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Member Spotlight: Shiva Olumi, Finance Director at Park Place Lexus Plano

Self-described “misfit” marks nearly 20 years of a perfect fit with Park Place Lexus Plano

Unlike most of her generation, you won’t catch Finance Director Shiva Olumi endlessly twiddling her smartphone to update her social media status.

“I just think that if you’re on your phone all the time, you’re never really present in reality,” she says. “You run the risk of missing out on real connections. Then again, I’m a bit unorthodox anyway,” she admits with a laugh.

A first-generation Iranian-American, Olumi says that curiosity led her to accept a part-time job at the dealership while she studied for a pharmacology degree. But she credits her innate ability to look at life through a different lens that led her to consider an automotive career.

“My parents were a bit concerned because this industry didn’t fit into the career boxes of medicine or law,” she states. “But the work spoke to me and I was able to rise up the ranks. Plus, I really enjoy the industry.”

From receptionist, she moved through a variety of roles at the store, including loan car admin, ARAP, inventory specialist, new car biller, preowned biller, staff accountant, accounting manager, assistant finance manager and new car sales manager to her current role.

“Guess I just can’t stay in one place,” she smiles.

She credits mentoring by both Jordan Case (Park Place President) and Chris Brunner (her hiring manager, now Lexus Plano GM) as critical to her exploration of challenging new roles. “They helped me develop and provided me with growth opportunities. Park Place is incredibly committed to inclusion and opportunity for all,” she adds.

She sees her role as a founding member of the Women in Automotive group as a way to pay back their confidence in her.  The group’s goal, she says, is to afford opportunities and exposure to others who might not have automotive industry careers on their radar.

“It’s not just a women-only thing,” she says. “It’s an open forum to support those who might not have a mentor at their store or may just need guidance or a conversation to create hope. I’d like to see it become more inclusive but we have to start somewhere.”

She’s a travel fan, as much for the nature she enjoys getting back to, as well as the differing perspectives she encounters. Favorite destinations include New Mexico, Spain, Germany and the Middle East. Even then, she often “takes the path less traveled.”

Her motto? “Write your own manifesto about what you find as your normal.”

[picture caption — (l to r) Shiva Olumi, Finance Director, and Selena Villalobos, Business Coordinator, both with Park Place Lexus Plano.

 

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New Collection Special Edition Model Joins 2019 Jaguar XJ Line-Up

Jaguar has announced the addition of a new XJ Collection Special Edition model to the 2019 XJ model line-up. The limited-edition model celebrates the last of the current generation XJ design and offers a unique and bold blend of performance, technology and luxury. It represents the ultimate expression of the sedan’s legendary elegance and striking design.

Based on the long-wheelbase, rear-wheel-drive Jaguar XJL Supercharged model, and powered by a 470 hp 5.0-liter Supercharged V8, the XJ Collection features a range of elegant visual enhancements to the sedan’s exterior and unique details to its luxurious cabin. Just 300 examples will be produced and sold only to U.S. customers, making it one of the most exclusive versions of the XJ since the ground-breaking original was revealed in 1968. Jaguar XJ Collection vehicles are the final 300 units produced of the current generation XJ.

Exclusive interior features deliver enhanced levels of craftsmanship, elevating the iconic luxury the XJ is known for. Features include door panels with a gloss rich oak veneer with linear laser inlay, not found in any other XJ model, a wood and leather steering wheel and unique metal treadplates with ‘XJ Collection’ branding. Each will also receive an ‘XJ Collection One of 300’ intaglio on its premium leather-wrapped dashboard.

Exterior highlights include an intricately designed set of 20-inch 5 split-spoke style wheels with Satin Grey finish from the standard wheelbase XJ Supercharged model, as well as an understated ‘Collection’ badge fixed to the decklid. The XJ Collection will be available in a select choice of exterior and interior color combinations, limited to Yulong White or Santorini Black exterior paired with Ebony/Ebony or Mineral/Ivory interiors, as well as British Racing Green exterior paired with an Ebony/London Tan interior.

