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GARY VENNER INDUCTED INTO CARROLL ISD ATHLETIC HALL OF HONOR

Gary Venner, Park Place Jaguar-Land Rover DFW general manager, was recently inducted into the Carroll ISD Athletics Hall of Honor for achievements in baseball, track, and football. He graduated from a class of only 53 students at Southlake High School in 1976.

Other Class of 2020 Hall of Honor inductees included:

  • Shannon McGowan, Class of 1977, Track & Field
  • Shelly Adamcik, Class of 1999, Volleyball/Track
  • Jessa Vacek, Class of 2001, Track & Field
  • Doug Strickland, Fan/Supporter
  • Justin Leonard, 2004 – Present, Cross Country Coach
  • 2004 Golf Team

“I’ve been part of some very successful teams,” said Venner. “I was catcher at Ranger Junior College in 1978 when we won the NJCAA World Series. There was not a single player good enough to carry the team and win that title. But together we achieved something remarkable.” 

Venner also played baseball at the University of Texas, where his team finished fifth in the College World Series in 1979. He was drafted by the Texas Rangers in 1980. He played and coached four seasons for minor league clubs in North Carolina, Colorado and Iowa.

“I worked off season selling cars,” explained Venner. “I was making more money in the car business than I was playing professional baseball. I spent the next 18 years at Hudiburg Chevy before joining Park Place in 2003. I was named General Manager of Lexus Plano the next year. Then I was GM at Lexus Grapevine from 2007 to 2014.” 

In 2005, Venner was part of the team that helped Park Place Lexus win the Malcolm Baldrige Award, the nation’s highest presidential honor for performance excellence. Park Place Lexus was the first automobile dealer to ever win the prestigious award. 

“Winning the Malcolm Baldrige Award was a high point in my career,” he said. “It’s not what I achieved, but what we achieved together as a team that makes me proud. Just like in athletics, I’ve made life-long friends working in the car business; both with the people I’ve worked with and the relationships I’ve been blessed to cultivate with clients who I now consider friends first.” 

Venner served as president of Park Place Dealerships from 2014 – 2017, but he missed the one-on-one interactions at the dealership level. He returned to Lexus Grapevine as GM, then in 2019, he became GM for Park Place Jaguar-Land Rover DFW in Grapevine.

“I reached the pinnacle of the career ladder and realized it wasn’t what really made me happy,” he explained. “I love the day to day operations of the car business. I always have. I enjoy working with my team to achieve our goals while helping them grow as individuals. Most of all, I love helping clients realize their dreams when it comes to their car ownership experience.”

Gary is married to Kayla Venner, a former second grade teacher at Southlake Elementary School. In November, the couple will celebrate 40 years of marriage. They raised their children (Morgan, 31, and Colton 27) in Colleyville. 

Park Place Jaguar-Land Rover is located on the south side of East State Highway 114 in Grapevine. The dealership has been the recipient of the Pride of Jaguar Retailer Excellence Award for the past three years in a row. Park Place Dealerships has been named among the “Top 100 Places to Work” by the Dallas Morning News for the past nine consecutive years. Park Place Dealerships also ranked in the top 10 for corporations in Dallas/Fort Worth and was named the best company for training.

Park Place Dealerships was founded in 1987. For the past 34 years, the company has been engaged in the community through its support of the arts, medical research, children’s advocacy and education. Park Place Dealerships employs more than 1,400 members and operates eight full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, and Land Rover. For more info, visit parkplace.com.

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Park Place Joins Dallas Area Habitat For Humanity To Welcome The Salmeron Family To Their New Home

Park Place Dealerships recently joined Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity to welcome Rosemary and Wilber Salmeron to their new home in Dallas. After nearly six months of construction, the Salmerons were given the keys to their new home and a housewarming gift from Park Place.

Breaking ground last October, more than 160 Park Place members spent 10 weeks transforming the home from a blank slab as they raised the first walls, put up roof support trusses, built interior walls and installed exterior siding. Most of the members had little or no experience in home building or construction skills. Dallas Habitat for Humanity created processes that kept the family, staff and volunteers safe throughout the entire build. Rain or shine, Park Place members worked from October to December helping build the three-bedroom home for the Salmerons and their two children.

