Dealership – Page 14 – Park Place Dealerships

March 21, 2016

Mercedes-Benz Birthday Surprise

Walking into Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth, Mrs. Brown had no idea she was in store for the ultimate surprise.

Earlier in the week, her husband stopped by the dealership to shop for the perfect birthday gift for his wife. “When I arrived, Darrin Cline approached me in a pleasant manner,” says Mr. Brown. “We discussed my vehicle wants, needs and desires. Darrin listened to me carefully. Price point and condition of the vehicle were important, so was customer service. I explained to Darrin this was to be a special gift for my wife. He promised to make the delivery a memorable one- he delivered.”

It took some convincing from Mr. Brown, but his wife agreed to stop by Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth to ‘look around’. “She was not suspicious at all,” said Mr. Brown.

When they arrived, Darrin greeted them and played along with the surprise. He suggested taking a look at a vehicle that was parked just outside. “When we turned the corner of the building, and a perfectly detailed white Mercedes-Benz SLK sat there with a huge ribbon on the hood, a flower and a card on the seat- she began to suspect something,” said Mr. Brown.

Darrin knew the car was a special present for a special lady. “Mr. Brown had mentioned it was for his wife’s birthday so I thought it would be a nice surprise to have a big red bow and some flowers.”

Darrin handed Mrs. Brown the keys and wished her a very Happy Birthday! The tears were next.

“Unfortunately I have no photos of the surprise,” says Darrin, “but it was very emotional for the both of them so I gave them space. Mr. Brown was very grateful and texted me later that day, it was a big success! It feels really great every time I deliver a car and I see the joy and happiness that takes place.”

March 14, 2016March 14, 2016

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Dallas Wins North American Dealer of the Year

We are honored, proud, and overjoyed for the team at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Dallas, recognized as 2015 North American Dealer of the Year by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

It’s an incredible honor to win this prestigious award for the 2nd time in 3 years. What an achievement! Thank you to all who made this happen!

The specially commissioned award was presented at the Annual World Dealer Conference in Berlin. The award, featuring a contemporary take on the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy, was conceived by the Rolls‑Royce Bespoke Design Team at the Home of Rolls‑Royce at Goodwood, West Sussex.

March 1, 2016

Behind the Scenes of the New Park Place Motorcars Arlington

Ray Torres of Burleson knows Mercedes-Benz vehicles inside and out. He started in 1982 as a technician trainee for a dealership in Fort Worth. Over the years, the dealership changed hands several times, but Torres stayed on and worked his way up to shop foreman. In 1999, Park Place Dealerships purchased the Bedford dealership and Torres became shop foreman for Park Place, which later moved to Grapevine in 2012. “Mercedes-Benz is continually evolving and bringing new models to market,” said Torres. “When I started with the company, we had a few models, now we have 30 Mercedes-Benz models. The technology continues to advance and Mercedes-Benz leads the way in automotive technology. We are always looking to hire technicians at Park Place and the company invests in its team members.”

Torres is now shop foreman at the new Arlington Mercedes-Benz dealership, which opened last November at 1-20 near Collins. “There is always an opportunity for advancement within the company which is one of the reasons I have enjoyed working for Park Place,” continued Torres. “I had the opportunity to attend leadership training, which gave me a broader perspective of myself and how to be a better manager. I also attended a class at SMU. I am encouraged to learn more about the business side, as well as the management side of the business.” Torres is expecting rapid growth at the new dealership. Mercedes-Benz is introducing 10 new vehicles in 2016: including a new 4-door mid-sized SUV, several new diesel models, a plug-in hybrid C-Class and a sleek new SLK roadster.

February 18, 2016June 16, 2016

Meet the Man Behind the Wheel of Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth

Passion for cars took him from the East coast to the West, until an opportunity landed George Johnson deep in the heart of Texas. Although he took the scenic route getting here, he’s finally home in DFW and settled into his role as the General Manager of Park Place Motorcars Fort-Worth.

George got into car sales after college at State University of New York at Albany. The industry’s high-energy and a lucrative paycheck sparked his interest. “I needed a job, so I decided to sell cars ‘till I found a real job,” said Johnson.

But what exactly determines a ‘real job’? George worked hard in sales; it was as real as it gets to him, being fresh out of college, getting a taste of the real world. He fell in love with the business almost immediately. The excitement of helping people realize their dreams, the high-energy and fast pace coupled with unlimited potential for success; the sky was the limit and George seized on the opportunities provided. All the hard work eventually translated to career growth and recognition.