Standard features include Adaptive Cruise Control, 360-Degree Parking Aid, 360-Degree Surround Camera, all-season tires and an 8-speed automatic transmission.4 The standard InControl Touch Pro™ infotainment system features Meridian™ audio, a suite of connected services and Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™5* to make it easier than ever to access tailored smartphone apps using the 10-inch touchscreen.5

The new XJ Collection starts at $85,000. Contact Park Place Jaguar DFW or the new North Austin Point opening in 2020. 

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New for 2020, Land Rover Brings Back the Defender

As iconic as tea and crumpets, Land Rover’s revered Defender debuted in 1948 and instantly established itself as one of Britain’s MVEs (Most Valuable Exports). Indestructible and indefatigable, the boxy 4×4 was finally retired in 2016, much to the chagrin of SUV aficionados everywhere. (It’s been gone from American markets even longer – its lack of safety features prohibited its sale in the U.S. from 1997 on.)

But you can’t keep an icon down. The Defender is back for 2020, chock-full of sturdy protective passenger gear as well as all the rough-and-tumble goodness that made the original such a massive hit.

Before we look forward, however, let’s take a quick look back at how the legend became legendary. 

The world-famous Defender wasn’t always called “Defender.”

In 1947, with the war over, Rover’s director of engineering Maurice Wilks desperately needed a new product. Inspiration struck while he worked on his farm near Red Wharf Bay in Wales. Grabbing a stick, he scratched a design in the sand for a simple, strong, go-anywhere four-wheel-drive vehicle. Spencer, his brother (and Rover’s managing director), looked at the sketch and nodded.

The Land Rover was born, christened “Series I,” followed by Series II and III and then badged as model numbers 90,110 and 127 to represent wheelbase inches. Interestingly, it took 42 years for it to finally be christened “Defender,” which was its moniker until retirement.

Reimagined for the 21st century

The new Defender’s exterior styling carries on the original’s tall, boxy look but in a much more subtle and refined manner. A nice traditional touch – the spare wheel carrier on the rear door.

Another traditional touch – the Defender comes in two wheelbases, branded as “90” and “110” designations, which actually makes no sense because they signify, respectively, a 101.9-inch wheelbase with two-doors and a 119.0-inch wheelbase with four doors. But heritage is cool, so why not?

“The new Defender is respectful of its past but not harnessed by it,” said Gerry McGovern, Chief Design Officer, Land Rover. “This is a new Defender for a new age. Its unique personality is accentuated by its distinctive silhouette and optimum proportions, which make it both highly desirable and seriously capable – a visually compelling 4×4 that wears its design and engineering integrity with uncompromised commitment.”

While the interior isn’t so spartan that you can hose it down like the old Defender, it’s surprisingly austere, more so than other Range Rover models. That’s not to say there aren’t luxury touches – carpet floor mats offer a premium look and feel but are easily removed to reveal durable flooring beneath. Hey, this is the Defender and it’s got tradition to, well, defend. 

Toughness and durability

This new Defender is built for climbing mountain roads. Two engines are available (depending on the choice of trim level): a “mild-hybrid” six-cylinder with an electric supercharger cranking 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, or a 296-hp turbocharged four-cylinder. The eight-speed ZF automatic transmission is standard, as is permanent all-wheel drive with an electronically controlled front axle coupling to send torque forward. There’s also a two-speed transfer box for off-roading and towing (it’ll haul up to 8,200 pounds).

And this is so cool and brilliantly Land Rover – the Terrain Response system includes a Wade Sensing program that detects when you’re fording big water and automatically softens throttle response, sets the heating and ventilation to recirculate cabin air, locks the driveline and adjusts the ride height to its maximum off-road setting of 35.4-inches. For the mathematically challenged, that’s nearly three feet of clearance!

