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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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Mercedes-Benz GLA Impresses with a Fresh New Style on the 2021 Model

When the Mercedes-Benz GLA was initially released in 2014, the subcompact model was introduced as the SUV sibling of the CLA (the Mercedes-Benz subcompact 4-door coupe). Many GLA drivers also noticed the interior was similar to the now-extinct SUV GLK350 (a model that was last available for new retail in 2015). Thanks to a beautiful exterior makeover, modern interior technologies, and enhanced Mercedes-Benz performance, the new 2021 GLA is out to prove it has a personality of its own.

Rejuvenated Interior Leads GLA Refresh

A slew of new changes is apparent once you enter the new GLA. A standard dual, digital dashboard, which is also available inside most Mercedes-Benz vehicles, finally makes an appearance in the 2021 GLAs. The new, high energy screens replace the analog instrument cluster and pop-up 7-inch monitor that left owners wanting more.

The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment interface will also be a welcomed sight for 2021 GLA drivers. Voice command prompts to speak with your Mercedes-Benz gives hands-free driving a contemporary experience. The air vents also feature an aviation-style design that provides a cock-pit vibe to the GLA front row.

Our top interior upgrades available with the 2021 GLA include the Premium Package including larger 10-inch displays and a 64-color ambient lighting option that adds some pizazz to your daily drive.

New GLA Showcases Smooth Stance

A big takeaway from our GLA first impressions is how smooth the exterior angles are. When walking up to the 2021 subcompact SUV, you’ll be amazed at how much the profile mirrors other modern, Mercedes-Benz SUVs. Previously, the GLA stood out for its deep side indentions and round curves.

This second-generation does a wonderful job of introducing a subtle side profile with a modern athletic stance.

Not only is the GLA 3.5 inches taller than the previous model, it also sits higher than the CLA and A-Class (the Mercedes-Benz premium compact sedan). Also, a driver can anticipate slight increases to the wheelbase and width vehicle that also gives rear passengers some additional room than previous GLA models.

For those who may be torn between the size and styling profile of the A-Class sedan and GLC SUV, a 2021 GLA is the perfect selection.

Other Notable GLA Details

Drivers should also notice a few more 2021 GLA details:

  • A shiftier experience thanks to a new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission
  • More passenger control with new adjustable rear seats
  • Additional pedal to the medal with 221 horsepower (HP) an increase from 208 HP with the previous generation
  • Front-wheel drive is the standard for GLA models, however, finding a GLA 4MATIC variant will give you all-wheel-drive control.
  • Great fuel efficiency from the 2.0L, 4 cylinder engine with an estimated 25 MPG in the city and 34 MPG highway fuel economy

Given the Mercedes-Benz track record for next-generation upgrades, we would not be surprised to see the 2021 GLA become one of the best re-models in the automotive industry. For more details on the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA and potential Mercedes-AMG GLA, contact Park Place Motorcars today.

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New 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT 43 4 Door Coupe Provides New Level of AMG Accessibility

New in the U.S. for model year 2021, the AMG GT 43 4-Door Coupe, starting at $89,900*, further expands the AMG GT family, combining AMG-developed dynamics with everyday usability, seating for four and a more accessible point of entry.

Striking to look at and a powerful drive, the newest AMG GT 43 is being offered at a starting price point to ad dan additional (more accessible) entry point to the Mercedes-AMG family.

Starting at $89,900

The Mercedes-AMG GT 43 is powered by an efficient and intelligent 3.0 liter inline-6 turbo engine, for 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. For an additional 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, the 2021 variant is equipped with an EQ Boost System. 

It’s a perfect example of AMG’s compelling driving experience mixed with everyday usability, sporting the key highlights of AMG’s top-tier GT 4-door coupe models like light-weight construction, 4MATIC+ All-Wheel Drive with variable torque distribution, and the distinctive AMG exterior/interior design and aesthetic. 

Available Late 2020

The AMG GT 4-door is the third model to be developed directly by Mercedes-AMG, following the 2-door GT and SLS AMG. This new model sports the same high level of standard equipment found in the AMG GT 53, including:

  • AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9-Speed Transmission
  • AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive modes
  • AMG Ride Control Sport Suspenson 
  • Silver painted 6-piston front brake calipers
  • Burmester surround sound system
  • electronically deployable rear spoiler
  • MBUX infotainment system (newly standard for ’21 AMG GT 4-door models)

There are a variety of customizations available, so you can easily configure and individualize the new AMG GT 43 to fit your needs with familiar AMG options and packages.  For example, there is a variety of interior configurations such as the standard two-place individual rear-seats or the optional executive rear-seat package, numerous wheel options, and the incomparable Burmester High-End 3D Surround Sound System.

