Community – Page 15 – Park Place Dealerships

January 19, 2016January 23, 2016

Bentley Dallas’ Special Day with a Special Hometown WW II Veteran

Bentley Dallas was bestowed with the ultimate honor of driving and escorting Tuskegee Airman Staff Sergeant Homer Hogues and his family in the annual Martin Luther King Day parade.
We met the 88-year-old young man and his family on a sunny yet chilly morning in South Dallas. He arrived to the awaiting 2016 Bentley Continental GTC via Dallas Police escort.

Two officers helped him get settled in, while he took it all in. He didn’t say much, but his big smile said everything.

Staff Sergeant Hogues was truly amazed and impressed. He looked around, feeling the beautiful intricately stitched burgundy leather seats.

Brian Simmons, sales experience manager at Bentley Dallas, was his driver and escort for the parade.

Brian made sure to adjust the seats for Staff Sergeant Hogues, and did everything necessary to make sure he enjoyed the day in ultimate luxury and comfort.

Staff Sergeant Hogues’ story is as intriguing as the man himself. While sitting in the Bentley, awaiting the start of the parade he was greeted by countless admirers including Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, Dallas City Council members, ROTC cadets, as well as members of the military. They stopped by to shake his hand, salute him, say hello, and thank him for his service.

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson stopped by to say hello to Staff Sergeant Hogues.

Staff Sergeat Hogues’ career with the Tuskegee Airmen started shortly after graduating high school. He was drafted into the military, and saw this as an opportunity to better himself and serve his country.

He was assigned to the famous 99th Fighter Squadron 332nd Fighter Group at Lockbourne Air Force Base in Columbus, Ohio as an airplane mechanic. During this time Benjamin O. Davis Jr, the first African-American general officer in the U.S. Air Force, was the commanding officer. He was also Staff Sgt. Hogues’ teacher, who became a mentor, and now the two men worked together. Benjamin O. Davis Jr. a 4-Star General went on to work at the White House, in the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Staff Sgt. Hogues, worked on P-47 Thunderbird planes, with pilots like “Chappy” James, who helped win World War II. He was proud of what he did, and says when the Tuskegee Airmen pilots would return from missions, mechanics and ground crew awaited with tremendous pride.

Hogues returned to Texas in 1949 and applied for a job at Braniff airlines. Despite his experience as an airplane mechanic, he was told by Braniff that if he wanted a job, he could clean planes, sweep floors, or pick up trash. At this time, he regretted leaving the Air Force.

In 2008, President George W. Bush awarded a Congressional Medal of Honor to the Tuskegee Airmen.

“We (the family) didn’t find out he (Staff Sergeant Hogues) was an Airman until 2009, after the medals were given out in Washington D.C.” said daughter Barbara Hogues. “We run into a lot of families with the same story,” continued Barbara, “Daddy said when he got out of the military and everyone acted like nothing special had been done, then he thought no one wanted to know about the Tuskegee Airmen. He didn’t talk about the military. At our schools, they didn’t teach us about the Tuskegee Airmen. That’s why I’m so glad God blessed him to live long enough to see this day. Even though he wasn’t a pilot, his duty of airplane mechanic was just as important. I take him out now for all the Airmen who didn’t get a chance to see this day.”

After retiring in 1995, Staff Sergeant Hogues continues being recognized for his service.

He also participates in events and speaking engagements representing the US Air Force and Tuskegee Airmen, his love and pride for family and country is immeasurable.

Being a Tuskegee Airman, Staff Sgt. Hogues has been invited by US Presidents to be participate in parades, including the Presidential Inaugural Parade for President Harry S. Truman in 1949. President Obama also extended a personal invite to Staff Sgt. Hogues to be in a parade, which Hogues gladly accepted. Hogues says the biggest difference in the two parades decades apart is how he and the African-Americans were treated. The Tuskegee Airmen, the first all African-American squadron in the US Military, were put up to sleep in a plane hangar when in town for President Truman’s parade. Hogues said, “It was so so so cold!” as he hugged himself and shivered.

