Dealership – Page 14 – Park Place Dealerships

April 13, 2016April 18, 2016

Meet the Man Behind the Money of Park Place Dealerships

You never know where your success story will begin, but it always begins with taking a chance. Whether you take a chance and reach for the stars or someone takes a chance on you, oftentimes these chances are handsomely rewarded. Such was the case for Rick Stone, Chief Financial Officer of Park Place Dealerships.
After graduating from Stephen F. Austin University with a degree in Finance, Rick was working as an Accounting Clerk for the City of Nacogdoches when a recruiter who believed in Rick and a twist of fate came together with an opportunity of a lifetime, although at the time it may not have seemed like it.

“A recruiter I worked with presented me for a job that I was not qualified to hold,” said Stone. “Thankfully the Schnitzer family took a risk on me and put me in an analyst position for the dealership investments.”

After about 3 years, Rick moved to Dallas to work directly with Mr. Ken Schnitzer- Chairman and Owner of Park Place Dealerships. Rick worked on special projects such as acquisitions, financial analysis, real estate and more. Rick took to his new role with tremendous success and saw the challenges as opportunities. In 2007, he led the effort to bring construction management in-house to improve controls and accountability on real estate construction projects.

In 2015, Rick was promoted to the role of Chief Financial Officer as his predecessor retired. “CFO is the first official title I have ever had with this organization.” During his first two weeks as CFO, Rick made it a point to meet his team face-to-face, although they are dispersed all over DFW as well as Nevada. “In those meetings, one of the common threads in our discussions was the fact that I was there to serve them and not the other way around,” said Rick, “My leadership style is fearless servant, and it works because it’s real. I take the time to know and recognize everyone by their first name or send a quick note of encouragement. They see me every day putting 150% effort right there with them, and they see that I’m not perfect, that I have a sense of humor, and over the past year it has fostered an environment where we support, encourage and edify each other. We laugh together, we cry together, and we battle together. In order to serve others it’s important to establish rapport and get to know the team, because without that rapport they will not seek your service.”

The fearless part of his leadership comes into play by being willing to step out on the thin limbs for his team and for implementing changes, and some may be somewhat unconventional for the industry, to put Park Place in position for greater success. ” It’s [car business] actually a fairly complex business and I thrive on being challenged.”

The fearless factor flows into Rick’s personal life as well. Before he was pouring over financials, he enjoyed pouring his heart out with a good ballad as the lead singer of several hair-metal cover bands during his high-school years. Just recently, he was cast as Mr. Bradley in a production of “Best Christmas Pageant Ever.”

Family fun includes coaching his sons’ baseball teams for the last 10 years, trips to the beach and tending to a cause close to his heart- youth theatre. “Sounds crazy, I know,” said Rick, “But I’ve seen the confidence in my own kids and in others through performing on stage. In today’s world there are so many ways our youth gets beaten down and discouraged; therefore, it has been refreshing to find an activity that has consistently built them up. The youth is our future and it is incumbent upon all of us to put our youth in position to succeed.”

Whether coaching a baseball team or supporting the accounting team at Park Place, working behind the scenes doesn’t present much room for recognition, however to Rick it’s not the trophies or the plaques that motivate him to work harder. “Seeing a deal get closed or a member grow and develop is what really drives me.

April 7, 2016April 7, 2016

Autotrader’s 2016 Must Test Drive Award Goes To…

…the all new 2016 Volvo XC90.
The XC90 sets the standard in virtually every category: style, technology, safety, comfort and equipment. It’s also surprisingly well-priced for a luxury SUV.
Autotrader highlights new vehicles that car shoppers should pay attention to – and experience from the driver’s seat. Experience the award-winning Volvo XC90 at Park Place Volvo.

For more information about the Volvo XC90 or other models, please contact:

Donny Lambrecht, at Park Place Volvo, (214) 956-5516, DLambrecht@10.2.54.33

March 24, 2016March 25, 2016

Exclusive Volvo S90 Concierge at Your Service

Volvo is entering a new era of personalized car-buying experience with the introduction of its Volvo Concierge- a personal assistant exclusively for buyers of the all-new Volvo S90. The all-new Swedish sedan is now available to order at Park Place Volvo and online, with the help of the Volvo Concierge who will provide an unprecedented level of online service and comfort throughout the purchase process. A designated Volvo representative ensures customers know about all of the S90’s available options and and will keep you updated until the keys are in your hand.

“We wanted to make the online experience more personalized. Cars are not your average online purchase. We believe luxury consumers of today will appreciate having a personal contact that helps you understand your options and the process,” says Lex Kerssemakers, President and CEO of Volvo Car USA, “The Volvo Concierge concept is developed based on Volvo customer feedback from previous e-commerce solutions, so truly designed around their needs and a good complement to our retail experience”.

The Volvo Concierge will stay in constant contact with the future S90 owner, notifying them of when the car has been shipped from Sweden and when it is expected to arrive. Upon delivery, all of the car’s settings, such as radio stations and software apps, can be configured based on the owner’s personal preferences. All Concierge processed cars will be delivered through a Volvo retailer of choice.

Available via online chat, email and phone calls, customers can contact the Volvo Concierge to address almost any need or desire with regard to an S90 purchase.

Volvo Concierge is a complimentary service, available exclusively for online purchasers of the Volvo S90. Centered around you, it’s the convenient, personal way to order your new Volvo. Talk to a concierge today and discover more about the all-new Volvo S90. Volvo Online Concierge.

For more information about the Volvo S90 or other models, please contact:

Donny Lambrecht, at Park Place Volvo, (214) 956-5516, DLambrecht@10.2.54.33

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.”