofit that provides an incredible service at no expense to the community,” said Kara Connor, Park Place Dealership’s Experiential Marketing Manager. “We are continuing our partnership with Black Heart Association by hosting the mobile unit at two of our dealerships so the community has access to free heart health screenings along with telehealth services. We hope the community will utilize this opportunity in the location that is convenient to them.”

Through Park Place Cares, the automotive company has donated $300,000 in grants during the Season of Giving program over the past three years to 65 nonprofits and finds opportunities for Park Place Members to volunteer throughout the year with the grant recipients.

Park Place Dealerships was founded in 1987 and has been engaged in the community through its support of the arts, medical research, children’s advocacy, and education. 

Park Place employs more than 1,400 members and operates eight full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Acura, and Land Rover. Park Place Bodywerks Collision Centers in Fort Worth and Dallas, and the Park Place Auto Auction, round out the company’s offerings. Park Place was acquired in 2020 by Asbury Automotive Group, Inc., a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Duluth, GA. For more information, visit parkplace.com.

Cam Mayfield Promoted to GM of Park Place Motorcars Arlington

Cam Mayfield was recently promoted to general manager of Park Place Motorcars Arlington.

“Our strong commitment to serve is our competitive advantage,” says Mayfield. “We cater to our client’s every need with a servant’s heart.  When you see someone take delivery of their Mercedes, it should give you goosebumps.”

Mayfield has more than 30 years of automotive experience. In 2003, he joined Park Place Lexus as service director. He also served as service director and fixed operations director at Park Place Motorcars Dallas. Last year, he graduated from the North American Dealer Association’s GM Academy.

“Cam has always been a valuable asset to Park Place,” said Tony Carimi, Park Place Dealership’s Managing Director. “He is passionate about the experience and a transformative leader. I’m proud to see him take the helm in Arlington.”

Former Park Place Motorcars Arlington GM Malcolm Gage was recently promoted to Market Manager at Plaza Motors in St. Louis by Asbury Automotive Group, which owns Park Place and Plaza Motors.

A native Texan, Mayfield was born and raised in Dallas. He graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a Bachelor of Arts in English and still lives in Dallas with Katie, his wife of more than 20 years.


Park Place Motorcars Arlington is located at 4201 Beltway Place off I-20 in Arlington. The Mercedes-Benz dealership has won the “Best of the Best” award multiple times since opening in 2015. This prestigious award honors the top 20 percent of 345 Mercedes-Benz dealers nationwide for outstanding sales, service and customer satisfaction. 

Park Place Dealerships was founded in 1987 and has been engaged in the community through its support of the arts, medical research, children’s advocacy, and education. Park Place employs more than 1,400 members and operates nine full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Acura, and Sprinter Vans. Park Place BodyWerks Collision Centers in Fort Worth, Dallas, and Plano and the Park Place Auto Auction, round out the company’s offerings. Park Place was acquired in 2020 by Asbury Automotive Group, Inc., a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Duluth, GA. For more information, visit parkplace.com.