Staff Sergeant Hogues and his family were also invited to dinner at the Governor’s mansion by former Texas Governor Rick Perry.

After the MLK Parade, Staff Sergeant Hogues and his family spent time with the team at Park Place Premier Collection.

Park Place Premier Collection General Manager Heath Strayhan with Staff Sergeant Hogues.

Park Place Premier Collection General Manager Heath Strayhan and Sales Experience Manager Brian Simmons with Staff Sergeant Hogues.

Park Place Premier Collection Sales Experience Manager Brian Simmons with Staff Sergeant Hogues.

It was a real treat to hear his stories and spend the day with this incredible man, his wife, and daughter! Thank you for your service Staff Sergeant Hogues.

For more information about Bentley or to schedule a test drive, please contact:
Malcolm Gage at Bentley Dallas 844-745-8538 or MGage@10.2.54.33

January 8, 2016January 23, 2016

Meet the Man Behind the Wheel of Park Place Premier Collection

A corner office with a view is great, but Heath Strayhan prefers an office with a view of high-end European luxury vehicles. Originally from Calgary, Canada, he now calls Texas home and is the General Manager of Park Place Premier Collection.

Heath’s high-energy leadership style and high-expectations from his team are befitting of the Premier Collection’s brands and the clients they serve. “Our members (employees) know what is expected of them and are given the autonomy to execute at a high level,” says Heath.

From Bentley and Rolls-Royce to McLaren and Maserati, the Premier Collection is home to high-end vehicles that exude an air of exclusivity. It’s also the premier destination for clients who want the best of the best, and Heath and his team are ready to deliver.

Getting to where he is today took a lot of hard work and dedication. After graduating from SMU with a degree in Economics with Financial Applications, Heath was recruited by Nissan to work as a collections representative. Shortly thereafter, he went to work for Mercedes-Benz Credit Corp as an analyst.

Having been immersed in the automotive industry for a while, Heath turned his attention to Park Place Dealerships. He saw the company as “a forward-thinking organization that was becoming more involved in internet sales,” and he saw a lot of potential for the future.

Starting in sales at Mercedes-Benz, he quickly transitioned to Bentley, Rolls-Royce, and Maserati in 2005 when they introduced their new models. “I have a passion for our brands and this business” says Heath, “and the fact that the parent manufacturers have continued to invest in these brands has helped foster the growth of our organization.”

Seventeen years later, he is behind the wheel of the most prestigious dealership in DFW. With Heath on board, Park Place Premier Collection has won numerous awards including the top honors of 2014 McLaren International Dealer of the Year and 2013 Rolls-Royce North American Dealer of the Year.

2013 Rolls-Royce North American Dealer of the Year Award Recipient

In the Summer of 2015, Park Place Premier Collection received National attention when Heath and his team, along with Make A Wish, and Bugatti granted a 7-year-old boy his wish to ride in a $3-Million Bugatti Veyron.

Read the Bugatti Make-A-Wish story here.

Furthermore, Heath is the North American representative on Bentley Academy Dealer Board and the Southern Region representative on Rolls-Royce Dealer Board.

In his free time he plays men’s league hockey on a team called the Beavers. Family time includes attending volleyball and lacrosse tournaments with his wife and 3 children. Working on home improvement project also helps him unwind. And, Heath is a supporter of the March of Dimes, as his daughters were born premature.

So what’s the secret to Heath’s success? “Park Place is a standout organization in our industry. In that, you should be prepared to engage in your career at an incomparable level and understand that what works for others may not work for us.”

December 23, 2015December 23, 2015

Toys for Tots & Good Cheer for All

Tis the season to give back, and give they did. What started out as a toy drive for Toys for Tots turned into a shopping spree for the Park Place Motorcars Grapevine team.

The generosity didn’t end with toy donations- collecting 3 full boxes of toys, many associates donated money. Word spread like wildfire and more donations came pouring in.