But wait, there’s more. The Wade Sensing screen on the infotainment system lets occupants observe the depth of water under the vehicle and say hi to their fishy friends. As if that’s not enough, when the Defender leaves the water, it automatically drags the brakes for a moment to clean and dry the discs. 

 

Availability

Prices start at just over $50,000 to more than $80,000 for the 110 model, with spring deliveries. Six models are available: Defender, Defender S, Defender SE, Defender HSE, Defender X and Defender First Edition.

Customers can also select from the widest range of accessories ever produced by the Land Rover brand, including a choice of four Accessory Packs: Explorer, Adventure, Country and Urban.

Get yours at:

Park Place Jaguar Land Rover DFW

1300 E State Hwy 114, Grapevine, TX 75261

(972) 295-9783

Park Place Jaguar Land Rover North Austin (Opening  2020)

13910 FM 620

Austin, TX 78717

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2020 Volvo V90 Wagon Recognized For Value

According to ALG, an industry authority on automotive residual value projections, the 2020 Volvo V90 wagon holds its value better than any car in its class. To make it official, ALG awarded the manufacturer’s wagon with the ALG Residual Value Award in the Premium Size Segment.

What is the ALG Residual Value Award?

This particular award is presented annually to the vehicle anticipated to hold its value best over a three year period, and this is the second year that the V90 as come out as champion.

When deciding, vehicles are categorized into 27 different segments and evaluated on several different parameters including used vehicle performance, brand outlook, and product competitiveness. This the ALG only considered 2020 models, making it a great resource for anyone looking to make an investment in the coming year. 

“We are incredibly proud that the V90 has received a Residual Value Award for the second year in a row,” said Anders Gustafsson, Senior Vice President Americas and President & CEO Volvo Car USA LLC. “A car purchase is one of the biggest investments a consumer makes, and this recognition gives our V90 customers confidence that they’ve made a smart decision that will retain its value for years to come.”

V90 Overview

Starting at $51,450, the 2020 V90 features a five-door, five-seat layout and features the iconic Scandinavian design that Volvo is so well known for. Key features include the “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlight design, new grille, and the Volvo Ironmark, and the expressive use of the Volvo wordmark on the tail end.  Contact Volvo Dallas to test drive yours! 

V90 Residual Value Award
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New Mercedes-Maybach GLS Announced

A pleasant surprise for spacious sedan lovers and luxury SUV drivers, Mercedes-Benz has announced the addition of the new Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC.

Imagine the body and technical savviness of the GLS with the exclusive ambiance and spacious interior of a Mercedes-Maybach.

Following a successful year in sales for the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, customers should expect nothing less with the SUV counterpart.

“Our customers normally own several different vehicles – and if they drive an SUV, we want them to drive a Mercedes-Maybach that offers them the luxury they expect from the brand,” said Martin Hülder, Head of Product Management Mercedes-Maybach. “In 2018 more Mercedes-Maybach S-Class cars were sold than ever before: one in seven S-Class models sold was a Maybach.”

Thanks to continued growth in SUVs, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS600 4MATIC welcomes drivers looking for an elevated experience.

“The SUV vehicle concept has a major advantage for the luxury segment: the high seating position,” Hülder said. “The raised position gives the occupants a different perspective of the surroundings, and many Mercedes-Maybach customers greatly appreciate this. Incidentally, a raised seating position is nothing new in the luxury segment: the grand luxury sedans of the 1930s, such as the Maybach Zeppelin, had a similar seating height for the driver and passengers, and very similar proportions.”

Clients can also expect Mercedes-Maybach subtleties designed specifically for the GLS600 SUV. If you see a Mercedes ornament on the hood of an SUV, it can only be a Mercedes-Maybach GLS600. If you need to take a nap following a long business meeting, the rear seats of the GLS600 will allow you to recline and relax.

From customizable Maybach fragrances to a dedicated Maybach drive program, drivers and passengers should all appreciate the bespoke like experience that comes with the GLS600 4MATIC. As the luxury SUV market continues to progress, the GLS600 4MATIC will definitely set itself apart from the competition.

