Connectivity between people pops up in the most unlikely places. Like on the service drive at Park Place Lexus Plano. That’s where two fellow team members, who didn’t know each other from Adam, first discovered that they shared a surprisingly meaningful connection- and no, it wasn’t that they both worked at Park Place.
It All Started with a Vowel (read more to see “Y”)
One sunny morning back in 2013, Brandon Gillespy, body shop manager at Park Place BodyWerks, was at the service drive at Park Place Lexus Plano, picking up a client vehicle for transport to the body shop in Dallas.
“This guy comes over to me, big smile, introduces himself and asks if I’m related to Jamie Gillespy,” Brandon recalls.
The guy was Don Mitchell, sales experience manager at Lexus Plano. The unusual spelling of Brandon’s last name, with a “y” instead of an “ie,” caught Don’s eye.
“My daughter Meredith was always raving about a wonderful teacher at Plano’s Jasper High School named Jamie Gillespy,” Don explains. “Jamie taught an elective course in ASL, or American Sign language, and Meredith absolutely adored Jamie and I remembered the unique spelling. So Brandon and I both remarked on what a small world it was.”
In most cases, a random coincidence like that results in a pleasant conversation and that’s the end of it.
But then something else happened. Two somethings, in fact.
Jamie-Mania
First, Brandon became increasingly aware that his wife was starting to enjoy a kind of Jamie-mania.
“Since that moment, it seems like anywhere we go, a store or a restaurant in Frisco or Plano, we hear someone yell, “MISS G!” And then a former student runs across the room to give my wife a giant hug. Don’s story first opened my eyes to this phenomenon, and since then it’s been nonstop. And a lot of fun for both of us!”
Jamie Gillespy, ASL teacher at Frisco Centennial High School with husband, Brandon Gillespy, Body Shop Manager at Park Place BodyWerks
Second, Jamie’s impact on Meredith carried on well past the classroom into adulthood. After graduating from Plano Senior High, she went on to earn an education degree at the University of Arkansas and is, in fact, now a teacher at a Title 1 school in Springdale, Arkansas.
Don Mitchell, Sales Experience Manager at Lexus Plano with daughter and teacher Meredith.
“Meredith was already starting to show a passion for teaching, and Jamie really reinforced a lot of the values that made teaching a compelling career choice,” says Don. “My mother was a teacher, and just like Jamie, her example had life-lasting positive impacts on her students, too. Meredith is that same kind of person, that same kind of teacher.”
Don Mitchell, Sales Experience Manager at Lexus Plano with daughter and teacher Meredith.
“I felt inspired to learn how much my wife meant to Don’s daughter,” says Brandon, noting that Jamie is now the ASL teacher at Frisco Centennial High School as well as Student Council Sponsor. He’s especially proud that the school created a video about what her days are like during this time of uncertainty. Check it out.
Park Place Cares
Don and Brandon’s story alludes to just one of the reasons why Park Place has been such a passionate supporter of education over the past 30+ years. After discovering their small-world connection and shared values, these two members are even more gratified that their chosen place of work, Park Place, actively supports education as a corporate initiative, sponsoring the Teacher of the Year program in nine local school districts. The company is also active in the Plano ISD Education Foundation’s Grants to Educators program.
“I was amazed when I first learned of the connection between Don and Brandon, as well as Jamie and Meredith,” says Anam Ali-Hashambhai, Experiential Marketing Manager at Park Place.
“It really brought home to me that the Park Place commitment to education is all about connecting people, ideas, inspiration and creativity. These kinds of connections are out there, and makes our Teacher of the Year sponsorship even that more special and personal.”
Thank You, Thank You
“I was honored to attend a ‘Teacher of the Year’ event where I represented Park Place, says Don. “But I was even more honored and proud to be the parent of a teacher.”
“Showing educators that they’re valued is outstanding,” adds Brandon. “I’m really glad that Park Place is willing to show this kind of commitment. Especially since I married into a family of teachers. Jamie’s mother, aunt and grandmother are all or were teachers. It’s important that we honor teachers for the lifelong impact they have on their students.”
So has this connection also spawned a friendship between Don and Brandon?
“Oh yeah,” smiles Brandon. “We’re good pals.”