Having raised nearly One-Thousand Dollars, their efforts didn’t go unnoticed. General Manager Robert “Santa” Hinkle saw the generosity and determination of his associates to give Toys for Tots as much as they could, so he personally matched the monetary donations.

The team, including Santa Hinkle himself, channeled their inner child and went toy shopping.

Carts, filled to the brim, overflowing with toys zigzagged through the aisles. From dolls, to stuffed animals, to bicycles no item was too big or too small.

The excitement in the store was contagious as Santa and his elves shopped for kids, anticipating the excitement on their faces on Christmas Morning.

At the end of the day, Park Place Motorcars Grapevine delivered a Sprinter van FULL of toys to Toys for Tots.

Although the toy drive just wrapped up, we’re already looking forward to the next one. The experience and the coming-together as a team to benefit the community was a fun and unforgettable experience.

December 16, 2015December 16, 2015

Park Place Motorcars Arlington Grand Opening Celebration

Park Place Dealerships recently celebrated the grand opening of its new Mercedes-Benz dealership at I-20 and Collins in Arlington. The fête attracted more than 750 guests, who also brought hundreds of toys to donate to the Boys & Girls Club of Arlington.

“When we opened our first Mercedes-Benz dealership in 1987, we had 128 members (employees),” said Ken Schnitzer, chairman of Park Place Dealerships. “Today, we have more than 2,000 members across 18 dealerships. With the opening of Park Place Motorcars Arlington, our fourth Mercedes-Benz dealership in North Texas, we’ve added another 76 members and expect that number to grow.”

The University of Texas at Arlington drumline lined the entrance to the new dealership as guests arrived, setting the tempo for a spirited evening.

The party spread throughout the dealership and on to the service drive as guests mixed and mingled and sampled a variety of scrumptious fare from area restaurants, including Blue Mesa, the Melting Pot, Lombardi’s Taverna, Andalous Mediterranean Grill and Chamas do Brazil.

Libations ranged from classic Hendricks Gin and modern Reyka Solerno martinis to Krombacher beer and Robert Mondavi wines.

The Mercedes-Benz Club of America – Fort Worth Section brought several classic cars to the party, including a 1960 Mercedes-Benz 220 SE Cabriolet owned by Cecile & DJ de Jesus, which was prominently displayed in the new car showroom next to a 2016 AMG SL63 Retractable Hardtop Convertible.

The Jennifer Baldwin Combo entertained guests with soothing jazz in one of the two new car showrooms.

Guests glammed it up in the photo booth and savored frozen treats by Frost 321. Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams set the stage for comfortable relaxation with custom seating in The Star Lounge After-Party, featuring Drambuie cocktails and V-gars along with decadent desserts from Nothing Bundt Cakes. DJ Andre had guests dancing into the night to classic hits and soul music.

Park Place Motorcars Arlington features two showrooms designed to showcase 16 new vehicles, a shop with 35 service bays and 10 make ready bays, as well as a beautiful client lounge and a private kids playroom. In 2016, Mercedes-Benz is introducing 10 new vehicles in the U.S.; including a new four-door mid-sized SUV, several new diesel models, a plug-in hybrid C-Class and a sleek new SLK roadster.

For more information about a new or pre-owned Mercedes-Benz, please contact:

Richard Wasson, New Car Sales Director at (817) 807-4811; RWasson@10.2.54.33

Joel Moss, Pre-Owned Sales Director at (817) 807-4812; JMoss@10.2.54.33

December 11, 2015

ICE! Experience at Gaylord Texan

Make the ICE! experience at the Gaylord Texan a part of your holiday season with these great savings exclusively for Park Place Lexus owners.

From now through January 3, 2016, experience Christmas Around the World- an international holiday treat brought to life in an interactive world of colorful ice sculptures and 20-foot ice slides carved entirely from 2-million pounds of ice by visiting artisans from Harbin, China.

Valet Parking

Park Place Lexus owners receive a $10 discount on valet parking when you drive your Lexus to ICE! Self-parking for Lexus drivers is complimentary.