“For more than three decades, Park Place has given back to the communities where we live and work,” said Tony Carimi, managing director of Park Place Dealerships. “But this is the first time we have embarked on a project of this scale. For 10 weeks, members from throughout our company worked together on this one initiative. It’s been very rewarding to watch the home take shape week after week. Many of our members have commented on how much it means to help create a home that will bring joy to the Salmeron family for many years to come.” 

Serving families with an average annual income of $40,000, Dallas Area Habitat built 25 homes in 2020 despite the global pandemic.

Members from Park Place Motorcars Dallas, Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth, Bodywerks Fort Worth, Jaguar Land Rover DFW, Park Place’s corporate office, Park Place Auto Auction, Park Place Porsche Dallas, Park Place Volvo, Bodywerks Dallas, Park Place Lexus Plano, Park Place Lexus Grapevine and Park Place Motorcars Arlington staggered volunteer days to serve. This was Park Place Dealerships’ largest community relations project undertaken at any time in the company’s 34-year history. 

“Working together helped strengthen our bonds,” said Anam Ali Hashambhai, marketing director for Park Place Dealerships. “You learn a lot about a co-worker when you’re lifting a roof truss onto a house or swinging hammers side by side. Throughout the process our members were emphatic they got much more out of the experience than they contributed.”

Habitat homeowners buy their homes, paying an affordable mortgage and the homeowners also invest hundreds of hours of labor working alongside volunteers. In order to qualify, families go thru an extensive vetting process and receive financial education and assistance to create a budget.

The Park Place Cares program supports more than 300 organizations around the Dallas-Fort Worth area throughout the year. Park Place’s 1,400 members are further challenged to volunteer their time and resources to serve local communities. To follow Park Place Dealerships’ build of the Habitat for Humanity home, visit ParkPlace.com/HabitatforHumanity.

Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in southern Georgia. The Christian housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S. and in more than 70 countries. The local affiliate was founded in 1986 and has built more than 1700 homes over a 34-year history. Through affordable homeownership opportunities, financial education, advocacy efforts, and neighborhood empowerment programs, Dallas Area Habitat transforms families, revitalizes neighborhoods, and is working together to build a better Dallas. Strategically bringing together public and private funding, community leadership and vision, and thousands of volunteers – we will break the cycle of poverty and transform communities. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit DallasAreaHabitat.org. 

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The Road to Excellence: Park Place Dealerships

Over the past three decades, Park Place Dealerships has become a well-known automotive choice for clients to purchase, service or repair a vehicle in Texas.  Established in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership in Dallas, Park Place added a Lexus dealership in 1991, along with Porsche in 1995. Distinguishing their employees as “members,” the company developed a reputation for a world-class client experience. Creating events that gave guests an inside look at new vehicles while supporting causes important to the community, Park Place established itself as a company with a big heart.

“Park Place is grounded on the principle that we are looking to cultivate a relationship, not just sell someone a car,” explains Tony Carimi, Park Place Dealerships Managing Director. “We strive to develop a relationships where we truly understand a client’s automotive needs. In fact, we’ve provided vehicles for multiple generations within a family because we developed that trust with the initial client.”

Park Place’s success has been built on a continuing commitment to their members and delivering exceptional client service. Many of the Park Place members have been with the company for more than 10 years because they love where they work, and they genuinely care for their clients and fellow members.

“I started with Park Place in 2002 as Service Director at the original Mercedes-Benz store,” said Carimi. “No matter a member’s title or position, they are the Park Place experience for our clients. That cannot be duplicated by any other company. We can never forget that our clients have a choice where they buy and service their vehicles.”

The luxury automotive group credits their core values as helping to build the company’s brand:

Unwavering integrity

In its most simplistic form, Park Place members do the right thing because it is the right thing to do… no matter what. A technician found a pouch full of cash while servicing a car. He immediately contacted his supervisor, and the pouch was put in a safe. The next morning the client called frantically looking for a “package” he’d left in his car. The pouch contained $50,000, and not a single dollar was missing.

People Passion

Park Place members passionately care about their clients, communities and fellow members. Frequently, clients report that a member has gone above and beyond to take care of them. It runs throughout the company from the moment someone walks into a dealership. Personalized interactions with the sales, service and collision centers, create an unparalleled experience.