“Who do you think sold Jamie her Lexus?” teases Don.
Carter BloodCare says their ability to provide blood to hospitals for urgent transfusion needs of patients has been in severe jeopardy. Recently, Carter BloodCare and Park Place Dealerships came together for a blood drive that has potentially made the difference in 339 lives.
Members from Park Place Motorcars in Arlington Participate in the #ParkPlaceCares Blood Drive
“The members at Park Place Dealerships are extremely generous with their time and resources, including their blood,” noted Dave Evans, Chief Marketing Officer for Park Place Dealerships. “We asked members if they would like to participate in this event and we had an overwhelming response. We were happy to know this event made the difference for people in need.”
Members from Park Place Motorcars in Arlington Participate in the #ParkPlaceCares Blood DriveMembers from Park Place Motorcars in Arlington Participate in the #ParkPlaceCares Blood Drive
Members from Park Place Volvo Participate in the #ParkPlaceCares Blood Drive
Park Place Dealerships hosted the blood drive over two days at seven locations with 114 donors and 113 units collected equating to about 339 lives saved. Park Place encourages more Dallas/Fort Worth companies to organize blood drives throughout the summer, especially during the period of critical need.
Park Place Porsche General Manager, Patrick Huston, leads the charge to donate blood during the #ParkPlaceCares Blood DriveMembers from Park Place in Dallas Participate in the #ParkPlaceCares Blood Drive
IMPORTANCE OF A BLOOD DRIVE
The pandemic’s impact on the blood supply has been profound and sudden. Blood drives were cancelled after businesses, school, universities and houses of worship shut down. Giving blood is essential with or without the COVID-19 pandemic.
Blood donors are the only way to provide for transfusions because blood cannot be manufactured. Since the state of Texas has reopened, hospitals are trying to resume a full capacity of medical and surgical services. Six hundred to 800 patients a day require transfusions.
SIGN-UP WITH CARTER BLOODCARE
Companies and the community can get more information or sign up to give blood at carterbloodcare.org.
Park Place Dealerships was founded in 1987 by Ken Schnitzer with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership in Dallas. For the past 33 years, the company has been engaged in the community supporting the arts, medical research, children’s advocacy and education. Park Place employs more than 1,500 members and operates 18 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Koenigsegg, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, McLaren, Maserati and Aston Martin. For more info, visit parkplace.com.
Malcolm Gage Enrolled in Pre-Med Courses at SMU until a Part-Time Job Led Him Down a Different Road
Malcolm R. Gage Jr., current General Manager at Park Place Motorcars Arlington, never envisioned a career in the automotive industry. In fact, he was in a Pre-Med program at Southern Methodist University in 1997 when his college roommate suggested he could get Malcolm a job at a Lewisville Ford dealership during his college break.
“My friend thought my quick wit and personality would be a good fit,” recalled Gage. “Reluctantly, I took his advice, and they hired me the same day I interviewed. I fell in love with the job, and changed my focus to a career in the automotive industry. Now, 23 years later, I know it was the right decision.”
A Journey to Automotive
In 2005, Gage joined Park Place Dealerships as New Car Sales Manager at Park Place Motorcars Bedford, which is now located in Grapevine. Gage quickly rose up the ranks at Park Place, where he spent the past five years as New Car Sales Director at the Park Place Premier Collection in Dallas, representing luxury brands Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Maserati, and McLaren. He was recently named General Manager at Park Place Motorcars Arlington.
“The automotive business is unlike any other,” said Gage. “I’ve made some amazing contacts, and it’s given me opportunities I never could’ve imagined. Having the opportunity to work in state-of-the-art facilities with world-class brands, and interacting with professionals of the highest caliber, one cannot put a value on that. I consider myself blessed to have reached this point, but I credit a lot of mentors and managers that have supported me and given me guidance to reach this point.”
Rolls-Royce Sales Manager of the Year, Coach of the Year, and SMU Alum
Some of his greatest accomplishments are being named Coach of the Year from two different Park Place dealerships, and being part of teams that were recognized as Dealerships of the Year, both nationally and internationally. Gage was also named the first-ever Rolls-Royce Sales Manager of the Year by Rolls-Royce Motorcars North America.