General Admission Ticket Discount

Park Place Lexus owners receive 20% discount* for ICE! tickets by using the promo code PARKPLACELEXUS. Get your tickets to THE event of the holiday season here.

*Please note the following restrictions on the discount.

Offer is valid for admission from November 12 – December 18.
Offer is not valid for Saturday admission.
Offer subject to availability, not redeemable for cash & cannot be combined with any other offers

Glass Cactus

As a Park Place Lexus owner, you also receive complimentary valet parking for your Lexus at the Glass Cactus, the Gaylord Texan’s exclusive nightclub and live music venue.

December 1, 2015December 3, 2015

Friendly Competition Benefits Tarrant Area Food Bank

Nearly 2-tons of food were donated to the Tarrant Area Food Bank, thanks to the amazing efforts by the team at Park Place Motorcars FW. When General Manager George Johnson issued a challenge to his team members, they rose to the occasion. And George- well, he had to go shopping!

Two teams competed to see who can collect the most canned goods, and encourage others to do the same. As donations trickled in, George upped the ante: he’ll go out and buy enough canned goods to match all the donations.

That spurred an outpour of donations, with 1,819 food items collected. George was excited to go shopping! He brought in a heavy-duty Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van for the shopping trip.

It was off to the grocery store. Going through the aisles and loading the cart with boxes of canned goods, it looked a lot like the old TV show “Supermarket Sweep.”

With help from the store associates and Park Place team members, they loaded up the Sprinter van.

The Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth team delivered over THREE-THOUSAND pounds of food to the Tarrant Area Food Bank. 3,557 pounds or 1.78 tons to be exact.

December 1, 2015December 1, 2015

$50,000 Cash Left Behind in a Mercedes-Benz

Service technician Juan Ibarra was working on a Mercedes-Benz SL550, that Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth received as a trade-in, when he discovered a bag in the trunk. When he opened the bag he saw stacks of $100 bills.
“I jumped back like I’d seen a snake,” said Ibarra. “My first thought was, ‘is this dirty money?’ I immediately took it to my service director. Nobody wanted to touch it. We didn’t even count it.”

“Juan has always been a real ‘go-to’ guy,” said George Johnson, General Manager at Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth. “He’s a man of the highest integrity. I’m very proud of him.”

Juan Ibarra with Park Place Motorcars FW General Manager- George Johnson

“It never even crossed my mind to take any of the money,” said Ibarra. “We just wanted to find out who the money belonged to and get it back to them.”

It took about a week before the owner was tracked down. Turns out he was a bail bondsman and the cash didn’t exactly belong to him either. The money was given to him for a bond. Needless to say, he was very relieved to get it back.

After counting the money, he confirmed that all $50,000 was accounted for and was thankful someone honest had found it. “About a month later the guy came back with a nice card and some money in it,” said Ibarra. “The card was enough for me. He was very grateful.”

November 27, 2015November 30, 2015

McIlveen Brings International Flair and Caring Heart to Auto Industry

Mariza McIlveen of Grand Prairie didn’t imagine a career in the automotive industry for herself. She started out in the hospitality industry working for luxury hotels. But she quickly found her passion was for helping people grow in their careers. “I was born and raised in Sri Lanka,” said McIlveen. “I went to high school in Singapore and college in Hawaii. I got into the hospitality field because my Dad was a pilot for Singapore Airlines, and he always pictured his little girl in the hotel business. I worked hotel operations for the first part of my career, and discovered that I enjoyed helping people grow. I would hire front desk agents and mentor them. Watching a few move on to do big things in their career, I decided I wanted to be in Human Resources. It gives me great pleasure to give people the chance to get into a great company and grow.”

McIlveen started at Park Place Dealerships in 2014, and was recently named Human Resources Manager for the new Park Place Motorcars Arlington, which opened November 2, 2015. “I am a certified HR professional,” continued McIlveen. “My goal each day is to make sure that I have taken care of our members’ (employees) needs, and that I am available to lend a hand or ear. My goal is to create a fun work environment for the new dealership… to help it grow and be recognized for its ‘can do’ attitude.”