“The brand experience goes well beyond the vehicle itself and the available services. The brand rounds off the lifestyle of its customers with various accessories,” Hülder said. “The licensing partner Maybach – Icons of Luxury produces exclusive collections accompanying the brand, and individual accessories that perfectly complement the individual models–for example travel bags, sunglasses, leatherwear and home accessories.”

For more information on how you can begin the Mercedes-Maybach SUV experience, please contact your local Park Place Motorcars dealerships today.

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GLS, GLC, GLA, and GLE- Oh My: the Mercedes-Benz SUV Line-Up Explained

Mercedes-Benz SUVs are Ready for Primetime and Park Place is here to help explain what all your options may be- including a preview of the brand-new GLB hitting the showrooms later this season.

As families continue to grow and experiences continue to evolve, SUV popularity continues to rise. There may be many questions you have about SUVs that other shoppers have as well.

What SUV provides ample legroom for my children? Which SUV can I pack as much traveling equipment for my next family adventure? What dream SUV can I afford for myself? Well, Park Place can help simplify your purchasing decision by sharing everything you need to know about the Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup.

The Minimalist: 2020 GLA

Does your child need a car to return back to school after the holiday break? Are you a recent college graduate who is ready for an upgrade? Well, the Mercedes-Benz GLA250 is a perfect gift. Have you ever bought a car and realized, “Wow, I really didn’t need all that space after all.” You won’t get that feeling when buying the GLA. In a great way, the GLA is the studio apartment of SUVs. The GLA has enough space for one with room for visitors and offers minimal costs of ownership with proper maintenance. The GLA’s compact simplicity sets this vehicle apart from many entry-level vehicles.

And don’t worry about your college kid driving their sorority sisters to campus. Front-seat occupants will sit fairly comfortable with a maximum of two additional spots for rear-seat passengers. If GLA drivers travel without passengers, one can fold down the rear seats and appreciate about 43 cubic feet of cargo space. That’s enough space for two weeks of groceries! Any driver of this model will appreciate the fuel efficiency, with an estimated 24 miles per gallon (MPG) in the city and up to 34 MPG on the highway.

Models available: GLA250

The Career Climber: 2020 GLC

You’ve been at your job for a few years and are starting to get recognized for your success. For anyone looking for a vehicle to match their career climb, the GLC should strongly be considered. The back-to-back #1 ranked Luxury Compact SUV by U.S. News, the GLC has a sleek interior cabin including a variety of modern tech features. Drivers will enjoy a four-cylinder engine with a 9-speed transmission that offers a smooth, fuel-efficient ride during your work commute. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will also allow you to text friends using handsfree Smartphone Integration your way to happy hour.

Models available: GLC300, AMG GLC43, AMG GLC63

The Game Changer: 2020 GLE

Now you are managing professionals at work and your kids at home. You need an SUV that exudes your inner style. The SUV you can take co-workers to lunch during the day and the family to dinner during the evening is the GLE350.

A full redesign of the luxury midsize SUV formerly known as the ML, has already drawn rave reviews from U.S. News (#1 in Luxury Midsize SUVs). We even previewed back in April that the GLE was going to be a game-changer. Consumers have loved the exquisite exterior design adding swagger to their driveways. The MBUX infotainment has made engaging with your car a fun experience that introduces touchscreen and voice interaction. The GLE interior comfort will have you wishing you had a driver to chauffeur you and your passengers (there’s even an option for a third row!).

Models available: GLE350, GLE450, AMG GLE63

The Next Top Model: 2020 GLS

For the first time in seven years, the 2020 GLS (formerly known as the GL) saw a full makeover. The last time the full-size SUV had a full makeover, MotorTrend named the vehicle the SUV of the Year. Good things tend to repeat themselves and the GLS does that with various exterior and interior upgrades. A huge and anticipated enhancement to the GLS are the second-row captain’s chairs. The standard three-row Mercedes-Benz SUV adds additional legroom for rear-seat passengers to relax and enjoy the ride. The ride itself features a powerful drive with a calm persona that adjusts to various road conditions. An exterior makeover provides a beautiful touch for an SUV that’s rugged enough to have a towing capacity up to 7,700 pounds.