“As leaders of this organization, we try to predict future trends based on metrics and the past,” explained Gage. “But there are so many external factors that can affect it at any moment. Hiring and retaining the best talent is a challenge, but we pride ourselves on our industry-leading retention rates. I think the biggest challenge is probably the pressure we put on ourselves to exceed expectations.”
Gage graduated from Southern Methodist University in 1999 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Affairs and Corporate Communications, and he is still involved with the SMU Alumni Association. He is an Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Lifetime Member, and he volunteers with Equality Texas, the Human Rights Campaign, the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce, and several other organizations.
“I’m involved with these organizations to give back to the Dallas/Fort Worth community that has given so much to me. Much of my success in this industry has been from networking and forming relationships with business and civic leaders in the area. I’ve always believed in dedicating time to serve others.”
Featured on the Food Network, Too!
Food Network fans may remember Malcolm Gage and Ophelia’s New Soul co-owner Cordey Lash as winners of the acclaimed TV show’s Food Court Wars. Formerly located in Plano’s Collin Creek Mall Food Court, Ophelia’s New Soul launched in 2014 and specialized in modern interpretations of classic soul food dishes served in a fast, yet relaxed, atmosphere.
“We have been approached by fans of the restaurant asking if we were going to open a new location,” Gage explains. “But I think my time in the restaurant industry has passed. We achieved great success and national recognition with Ophelia’s New Soul, and it allowed us to create a franchising plan for someone who might want to continue the brand. Who knows what the future holds? It’s still a treat to see the episode on Food Network at times.”
Park Place Motorcars Arlington is located at 4201 Beltway Place off I-20 at S. Center Street. Founded in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn in Dallas, Park Place Dealerships also represents luxury brands Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Maserati, McLaren, Koenigsegg, Lexus, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar and Land Rover. For more information, visit parkplace.com.
Spend two minutes chatting with Alycia Johnson and one thing becomes abundantly clear – her cheerful determination to do the right things right.
As Business Improvement Manager for Park Place Porsche Dallas, determination comes with the territory. The cheerfulness comes from the heart.
“I love training people,” she says while explaining the role of a business improvement manager. “I mentor, coach and train new hires, and make sure their desktops and logins are ready to go on day one. I also make sure that our long-time members are using all the tools and techniques of our various systems and software programs to best advantage. If I do my job well, then they do their jobs well, and our business thrives. It’s that simple.”
She may call it simple, but there’s a complex set of procedures behind what Alycia does so well. Preparation is the key, and she sets a blistering pace for herself when it comes to exceeding expectations. “I worry about the details so nobody else has to,” she declares.
Welcome to Dallas
The Okinawa-born Johnson arrived in Dallas at an early age and attended W.T. White, R.L. Turner and Brookhaven College before accepting a job with aircraft leasing pioneer Flexjet. She served first as flight coordinator and then customer account manager and, after more than a decade, transferred her expertise to a successful sales role at a local dealership in 2016.
At the persistent urging of several friends who already worked at Park Place, she joined Porsche Dallas in July 2018 as a Sales Experience Manager, then moved to her current role on September 2019. “I got to Park Place as fast as I could,” she laughs.
In Her Spare Time
In her spare time, she says she hangs out with pals and indulges in creative handcrafts – as a grandmother-to-be, she assembled a Star Wars-inspired diaper cake for a recent baby shower. “I can’t believe I’m going to be a grandmother,” she enthuses. “This is so exciting!” (Editor’s Note: at the time of posting, we are happy to report that Alycia is a proud Grandmother!)
She also admits a weakness for footwear, confessing that she owns around 200 pairs of shoes. “Macy’s loves me,” she says with a mock groan.
She also admits to a fondness for rom-com movies like “The Ugly Truth” and “The Perfect Man,” and her musical tastes run to Prince and Michael Jackson.
But what really gets her jazzed is Taco Tuesday. “I love Tex-Mex food. Tacos every day as far as I’m concerned!”
Her outlook on life is practical and courageous. “We all have personal struggles,” she says. “It’s important to always look at the positive side. Everything happens for a reason – the good, the bad, and the ugly, but it always passes and, in the end, makes us stronger.”