Owning It

Park Place empowers members to make decisions to take care of their clients. There’s no handing someone off to a supervisor because the member has the authority to make a situation right.

Grit

Members have the strength and character to remain optimistic and provide resolutions to challenging situations. That has never been tested more than over the past year as the dealerships were defined as “essential services” during the pandemic. Members take care of clients based on their individual needs and circumstances.

“It all comes back to our people,” emphasized Carimi. “We don’t just hire people with automotive experience. We hire people for their passion and servant’s heart, then we train them for success. And that means ongoing training throughout the year for every member to ensure their personal and professional success.”

Park Place Women in Automotive *Disclaimer: image was taken pre-covid*

Many of the company’s leadership development classes are led by senior executives, with 90% of its managers being promoted from within. Park Place established a Women in Automotive Council to mentor and encourage their female members.  Women hold positions at the highest levels, including parts directors and service directors, as well as sales, F&I and human resources managers.  The company has been named to the Dallas Morning News “100 Best Places to Work” list for 10 consecutive years.

Over the past 33 years, Park Place has supported hundreds of non-profits through grants, in-kind donations, event sponsorships, and unique experiences. Park Place Cares supports philanthropic efforts in the arts, medical research, children’s advocacy, and education.

Park Place employs more than 1,400 members and operates eight full-service dealerships, representing nine luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, 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.

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Park Place Motorcars Arlington Celebrates 5 Year Anniversary by Donating $10,000 to Five Non-Profit Organizations

Five local organizations were recognized for their efforts in the community amid difficult conditions this year. Park Place Motorcars Arlington chose the nonprofits based on their commitment to education, children, and health.

Five non-profits were chosen in celebration of Park Place Motorcars Arlington’s five-year anniversary. The dealership donated a total of $10,000 to the following organizations:

    • Mansfield Education Foundation
    • Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation
    • Boys & Girls Clubof Arlington
    • Arlington Education Foundation
    • Texas Health Arlington Memorial 

“It is a privilege to serve Arlington, Mansfield, and the surrounding area,” said Malcolm Gage, General Manager of Park Place Motorcars Arlington. “As we celebrate five years in Arlington, Park Place continues to reinforce the importance of giving back in the community where our members live and work.”

The Park Place Cares program supports more than 300 organizations around the Dallas-Fort Worth area throughout the year. Park Place’s members are further challenged to volunteer their time and resources to serve local communities.

Park Place Dealerships was founded in 1987. For the past 33 years, the company 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, Jaguar, and Land Rover. For more info, visit parkplace.com.

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 Park Place Porsche Dallas Taycan Ride & Drive Benefiting Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center

   

It was probably one of the quietest Porsche test drives in recorded history. When you press the ‘start’ button on the all-electric Porsche Taycan, there’s no rumble… not even a purr. But don’t let the absence of engine noise or the lack of fossil fuels emissions fool you. Once the accelerator is depressed, the stylish sedan effortlessly rockets from 0-to-60 in less than three seconds. And it does so with the smooth handling that only pure Porsche DNA can provide. Don’t worry. Porsche offers an option for a simulated, electronic engine sound for fans of the rumble and roar.

Park Place Porsche Dallas recently held a day-long Porsche Taycan test drive event to benefit the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center. For each Taycan test drive, Park Place donated $100 to DCAC to help improve the lives of abused children in Dallas County and to provide national leadership on child abuse issues. More than 28,000 cases of child abuse were reported last year in Dallas County. 

Guests enjoyed freshly grilled bites and refreshing, alcohol-free mocktails, courtesy of the culinary team from the Thompson Dallas Hotel. Located on North Akard Street at the heart of downtown Dallas, the new 51-story tower is set to debut in November 2020. 

Boasting 750 horsepower, the 2020 Porsche Taycan (aptly rhymes with icon) is a four-door sedan that accelerates faster than a skydiver in free fall and can partially recharge for 62 miles of range in just over five minutes. While it can take tight curves like a sports car, it also offers the smooth ride of a luxury sedan. 