Models available: GLS450

The Legend: 2019 G-Wagon

Even the timeless G-Wagon revealed all-new vibes with the 2019 model release. New enhancements are found with the cool cockpit displays to the elaborate exterior finishes. Every G-Wagon retains its iconic shape with chiseled strength protecting all occupants. Whether you are roaming the wild or cruising in the city, the G-Wagon is still an attention grabber and will be for decades to come.

Models available: G550

 

SUV Variants Explained:

Also, keep in mind these variances as your shopping for your Mercedes SUV:

  • 4MATIC: any model with the 4MATIC designation is an all-wheel-drive vehicle. When you consider a 4MATIC vehicle, think of all 4 wheels working together to make you go.
  • Coupe: If four doors are too many, will two doors work? The GLC and GLE models offer coupe versions if there’s enhanced interest in a sportier version.
  • Mercedes-AMG: any model with AMG in its name boasts higher performance and extra packages, leading to a higher value. The AMG designation is not to be confused with AMG design packages. (no Mercedes-AMG GLA available for 2020 at time of article)

Stay tuned as we continue to reveal all new upgrades and additions to the Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup, including the GLB series. If you have interest in a new Mercedes-Benz SUV, view one the new models available at one of our four Park Place Motorcars locations in Arlington, Dallas, Fort Worth and Grapevine.

 

 

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#GiveAmazing: Lexus Launches Winter Campaign with Community Spin

It’s back! Lexus is back with their big red bows, a showroom staple for the holiday season, and their 19th year of the December to Remember campaign.  But- there’s a twist this year and we have to admit, we are fond of their new direction..”The Excitement of Giving.”

Earlier this month Lexus debuted three commercials, all showing how the gift of an award-winning Lexus offers amazing experiences throughout the entire year, and the excitement that comes from gifting these exceptional vehicles to loved ones.

“This time of year is full of joy, magic and cherished family traditions that last well beyond the gift-giving season,” said Cooper Ericksen, Lexus vice president of marketing. “We wanted to capture this idea that a ‘December to Remember’ with Lexus has the potential to create unforgettable moments that last all year round.”

This year, it’s truly all about the experience and the joyful moments created from one decision and a red bow. The three spots you’ll see are called “Memories” “Celebrations” and “Joy” and they all tell a different story from varying perspectives including Valentine’s Day, Halloween a summer quinceanera, Easter, and moving a new student into their college dorm room to name a few. “Joy” is previewed below.

#GiveAmazing- Extending December to Remember with the Community in Mind

Now, we shift from the joyful moments created by their line-up and to the moments their dealer teams create to give back to their communities. Starting on November 22, Lexus will share stories of giving back and issue a challenge to their dealer network and clientele. 

 

Use the #GiveAmazing on social media with your own act of kindness this season, and Lexus will donate $10 to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America- up to $100,000.

 

So now it’s up to us! Park Place Lexus Plano and Park Place Lexus Grapevine will continue their community support throughout the end of the year by encouraging their members to go the extra mile to give back.

Specifically, Lexus Plano will be raising funds for the Children’s Advocacy Center during their Thanksgiving Celebration with members, and are “Adopting Angels” and will send a team to shop for at least 16 children this holiday season. Park Place Lexus Grapevine is collection Toys for Tots through mid-December. Clients are encouraged to also drop toys for donation to the dealership.

If you are interested in giving back with us this holiday season, be sure to snap a photo or video of your toy delivery, community event, or philanthropy (no act is too small!), share to social media with #GiveAmazing and #ParkPlaceCares and your act of kindness will go even further thanks to Lexus!