Sales: 10:00am-7:00pm Monday through Friday & 9:00am-6:00pm on Saturdays
Premier Collection Sales: 9:00am-6:00pm Monday through Saturday
Service: 8:00am-6:00pm Monday through Friday & 8:00am -5:00pm on Saturdays.
Premier Collection Service: Closed Saturdays
Recent Updates
Our clients’ health and the health of our employees is our number one priority. Every decision we make is through that lens. As we begin to find a “new normal,” we wanted to share the updates we’ve made in how we serve you and your vehicle needs.
Conduct daily health screenings for our employees
Providing face coverings for all of our employees
Taking steps to allow for social distancing of six feet or more
Increasing cleaning and sanitization of our dealerships, client vehicles, service loaners and newly purchased vehicles
Offer vehicle pick-up and delivery options for both sales and service clients
Provide virtual test drives and online buying options
And while we always want to warmly welcome you into our dealerships, we’ve asked our employees to refrain from hand-shakes or hugs with clients
We look forward to seeing you again whether that be in our dealership or virtually as we know how important a safe and reliable vehicle is to your daily life.
The all-electric Porsche Taycan made a powerful statement this year, proving that power and eco-efficiency are not independent of one another. In fact, the driving capabilities have consistently stunned- leaving Porsche enthusiasts and newbies- questioning if they were actually in a one hundred percent electric car.
General Manager of Porsche Dallas, Patrick Huston, had this to say as we debuted the Porsche Taycan in early 2020 prior to any stay at home orders in Dallas county.
“Make no mistake, the Taycan is 100-percent Porsche. It looks, drives, and responds unmistakably Porsche. It handles corners like a true sports car, but it’s very comfortable on long drives. And it’s one of the fastest recharging EVs on the market.”
At-Home Activity – Taycan Turbo Coloring Page!
Download our Porsche Taycan Turbo Coloring Page (Blank) and add your own flare or print for any little creatives at home for a fun “Art” project.
Learn a New Recipe, Create a Fun Drink and See the Reveal of a New SUV all Online
In these days of social distancing, the community can’t gather for events, so two local companies joined forces to host a fun and innovative get together to enjoy at home. Austin’s popular Rosedale Kitchen and Bar and Jaguar Land Rover North Austin will launch a virtual event this Friday, April 17, at 3 pm via Facebook, YouTube, and IGTV.
The online event features the Rosedale Kitchen and Bar mixologist, Aaron Hernandez, demonstrating a step-by-step guide to create the “Landy,” a cocktail named after the new Land Rover. Executive Chef Janelle Reynolds will show us how to make Seared Halloumi with Tomato and Zucchini. Rosedale Kitchen and Bar has shared both recipes. Jaguar Land Rover North Austin will reveal the much-anticipated new 2020 Land Rover Defender. This is the first dealership in Austin for Park Place, which opened on March 2.
TUNE-IN
Guests are invited to join the event on Park Place’s YouTube, Facebook, and IGTV channels at 3 pm Friday, April 17, for a virtual event, including an unveiling of the new 2020 Land Rover Defender.
Land Rover brought back its Defender this year after a 23-year hiatus. It has always had something of a cult following in the U.S. because it couldn’t be purchased here. The 2020 Defender is a rugged off-road vehicle, but it’s also a luxury SUV that’s equally at home on the urban streets of downtown Austin or deep in the back roads of the Hill Country.
Inside, the Defender is the most connected Land Rover product ever. Available in two-door or four-door models, the Defender has a new infotainment system with over-the-air software updates, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a 12-inch digital instrument panel.
“While we just opened our first store in Austin six weeks ago, Park Place Dealerships has been around more than 30 years,” said Matt Woolsey, general manager of Jaguar Land Rover North Austin. “We have already developed some great partnerships with Leander ISD, Round Rock ISD, and Seton Williamson Hospital. Putting this fun event together allows us to interact with our community and offer something fun to share and enjoy.”
Located at 13910 FM 620 North on State Highway 45 and Parmer Road, Jaguar Land Rover North Austin features a large, glass-enclosed showroom to accommodate up to 12 new Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles. The 70,000 square-foot facility also includes a five-story garage, a shop with 42 service bays, a nine-car service drive, and a 2000-square-foot carwash.