When asked what advice she would share with women considering a career in the automotive industry, McIlveen replied, “Everyone at Park Place is very respectful and I have never felt out of place. They’ve been eager to share their knowledge with me. We even have one of the first female Mercedes-Benz parts managers in Texas, and one of a very few in the country. Park Place offers ongoing training for our members to advance.”

Empowering women to succeed in the automotive industry is just one of many intriguing stories you’ll find among the “experts in excellence” at Park Place Motorcars Arlington.

November 16, 2015November 20, 2015

Park Place Lexus Grapevine Takes Service to New Heights

The all-new 2016 Lexus RX 350, sits in an equally brand new, state-of-the-art showroom at Park Place Lexus Grapevine. The newly renovated dealership is getting ready to reveal more exciting renovations this week.

Our new, expansive service drive is now open!

The new service drive has 4 lanes to better accommodate our clients, and if you’re stopping-in for a car wash, be sure to pull into the exclusive “Car Wash” lane furthest to the right.

After you drop off your vehicle, enjoy the newly renovated client lounge with Admiral Club- which includes a kids play room and a TV. Grab a snack, or enjoy a cappuccino from our state-of-the-art coffee machine- that we bet rivals some coffee shops in town.

While you enjoy the Lexus lounge, your Lexus is also in for a luxurious experience in our brand new, top of the line car wash.

Have errands to run, but your car needs service? Great news! We just expanded our fleet of loan cars, so you won’t miss a beat while our Certified Lexus Technicians work on your car.

Add Park Place Lexus Grapevine to your list of things to experience. We’re excited about our latest renovations, and additions. We invite you to come experience it for yourself.

For more information about a new or pre-owned Lexus, please contact:

Charles Owen, New Car Sales Director at (817) 416-3130; cowen3@10.2.54.33

Juan Puentes, Pre-Owned Sales Director at (817) 416-3308; JPuentes@10.2.54.33

November 16, 2015December 21, 2015

Park Place Tailgating Fun With Southlake-Carroll Dragons

Park Place Lexus and Motorcars Grapevine have been a proud sponsor of the Southlake-Carroll Dragons for 5-years. Carroll High School and the Dragons Football are near and dear to alum Matt Woolsey, Park Place Lexus Grapevine General Manager. We love tailgating with the amazing Dragons fans, and they get in on the fun as well.

From weekly tailgating party giveaways to theme spirit nights, Park Place has our clients covered in true Southlake-Carroll fashion. From t-shirts to green flashing rings, the Dragon spirit is hard to miss.

Mike Roberts- largest tailgate party winner November 6, 2015

Amy McBride- largest tailgate party winner November 13, 2015

Fun contests and scratch off tickets provide fun prizes from a free car wash to weekend use of a fun new Lexus or Mercedes-Benz.

The Dirty Car Contest is always a hit and allows us to engage with the fans. While everyone’s tailgating, we drive around and find the dirtiest vehicle. It is then featured on the big screen during half-time and the owner walks away with a complimentary detail from Park Place Lexus and Motorcars Grapevine.

Don’t miss us at the next Southlake-Carroll game, you could win fun prizes! Happy tailgating, and Go Dragons!

For more information about a new or pre-owned Lexus or Mercedes-Benz, please contact:

Park Place Lexus Grapevine:

Charles Owen, New Car Sales Director at, (817) 416-3130; cowen3@10.2.54.33

Juan Puentes, Pre-Owned Sales Director at, (817) 416-3308; JPuentes@10.2.54.33

Park Place Motorcars Grapevine:

Matthew McPherson, New Car Sales Director at, (817) 310-7361; MMcPherson@10.2.54.33

Joseph Turner, Lead Pre-Owned Sales Manager at, (817) 310-7362; JTurner@10.2.54.33