 

 

 

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We’re Not Done Yet: Park Place Motorsports Enters Race for Final Push for Porsche Cup

Park Place Motorsports enters the Hankook 24 Hours of COTA at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, with drivers Alan Brynjolfsson, Trent Hindman, Spencer Pumpelly, and a fourth driver.

This week’s race will be the first undertaking of the 24 Hours of COTA for Dallas based Park Place Motorsports. The inspiration to log additional miles in 2019 comes after Brynjolfsson regained the lead in the Porsche Cup standings after winning both SprintX West race in the SRO Pirelli GT4 America finale. German competitor Christian Reid now finds himself sandwiched between Brynjolfsson and Hindman, as Hindman respectively sits third.

The duo joined by Pumpelly will hope to upset the 24-Hour field and take home a win to offset the points potentially earned by Reid in the FIA WEC 4 Hours of Shanghai, which takes place Sunday, Nov. 10. An excellent finish could tip the scales in Brynjolfsson’s favor and give him the Porsche Cup win as well as a new Porsche 992. If Hindman hangs on to his current standing, he will take home a €25,000 Euro check.

The lineup will run the No. 73 Porsche 911 GT3 R, generation I, as opposed to the current generation II model, the team ran this season in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. While it will be a first for both Hindman and Brynjolfsson to be behind the wheel of a Porsche 911 GT3 R, it won’t be the first time they dominated at COTA. Brynjolfsson and Hindman took home two wins in the Pirelli GT4 America SprintX East series in early March for the kickoff of the 2019 SRO America season.

The weekend begins with private testing on Thursday, Nov. 14, followed by official practice on Friday, Nov. 15. GT Qualifying also takes place Friday with the 45-minute session set to go green at 3 p.m. CT. Friday concludes with night practice taking place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, sees the course go green for the first half of the 24-Hour race. The green flag drops at 11:30 a.m. with Part 1 coming to a close at 10:30 p.m. The final 13 hours begin Sunday, Nov. 17, at 8 a.m., with the checkered flag officially falling at 9 p.m. local. Watch Qualifying and the race live on the 24Hour Series YouTube page.

TEAM QUOTES

Alan Brynjolfsson

“No pressure, this next race will be pure enjoyment,” Brynjolfsson said. “I get to finally drive and experience the superior power, braking and downforce of a GT3 car; something that I can’t believe I haven’t done yet. I’m jumping right in with a 24-hour race, but I’m backed by some awesome co-drivers; Trent Hindman, Spencer Pumpelly and Richard Heistand. My only worry is I’ll get hooked and have to double my budget for next year.”

Trent Hindman

“Fortunately, the Park Place Motorsports/VOLT team had spent some time at COTA earlier this year with the Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport MR,” Hindman said. “It’s a technically demanding track where seat time usually reigns supreme. Having that recent experience of running there will help with Alan’s transition into a GT3 car for the first time. It’s awesome to be a part of his progression and I think he will adapt very well to the pace of the car. It’s just nice to have the band back together for one last time in 2019.”

Richard Heistand

“This will be my first time at COTA and in a Porsche GT3 R,” Heistand said. “As you can imagine I’m excited for the new experience and for the opportunity with Alan, Patrick (Lindsey) and Park Place have given me. When I returned to racing in 2018, I competed in Porsche Supercup so while the GT3 R is new to me, racing with Porsche is not and I’m very happy to be back in the Porsche family where it all started.”

Spencer Pumpelly

“The 24-hour race at COTA will be my first time running this event and my first time driving with Alan and Trent,” Pumpelly said. “I’m looking forward to giving it a strong go and hopefully a top finish. The car is the one I raced in the Petit Le Mans in 2018 and I have a long history with Park Place. I know what each is capable of so if we can avoid the pitfalls that can lurk in any 24-hour race, we should do well. “

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#BalmoresPlace: Dreaming of a Brighter Future

El Salvador’s Balmore Salmeron Dreamed of a Brighter Future and Found it at Park Place.