And yes, even with all of this the new AMG GT 43 4-Door variant has ample space for up to four passengers.  Can you say Road Trip ready? Contact one of our four Park Place Motorcars locations for more information on your Mercedes-AMG GT options.

CONTACT PARK PLACE MOTORCARS

Fort Worth

Grapevine

Dallas

Arlington 

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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 Dealerships is Open, With You in Mind

Hours of Operation 

Sales: 10:00am-7:00pm Monday through Friday & 9:00am-6:00pm on Saturdays

Premier Collection Sales: 9:00am-6:00pm Monday through Saturday

Service: 8:00am-6:00pm Monday through Friday & 8:00am -5:00pm on Saturdays.

Premier Collection Service: Closed Saturdays

Recent Updates

Our clients’ health and the health of our employees is our number one priority. Every decision we make is through that lens. As we begin to find a “new normal,” we wanted to share the updates we’ve made in how we serve you and your vehicle needs.

  • Conduct daily health screenings for our employees
  • Providing face coverings for all of our employees
  • Taking steps to allow for social distancing of six feet or more
  • Increasing cleaning and sanitization of our dealerships, client vehicles, service loaners and newly purchased vehicles
  • Offer vehicle pick-up and delivery options for both sales and service clients
  • Provide virtual test drives and online buying options
  • And while we always want to warmly welcome you into our dealerships, we’ve asked our employees to refrain from hand-shakes or hugs with clients

We look forward to seeing you again whether that be in our dealership or virtually as we know how important a safe and reliable vehicle is to your daily life.

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Jaguar Land Rover North Austin to Hold Virtual Event for New Defender

SOCIAL DISTANCING HAS COMPANIES GETTING CREATIVE

Learn a New Recipe, Create a Fun Drink and See the Reveal of a New SUV all Online

In these days of social distancing, the community can’t gather for events, so two local companies joined forces to host a fun and innovative get together to enjoy at home. Austin’s popular Rosedale Kitchen and Bar and Jaguar Land Rover North Austin will launch a virtual event this Friday, April 17, at 3 pm via Facebook, YouTube, and IGTV.

The online event features the Rosedale Kitchen and Bar mixologist, Aaron Hernandez, demonstrating a step-by-step guide to create the “Landy,” a cocktail named after the new Land Rover. Executive Chef Janelle Reynolds will show us how to make Seared Halloumi with Tomato and Zucchini. Rosedale Kitchen and Bar has shared both recipes. Jaguar Land Rover North Austin will reveal the much-anticipated new 2020 Land Rover Defender.  This is the first dealership in Austin for Park Place, which opened on March 2.

TUNE-IN

Guests are invited to join the event on Park Place’s YouTube, Facebook, and IGTV channels at 3 pm Friday, April 17, for a virtual event, including an unveiling of the new 2020 Land Rover Defender. 

Land Rover brought back its Defender this year after a 23-year hiatus. It has always had something of a cult following in the U.S. because it couldn’t be purchased here. The 2020 Defender is a rugged off-road vehicle, but it’s also a luxury SUV that’s equally at home on the urban streets of downtown Austin or deep in the back roads of the Hill Country. 

Inside, the Defender is the most connected Land Rover product ever. Available in two-door or four-door models, the Defender has a new infotainment system with over-the-air software updates, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a 12-inch digital instrument panel.

“While we just opened our first store in Austin six weeks ago, Park Place Dealerships has been around more than 30 years,” said Matt Woolsey, general manager of Jaguar Land Rover North Austin. “We have already developed some great partnerships with Leander ISD, Round Rock ISD, and Seton Williamson Hospital. Putting this fun event together allows us to interact with our community and offer something fun to share and enjoy.”

Located at 13910 FM 620 North on State Highway 45 and Parmer Road, Jaguar Land Rover North Austin features a large, glass-enclosed showroom to accommodate up to 12 new Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles. The 70,000 square-foot facility also includes a five-story garage, a shop with 42 service bays, a nine-car service drive, and a 2000-square-foot carwash.

Jaguar Land Rover North Austin Management Team. (L-R) John Gasparaitis, Parts Director Justin Griggs, Shop Foreman Walter Rhodes, New Car Sales Director Jose Fernandez, Service Manager Matt Humphrey, Service Director Matt Woolsey, General Manager Chris Nations, Pre-Owned Sales Director Cade Mannetti, Sales Manager Erika Falk, GM Admin Vy Nguyen, Finance Director Jordan Case, President of Park Place

Founded in 1987, Park Place Dealerships also represents luxury brands Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Maserati, Koenigsegg and McLaren. For more information, visit parkplace.com.