Jaguar Land Rover North Austin Management Team. (L-R) John Gasparaitis, Parts Director Justin Griggs, Shop Foreman Walter Rhodes, New Car Sales Director Jose Fernandez, Service Manager Matt Humphrey, Service Director Matt Woolsey, General Manager Chris Nations, Pre-Owned Sales Director Cade Mannetti, Sales Manager Erika Falk, GM Admin Vy Nguyen, Finance Director Jordan Case, President of Park Place
Founded in 1987, Park Place Dealerships also represents luxury brands Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Maserati, Koenigsegg and McLaren. For more information, visit parkplace.com.
GRAB YOUR PENS AND COLORED PENCILS! Park Place Land Rover is excited to introduce the next generation of the iconic Land Rover Defender after a 20+ year production hiatus with some lesser-known facts to tickle your brain and a custom coloring sheet to help relieve some stress and unleash your (or your kid’s) inner creative.
A Short Introduction to the 2020 Land Rover Defender
The “Defender” as we know it didn’t start out known as the Defender. Instead, when the first version was released Land Rover dubbed it the “Land Rover” meant to be an all-purpose auto. There were three iterations of this Land Rover- Series I, II, III- with Series I debuting in the late 1940s and costing a total of £450 or about $568. In just a year, orders for the Series 1 totaled about 8,000 with the British Army ordering their first batch of trial Land Rovers. Fast forward almost 60 years, and the Land Rover is officially christened with the immediately recognizable name of “Defender” as the “Discovery” officially joined the Land Rover line-up.
After a 23-year hiatus, we are finally welcoming the next iteration of the Defender family, which features a four-door Defender 110 (to go on sale first) and the two-door Defender 90 which will be available at a later date.
To help celebrate #athome, we’ve compiled a list of fun facts and released official Park Place Land Rover / Land Rover Defender color sheets for a fun at-home activity. Just scroll down for whichever you’d like to read first.
Your Defender, Your Way – Coloring Pages Available for Download
The new Defender is extremely customizable; with various options to fit your unique adventure needs. So, we challenge you to create your own bespoke variant by downloading our Custom Coloring Sheets featuring the 2020 Defender or by following us on Instagram
10 Fun Facts about the Land Rover Defender (Past and Present)
Below you’ll find a list of 10 more fun (and maybe lesser-known) facts about the Land Rover Defender:
In 1952, Queen Elizabeth II of England took delivery of her first Land Rover shortly before coming to the throne in 1952– and continues to use Land Rover to this day. According to a CNN article, the Queen learned to drive in 1945 when she was a member of the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) where she trained as a mechanic and military truck driver.
There were three=ish iterations of Land Rover prior to it officially being named the Defender:
Series I launched in 1948 at the Amsterdam Motor Show
Series II launched in 1958 sporting an enlarged Petrol Engine (2.25 liter engine)
Series IIA launched in 1961
Series III launched in October of 1971
the 1,000,000 Land Rover was built-in 1976
The Defender is officially launched in 1990
2015 was termed the ‘Year of the Defender by Land Rover” which included 1km-wide sand drawing (below) of the original Land Rover shape on the beach at Red Wharf Bay in Anglesey; the launch of three new Limited Edition Defenders; and the recreation of the Series I production line at Solihull.
The 2020 Land Rover Defender is the first production Defender in 23 years.
The new Defender was tested within temperature ranges of -40°F to 122°F for over 750,000 miles in 45,000 individual tests
the new Defender has a massive towing capacity of 8,201 pounds (great for an off-road road trip)
There is a 2,573 piece Lego version titled Land Rover Defender. This is a part of Leo’s Technic kits and retails for $199.99.
the New Defender 90 is about 9 inches longer (wheelbase) than the original Defender 90, and 5 inches longer than the 2020 Jeep Rubicon
NORTH TEXAS FOOD BANK RECEIVES $21,000 DONATION TO SUPPORT FAMILY MEALS
IRVING, Texas (April 10, 2020) – The North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) has seen a tremendous demand for nutritious food as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. Park Place Dealerships mobilized its clients, partners and members and together raised more than $21,000 to help feed families in the community.