Newest “My Place” video spotlights promote-from-within culture at Park Place Dealerships

Soft spoken, thoughtfully articulate and almost always smiling, Balmore Salmeron dismisses praise about his life’s achievements with uncharacteristic modesty.

“I’m not special,” he says. “I just did what I needed to do.”

But the facts are undeniable: When he came to this country from his native El Salvador in 2001, he had no official education degree, just some university computer science training. While he could read and write a little English, his speaking skills – and thus better job opportunities – were slim.

He was, however, eager to prove himself. And Park Place was just as eager to give the young man a leg up in his adopted country.

“My mother-in-law had a friend in the detailing department at Park Place Lexus Grapevine, so I was referred and hired,” he says. “I worked on cars during the day and on my communications skills at night.”

Three years later, his managers rewarded Balmore’s determination with a promotion to the dealership’s service drive, where a quick understanding of client needs along with a cheerful and professional demeanor are must-haves.

By this time, he was also taking accounting courses, since he’d always felt comfortable with the language of numbers and figures. And knowing that Park Place likes to promote from within, he kept his eye on potential internal opportunities.

“To be better than yesterday – that’s something we should always strive for,” he says.

Nearly two years later, he found what looked like a fit when an internal financial analyst position opened up. At each step of the interview process – and there were a lot of steps – he impressed managers with his gumption and positive attitude. But he worried that he didn’t have the necessary skills.

He didn’t need to.

“We hire for attitude and determination,” declares his manager, Park Place Controller David Orenstein. “If a great candidate has that, like Balmore, then we can provide all the training they need.”

“The Park Place philosophy is about helping members improve and move up,” confirms Balmore. 

Since then, he’s been instrumental in refining the company’s accounting processes to be faster and more accurate – always a good thing when it comes to numbers.

He became a U.S. citizen in 2010, completed his accounting degree at Richland College in 2014 and embodies the idea that, with hearty backing from your organization, you can achieve your dreams.

So all in all, it’s pretty clear why Balmore calls Park Place “My Place.”

“America is a dream of freedom, built around the idea that one person can make a difference,” he says. “For me, Park Place is my place because I’m a part of something great and they’ve helped me to achieve my dreams.”

To Apply for a Career at Park Place Dealerships, visit www.ParkPlace.com/Careers

Ken Schnitzer founded Park Place Dealerships in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn. Today, Park Place Dealerships employs more than 2,100 people and operates 17 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, McLaren, and Maserati. For more info, visit parkplace.com.

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Park Place Wins Cape Day Challenge Benefiting Children’s Health

Park Place Dealerships had the winning design for Children’s Health Cape Day which honors the real superheroes who fight courageously against illness and injury every day.

As one of eight companies that competed in a friendly battle for the best design, Park Place created a cape that allows young patients to make a powerful and personal statement by finishing the heroic statement, “I am…” with their own words. Park Place’s design will be printed on this year’s cape, which will be delivered to patients at Children’s Health this week.

“This was a fun and creative opportunity to work with Children’s Health,” said Dave Evans, Chief Marketing Officer of Park Place Dealerships. “Everyone at Park Place is excited to see the kids proudly wearing our design on their capes. We hope our small part in this event brings a lot of joy to kids who have an illness or injury.”

Kids at Children’s Health will sport their capes Thursday, Nov. 7 to raise awareness for all the patients fighting for a better tomorrow. Cape Day’s Bash on the Boardwalk also will be held Friday, November 8th from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at The Boardwalk at Granite Park in Plano to celebrate Children’s Health patient superheroes.

Donate at Cape!

For a $20 donation to Children’s Health, anyone can purchase a cape for themselves or a patient. The donation also qualifies the buyer to be a member of the Red Balloon League, a group of people helping superheroes in the hospital. Proceeds from Cape Day will help fund patient and support services, research, and new equipment. To purchase a cape, visit Give.Childrens.com.

Park Place Dealerships employs more than 2,100 people and operates 17 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, McLaren, Maserati, and Karma. For more info, visit parkplace.com.