 

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Member Spotlight Featuring Diki Terry: A Rare Bird Takes Flight

Diki Terry spreads cheer, optimism and professionalism at Park Place Motorcars Arlington

She’s that rarest of North Texas birds – an actual Arlington native!

“Born and raised right here,” says Diki Terry with an easy laugh. “I graduated James Martin High School, which is only 15 minutes west. Go Warriors!”

And while she’s still a proud supporter of the school’s black, red, and silver, she’s unabashed about her dedication to Park Place Motorcars Arlington, where she’s served as Parts Director since October 2015.

“The pace can be quite hectic at times,” she freely admits. “The key is focus. Our clients need us at the top of our game every day.”

She’s a firm believer in the power of teamwork and doesn’t miss a chance to praise the six members of her busy team. “Our team works extremely well together and we get along really well together, too,” she says. “When you’re responsible for selling, tracking and replenishing inventory, for a huge variety of vehicle models and years, things can get pretty complicated fairly quickly. But our team gets it done!”

Diki holds brief (15-minute) “tune-up” meetings every morning with her staff so they can identify challenges and solutions. “I believe in the power of team communications and being open and up-front,” she says. “You can only control what you can control, so we take it one day at a time and focus on what needs to get done.”

She came to the world of automotive parts service after stints at another local dealership where, after serving as a receptionist, her office manager approached her with an opportunity – parts administrative assistant.

She accepted and thrived in the fast-paced environment. “I was like a sponge, absorbing all the action,” she says with typical enthusiasm. “I especially liked being a backup service dispatcher, it was a blast!”

She’s also typically frank about her experience as a woman in a traditionally male role.

“This was back in the late 1990s when it was sort of weird to see a girl at the parts counter,” she says. “But once clients have confidence you know what you’re doing, it’s all systems go and really not a big deal at all.”

Her Park Place Journey

She joined Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth in 2005 as a Parts Advisor and moved up to Assistant Parts Manager in 2007. Her sunny outlook and positive attitude garnered management attention and ultimately led to her current role. She keeps her team enthused with shared book studies about practical tools to enhance culture, communication, and performance.

“We’ve studied Jon Gordon’s ‘Power of a Positive Team’ and ‘Who Moved My Cheese?’ by Spencer Johnson,” she says. “Right now, we’re on ‘The Mamba Mentality’ by Kobe Bryant and it’s great,” she adds.

In Her Spare Time

In her spare time, she gathers strength from her faith and her family: her husband of 23 years, their 19-year-old daughter and 12-year-old son. From their home base in Aledo, they jump into their Sprinter RV and head for the hills as often as they can. “We all love camping,” she chuckles.

She also acknowledges being a fan of Def Leppard. “’Hysteria’ is a great album,” she says with a smile. Seemingly on the opposite side of the cultural fence, she admits that her favorite movie is the classic weeper “Sixteen Candles.”

Some Real Advice

What advice does she have for women who’d like to explore careers in the automotive industry but feel uncertain?

“Just be yourself, go out there and be willing to learn and ask questions,” she states. “Nobody’s standing in your way. Immerse yourself in what you’re learning, figure out your niche and just keep going.”

 

 

 

 

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Park Place Extends Pick-Up and Delivery Services to all Locations

‘Pick-up and Delivery’ will temporarily be offered at all Park Place Dealership locations for clients who continue to have service and detail needs. 

Park Place Dealerships recognizes that COVID-19 is affecting our clients’ day-to-day lives and we are here to continue to assist by offering pick-up and delivery for all your service needs. We want to make this difficult time as seamless as possible for you and your vehicle, while also ensuring you and our members assisting feel safe.

Click Here to Schedule Service

Park Place is taking extreme safety measures when it comes to sanitation for the health of our clients and members. You can expect the following precautions to be taken with every pick-up and delivery appointment for your vehicle and your loaner vehicle:

    • Member must wear latex gloves
    • Member will spray a liberal amount of dis-infecting cleaner into a micro-fiber rag
    • They will wipe the driver’s door handle thoroughly and then open driver’s door and wipe down interior door handle, switches, and armrest
    • Additional disinfecting cleaner will be sprayed into a micro-fiber rag and wipe down the steering wheel, center console climate control, console screens, switches, center console lid, and gear-shift selector
    • Our member will exit the vehicle and spray additional disinfecting cleaner into a micro-fiber rag and wipe down the driver’s side rear door exterior handle, interior handle, switches, and armrest.
    • FOR SUVS: Members will also wipe down the rear tailgate exterior release handle
    • They will wipe down passenger’s side rear door exterior handle, interior handle, switches, and armrest
    • and finally, they will wipe down the passenger’s side front door exterior handle, interior handle, switches, and armrest.