Fast and furious is one way to describe the ‘80s for George. His career blossomed in the 10-years he spent working with a dealer group in New York, where he moved up quickly from sales to management. Years later, a move to Northern California provided growth and further success on a career path that was initially deemed a ‘not so real’ job. George got the attention of a dealership group in Redwood City, California that offered him the position of a General Sales Manager. In this position, he represented 5 different brands for the dealer group. No small undertaking, to say the least.

Fifteen years in the San Francisco Bay area set George on a path that eventually brought him to Park Place. In 2006, George Johnson took over the helm as General Manager at Park Place Motorcars Fort-Worth. “It was the prestige brands, the trajectory of the company, and the leadership that made me want to work for Park Place.”

George’s leadership style has evolved over the years, “We let the managers run their department and I continue to support them and guide them. It allows them to grow and learn. I will always pitch in to help, work alongside and guide them, but they take full responsibility for their actions. There are no walls between departments, everyone works as a team to support one another and in turn we are able to provide an extraordinary client experience.”

This is evident in the accolades that continue to pour in for George and his team. Mercedes-Benz recognized Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth with the prestigious “Best of the Best” award 7 of the last 9 years. [The Best of the Best award is awarded annually to the top performing Mercedes-Benz dealerships for demonstrating superior performance in customer satisfaction and across all departments.] The dealership was also ranked one of top 7 in the nation in 2015 Service Customer Satisfaction Index.

Community involvement and giving back to the community is also top priority for George and his team at Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth. Just recently he challenged the members (employees) to donate canned-goods for charity and he would personally match their donations. At the time there were only a handful of donations but the team rallied beyond anyone’s expectations! True to his word, a trip to Wal-Mart and $900 later, they donated nearly 2- tons of food to the Tarrant Area Food Bank. [Read the story here: Friendly Competition Benefits Tarrant Area Food Bank].

Several causes are especially near and dear to his heart, including Jewell Charities and several cancer related charities. “I love my kids more than anything so being able to help [Jewell Charities] means a lot to me and our team. And cancer affects so many lives each year; most people we know have had some kind of exposure.”

Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth has donated over $750,000 to Cowtown Ball Charities and cancer research in the last 10 years.

At the end of the day, “This is a very rewarding business,” said George, “There’s plenty of opportunity and Park Place Dealerships is, by a mile, the best Automotive Group I have experienced in my 33 years in this business.”

At Park Place, our success has been built upon our continuous commitment to client service excellence. We strive to achieve the very best for our clients and exceed expectations in the showroom, on the service drive, and in the community. In the communities where we work and live, Park Place continuously gives of its time and resources for the betterment of our neighbors. Whether it is a blood drive in a time of need or the sponsorship of a local charity event, we stand behind our communities.

When he’s not hard at work at the helm of the “Best of the Best” Mercedes-Benz dealership, George enjoys spending time with his family. Sightseeing around the world, skiing, and fishing help him unwind and reenergize. Golf, gym, and “Game of Thrones” are also at the top of the list.

February 5, 2016February 5, 2016

Meet the Man Behind the Wheel of Park Place Motorcars Grapevine

Vince Lombardi said it best, “Individual commitment to a group effort – that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.” Working together as a team is paramount for Robert Hinkle, General Manager of Park Place Motorcars Grapevine.

Starting his career as an Accountant, Robert eventually got tired of sitting behind a desk and set his sights on the car-business. A friend, who was already working for Park Place, talked highly about the company, the atmosphere and the culture at Park Place Dealerships.

“I really liked the idea of running my own business, so to speak,” said Hinkle. “When you are selling cars everything is up to you.”

Robert joined Park Place in 2000 as a pre-owned sales consultant at Park Place Motorcars Bedford (which later relocated to Grapevine).

In September 2002, he was promoted to Finance Business Manager and then promoted to pre-owned sales director in July 2003. Hinkle has been general manager of Park Place Motorcars Grapevine since 2007. Being at the helm of one of the top Mercedes-Benz stores in the nation for nearly a decade, he continuously strives to strengthen and empower his team to achieve excellence.

“I do have high expectations, but I would never ask something of a member (employee) that I would not be willing to do myself,” said Hinkle. “I’m a firm believer if you do the right thing consistently, you will always succeed and opportunities will come your way.”

There are many moving pieces in car sales; from sales, to service, to greeters, to porters, all of which are equally important and all are part of a single unit working together toward the same common goal- they’re the Park Place Motorcars Grapevine TEAM.