The Food Bank’s mobile pantry generally serves an average of 300 households. Distributions recently have surged from 1,000 to almost 2,000 households in the last few weeks because of COVID-19.
“In these challenging times we are glad to support the community and are humbled by the generosity of our clients and members,” said Dave Evans, Chief Marketing Officer of Park Place Dealerships. “Now, more than ever, we must find ways to help each other get through this unprecedented period.”
The North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) is a top-ranked nonprofit hunger-relief organization operating a state-of-the-art volunteer and distribution center in Plano. Last year, the Food Bank provided almost 77 million nutritious meals across a diverse 13-county service area serving more than 200,000 meals per day for hungry children, seniors, and families.
The need for hunger relief in North Texas is complex and in order to meet the need, the NTFB is working to increase food distribution efforts with a goal to provide access to 92 million nutritious meals annually by 2025.
Over the past 30 years, Park Place has helped more than 300 community organizations across North Texas. The company supports philanthropic efforts in the arts, medical research, children’s advocacy, and education.
Founded in 1987, Park Place operates 18 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Koenigsegg, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, McLaren, and Maserati. For more info, visit parkplace.com.
She’s that rarest of North Texas birds – an actual Arlington native!
“Born and raised right here,” says Diki Terry with an easy laugh. “I graduated James Martin High School, which is only 15 minutes west. Go Warriors!”
And while she’s still a proud supporter of the school’s black, red, and silver, she’s unabashed about her dedication to Park Place Motorcars Arlington, where she’s served as Parts Director since October 2015.
“The pace can be quite hectic at times,” she freely admits. “The key is focus. Our clients need us at the top of our game every day.”
She’s a firm believer in the power of teamwork and doesn’t miss a chance to praise the six members of her busy team. “Our team works extremely well together and we get along really well together, too,” she says. “When you’re responsible for selling, tracking and replenishing inventory, for a huge variety of vehicle models and years, things can get pretty complicated fairly quickly. But our team gets it done!”
Diki holds brief (15-minute) “tune-up” meetings every morning with her staff so they can identify challenges and solutions. “I believe in the power of team communications and being open and up-front,” she says. “You can only control what you can control, so we take it one day at a time and focus on what needs to get done.”
She came to the world of automotive parts service after stints at another local dealership where, after serving as a receptionist, her office manager approached her with an opportunity – parts administrative assistant.
She accepted and thrived in the fast-paced environment. “I was like a sponge, absorbing all the action,” she says with typical enthusiasm. “I especially liked being a backup service dispatcher, it was a blast!”
She’s also typically frank about her experience as a woman in a traditionally male role.
“This was back in the late 1990s when it was sort of weird to see a girl at the parts counter,” she says. “But once clients have confidence you know what you’re doing, it’s all systems go and really not a big deal at all.”
Her Park Place Journey
She joined Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth in 2005 as a Parts Advisor and moved up to Assistant Parts Manager in 2007. Her sunny outlook and positive attitude garnered management attention and ultimately led to her current role. She keeps her team enthused with shared book studies about practical tools to enhance culture, communication, and performance.
“We’ve studied Jon Gordon’s ‘Power of a Positive Team’ and ‘Who Moved My Cheese?’ by Spencer Johnson,” she says. “Right now, we’re on ‘The Mamba Mentality’ by Kobe Bryant and it’s great,” she adds.
In Her Spare Time
In her spare time, she gathers strength from her faith and her family: her husband of 23 years, their 19-year-old daughter and 12-year-old son. From their home base in Aledo, they jump into their Sprinter RV and head for the hills as often as they can. “We all love camping,” she chuckles.
She also acknowledges being a fan of Def Leppard. “’Hysteria’ is a great album,” she says with a smile. Seemingly on the opposite side of the cultural fence, she admits that her favorite movie is the classic weeper “Sixteen Candles.”
Some Real Advice
What advice does she have for women who’d like to explore careers in the automotive industry but feel uncertain?
“Just be yourself, go out there and be willing to learn and ask questions,” she states. “Nobody’s standing in your way. Immerse yourself in what you’re learning, figure out your niche and just keep going.”