Once the sanitization process is complete, the member will mark the driver’s front window with a checkmark, and keys will be sanitized prior to handing them over to our clients.

Check out this service delivery from our team at Motorcars Dallas to see what these new pre-cautions look like:

Disclaimer for clients scheduling an appointment:  

Prior to a service appointment being scheduled, our service coordinators will ask the client the following questions to ensure the safety and health of everyone involved:

  1. Have you recently traveled outside of the United States or to a hot-zone state?
  2. Have you recently been around anyone with COVID-19 or COVID-19 symptoms?
  3.  Are you currently experiencing any flu-like symptoms?

Park Place’s top priority is to take care of our clients during this difficult time with top-notch service and increased health precautions. Contact us today to reserve your pick-up and delivery appointment:

  • Book Online: https://www.parkplace.com/schedule-service.htm
  • Call: 855-361-6745

Pick-up and delivery is by appointment only. Must have a valid U.S. driver’s license, insurance and credit card. Geographic restrictions may apply. See your dealer for full details. 

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Member Spotlight: Lorien Lippen on Guiding Members and Clients to Extraordinary Experiences

The first thing you notice about Lorien Lippen is her extraordinary energy in her 10-million-megawatt smile, her lively banter, and the intensity of her gaze – when she focuses on you, she’s focused on YOU.

All About Foundations

She brings this engaging magic to all Park Place University programs, like “Foundations,” the weekly onboarding experience that welcomes brand-new Park Place team members. In a room full of new members, she quickly, and genuinely, puts everyone at ease. Within minutes, the once-perfect strangers are interacting cheerfully as she guides the group through the program’s various modules and activities.

All programs are created by the Organization Development team, the six-person department she leads, and align with Park Place’s culture, values, and business goals.

“Our team’s core focus is to deliver extraordinary learning experiences that make Park Place, My Place, for all members,” she explains. “We provide a deep, welcoming experience to all new members through “Foundations,” and reinforce the importance of our client experience through more specific training such as the ‘One Touch’ sales program for Sales Experience Managers, the ‘Service Experience’ for Assistant Service Managers and the ‘Valet Experience’ for Service Valets. It’s about providing the best programs to meet the members’ needs and lead to extraordinary client experiences.”

A Force of Good for Park Place

Simply put, Lorien Lippen is a force of nature. And fortunately for Park Place, she’s been our force for good since joining in July 2018. Why did she venture into this field of learning, development and coaching?

“I was often the student helping the others in my classes. Working with someone on a challenge, and then watching them find their way through it is truly rewarding,” she says.

Knowing her passion before leaving high school, she went on to receive her M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Cincinnati, and went on to help others pursue their own excellence and passion with such notable companies as NBCUniversal, Creative Artists Agency, DIRECTV, American Honda Motor Company and The Walt Disney Company.

All that magic might explain her multiplicity of certifications in skill-based development programs that encompass leadership development, executive coaching, change management, performance management, succession planning, talent review, and competency modeling, just to name a few.

A Little Personal

On the personal side, she admits to being somewhat of a bookworm and devours novels like “Goldfinch” by Donna Tartt, “All the Light You Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr and “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen.

She and her husband Ryan also get a huge kick out of the film “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” “Endlessly funny,” she says. They pair it with her favorite comfort food – “Homemade pizza with pepperoni, black olives and mushrooms! Absolute heaven, I could eat it every day.”

A trained classical pianist, she relaxes by playing favorites – favorite composers include Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, and Chopin – and credits her high school music theory instructor, Mr. Lassaine, with teaching her an important life lesson she still lives by.

“I was being overly disruptive in class, and he pulled me aside to ask what was going on,” she confesses. “I began complaining about how early I had to wake up and the long commute. And he looked me in the eye and said, ‘Hey, you earned your spot, but if you don’t want it, somebody else will gladly take your place. So you need to choose if you want to be here, otherwise you’re wasting my time and yours.’”

“I was a little shocked but he was right,” she admits. “The lesson was that life is about choice, and whatever you commit to, commit fully. It was good advice then, it’s still good advice now, and I try to follow it every day.”