The Taycan can go approximately 200 miles on a full charge. Owners can charge it overnight from the comfort of their home, or at one of more than 400 Electrify America charging stations across the U.S.  With apps and services on their smart phone, drivers can control the charging process, check the charging status, or bring the cabin of their Porsche to a comfortable temperature, all from the comfort of their home or office.

Over the past 33 years, Park Place has supported hundreds of non-profits through grants, in-kind donations, event sponsorships, and unique experiences across Dallas/Fort Worth. Through Park Place Cares, the luxury automotive group supports philanthropic efforts in the arts, medical research, children’s advocacy, and education.  Among the community service projects in which Park Place members are currently engaged, hundreds of members are volunteering their time and talents to build a home with Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity in a low-income neighborhood.

DCAC is the only agency of its kind in Dallas County, working in agreement with public and private agencies to investigate, prosecute, and provide healing services for child abuse cases in Dallas County. The agency reduces the re-victimization of the child, removes barriers to investigation and treatment, and enhances criminal prosecution with a distinctive multidisciplinary and united approach to these complex and severe cases. More info is available at dcac.org.

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Park Place Dealerships Teams Up with After School All-Stars on Dallas ISD Drive-Thru School Supply Delivery

Back to School is an exciting time for students. But the 2020-21 school year is especially fraught with uncertainty. Many parents in Dallas County are struggling financially from the economic impact brought on by the COVID-19 outbreak. Regardless of whether students return to the classroom or are learning online, the purchase of school supplies adds to the stress.

Park Place Dealerships teamed up with the After-School All-Stars (ASAS) to provide 140 students in Dallas ISD and a local charter school with free backpacks filled with supplies for the upcoming school year. The event, held at Hector P. Garcia Middle School in Oak Cliff, was a cross between a Pep Rally and the Student Drop-Off line. A Deejay pumped out popular tunes as cars drove through the line. Dallas ISD teachers, After School All-Star staff and Park Place members, all appropriately masked and observing social distancing guidelines, were dancing, jumping up and down, and shouting encouragement to students and parents as they passed through, then handing them stuffed backpacks through the open car windows.

“The energy was electric,” said Anam Ali Hashambhai, Park Place Dealerships Experiential Marketing Manager. “It was fun to see the kids’ faces light up when we handed them their own backpack. The parents and guardians were also very grateful. Honestly, I think we got more out of it than the kids! It’s humbling and very rewarding to serve our community.”

Each backpack contained a $10 Chick Fil-A gift card; HotBoyz masks donated by Dallas Cowboys player Demarcus Lawrence; an inspirational book: “The Playbook: 52 Rules to Aim, Shoot, and Score in This Game Called Life” by Kwame Alexander; a bookmark; spiral notebooks; loose leaf paper; a pencil pouch; pencils; pencil sharpener; markers; ruler; glue stick; colored pencils; folders; lanyards, USB drive; composition books; highlighters; pens; dry erase markers; and a stress ball.

Over the past 33 years, Park Place has supported hundreds of non-profits through grants, in-kind donations, event sponsorships, and unique experiences across Dallas/Fort Worth. Through Park Place Cares, the luxury automotive group supports philanthropic efforts in the arts, medical research, children’s advocacy, and education. 

ASAS is one of the largest free school-based out-of-school time program providers in the country and currently offers programming to more than 850 students per year in six high-needs schools across Dallas County. ASAS North Texas serves schools in low-income neighborhoods in an effort to serve the students most in need. 97% of the students identify as black, indigenous, or youth of color and 88% are considered economically disadvantaged.

For more information about ASAS, visit them at afterschoolallstars.org.

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Teacher Appreciation is Personal at Park Place

It’s a small world, after all.

 

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.

And it all started with a “y” instead of an “ie.”

The power of vowels, indeed.

 

More Park Place #TeacherAppreciation Stories

 

 

 

 

 

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Carter BloodCare and Park Place Dealerships Team Up to Potentially Save 339 Lives Through Blood Drive

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 Drive
Members 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 Drive
Members 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.

 

 

 

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Member Spotlight: Dreams Changed for Malcolm Gage as Doors Opened for New Opportunities

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.

 

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Park Place and Area Partners Donate Over 60,000 Meals to North Texas Food Bank

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.