“I have always compared it [car sales] to team sports. The practice time, dedication, and sweat it takes to have a winning team is not easy but very rewarding,” said Hinkle.

Robert’s dedication to his team, customer service, and Park Place is evident in the various awards and accolades. He has twice received a Gold Achievement Salesman of the Year Award, has been ranked top ten in the nation for pre-owned Sales for Mercedes-Benz, and Park Place Motorcars Grapevine has been named “Best of the Best” by Mercedes-Benz numerous times.

Outside all things cars, Robert enjoys spending time with his family and fishing. He’s also passionate about pet adoption. “It breaks my heart to see the way these animals are abused and neglected,” says Robert. “Please adopt a pet.”

For 2016, Robert’s focus remains on his Park Place Motorcars Grapevine team. “I would like to see us all return to what got us here and that is all the departments working very closely and as a strong TEAM. Taking care of each other and providing the best client experience possible.”

February 3, 2016February 3, 2016

Park Place Dealerships Entrepreneurs’ Lecture Series Kicks Off

The Fort Worth and Dallas chapters of Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), a global, peer-to-peer network, recently teamed up to kick off its 2016 Entrepreneurs’ Lecture Series at AT&T Stadium. Park Place Dealerships has been the title sponsor of the lecture series in Dallas for the past four years and has become the title sponsor in Fort Worth this past year. Retired United States Air Force pilot Rob Shallenberger was the guest speaker who shared his experiences as an F-16 pilot and challenged the guests to create a flight plan for life.

Pictured left to right: Don Lamont, President of the Fort Worth EO chapter; Rob Sumner, Director of Marketing for Park Place Dealerships; and Stephen LaMure, President EO Dallas.

Following the presentation, the 150 guests were treated to a self-guided tour of the Dallas Cowboys locker room and the opportunity to kick a field goal on the field. The group had a great time networking and sharpening their skills, but at the end of the evening determined Dallas Cowboys place kicker Dan Bailey had nothing to worry about for challengers in the upcoming season.

Ken Schnitzer founded Park Place Dealerships in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn in Dallas. Today, Park Place operates 18 full-service dealerships representing the top luxury brands.

January 25, 2016

Meet the Man Behind the Wheel of Park Place Porsche

Growing up in Kansas, Patrick Huston never imagined that one day he’d be behind the wheel of the top Porsche dealership in the nation. And a racing team? That was something you only saw on TV, and a dream at best.

The path to success for Patrick started at the age of 12 while working alongside his dad at the family’s auto-parts shop. He enjoyed being around cars, helping clients, learning from his dad and serving the small Kansas community. As he got older, he continued working in the industry for several years before making the life-changing move to Dallas.

In December 2003 Patrick received a call from Park Place Porsche, asking him to join their team as a Pre-Owned Manager, which he eagerly accepted.
“The reputation that Park Place built as a leader in the industry, as well as the opportunity to represent a brand such as Porsche is what drew me in,” said Huston.

He instantly took the Pre-Owned department to #1 in the country, where it has remained since 2004.

“Initially it was about the cars, “said Huston, “But I soon learned, when I shifted to the sales side of the business, that it was about the people. I enjoyed creating a relationship and fulfilling the client’s needs. It isn’t about the instant gratification of a one-time sale.”

Patrick’s relentless drive to win and dedication to the team at Park Place propelled him to his biggest role yet- General Manager of Park Place Porsche.

Perhaps Patrick’s leadership style is something he picked-up while working alongside his dad.

“I lead by example,” said Huston, “My team knows that I will do whatever it takes to help facilitate them in their position. I think most people have worked for the individual who micromanages, therefore the members (employees) respect an individual who rows the boat with them any time it’s needed.”

Seven years later, Park Place Porsche continues to set records and enjoy tremendous success and recognition as a Porsche Premier dealer, Porsche Exclusive dealer, Top 5 dealer in new-car sales for the last 5 years.

Furthermore, Patrick also serves on the National Sales & Marketing Porsche Roundtable. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg for Patrick.

Four-years ago, he successfully merged Park Place Porsche with IMSA GTD Professional Racing, creating the Park Place Motorsports team, led by professional driver Patrick Lindsey. This is the highest possible level of manufacturer participation.

(Left to Right) Spencer Pumpelly, Patrick Huston, Patrick Lindsey

At the end of the day, the key to Patrick’s success is simple. “Patience,” he says, “And understand, that as a career it can be rewarding provided you put in the time.”

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.