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Park Place Porsche Unveils New Electric Taycan

Park Place Porsche recently unveiled the new electric Taycan Turbo and Taycan Turbo S in Dallas and Grapevine.

In Dallas, guests enjoyed charged-up cuisine from The French Room and City Hall Bistro; craft cocktails like the Maker’s Mark Electric Current and Old Soul; powerful pop-up experiences from the Spa Adolphus and Commerce Goods & Supply; supercharged photos courtesy of Celebrity Cruises; and off-the-chart performances by the Southpaw Preachers.

In Grapevine, guests enjoyed options from Truluck’s, Copelands and Brio; craft cocktails like the Maker’s Mark Electric Current and Old Soul; fast-paced fashions from Malouf’s, Johnny Was, Scout & Molly’s and 7 for All Mankind; an Eco Lounge featuring delightful drinks by Pressed Juicery and treats from Trader Joe’s; supercharged photos courtesy of Celebrity Cruises; and electrifying performances by the Southpaw Preachers.

Patrick Huston, General Manager Porsche Dallas

“Obviously, an Electric Vehicle doesn’t need a turbocharger to reach supercar acceleration,” said Park Place Porsche Dallas General Manager Patrick Huston. “Since the first Porsche 911 Turbo was launched in 1974, “Turbo” has become a sub-brand, a nomenclature for the fastest models in each Porsche model. Make no mistake, the Taycan is 100-percent Porsche. It looks, drives, and responds unmistakably Porsche. It handles corners like a true sports car, but it’s very comfortable on long drives. And it’s one of the fastest recharging EVs on the market.”

Jordan Mizrach, General Manager Porsche Grapevine

“The evening was truly exhilarating. The Taycan is a transformational addition to the Porsche family. Most electric cars have a single-speed direct-drive gearbox, but the Taycan’s rear axle uses a two-speed setup for improved acceleration and range. But regardless of its power plant, the Taycan handles like you expect a Porsche to handle. While the acceleration might be a bit more stimulating initially, the ride and drive are exactly what you expect from Porsche. And it’s one of the fastest recharging EVs on the market today.”

Pronounced “Tie-KHAN

Pronounced “Tie-KHAN,” the four-door Turbo S sports sedan will go from 0-to-60 mph in 2.8 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph and a driving range of 192 miles (201 miles for the Turbo) all with the incomparable handling, dependable quality and world-class styling of a Porsche.

While an Electric Vehicle doesn’t really need a turbocharger to reach supercar acceleration, Porsche chose to maintain the Turbo and Turbo S branding for the Taycan. Since the first Porsche 911 Turbo was launched in 1974, “Turbo” has become a sub-brand, a nomenclature for the fastest models in each Porsche line.

 

Founded in 1987, Park Place operates 18 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, McLaren, and Maserati. For more info, visit parkplace.com.

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Park Place Dealerships Recognized for Outstanding Operations and Service

2019 was quite the year across Park Place’s Dallas-Fort Worth Locations. Congratulations to all of our teams for these awards:

Park Place Motorcars 

Park Place Motorcars Dallas has won the Mercedes-Benz 2019 “Best of the Best” Gold Laurel award, representing the pinnacle of achievement and the absolute best of what the Mercedes-Benz brand has to offer. This is the 13th win for Dallas. Only 52 Mercedes-Benz dealerships out of 384 nationwide received this prestigious distinction.

“All of our dealerships are dedicated to creating exceptional client experiences each and every day,” said Park Place Dealerships CEO Neil Grossman. “It’s especially rewarding when that hard work is recognized nationally bu the luxury brands we represent.”

Park Place Motorcars Grapevine and Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth both won the Mercedes-Benz 2019 “Best of the Best” Silver Laurel award, which acknowledges dealers for their outstanding achievements throughout the year. Only 88 dealers out of the 384 Mercedes-Benz dealerships nationwide have earned this lofty designation. This is the fifth win for Grapevine and the ninth for Fort Worth.

Managers at Park Place Mercedes in Grapevine, Monday, Feb. 3, 2020. (Michael Ainsworth)
Managers at Park Place Mercedes in Fort Worth, Monday, Feb. 3, 2020. (Michael Ainsworth)

Both Park Place Motorcars Dallas and Fort Worth dealerships also won the 2019 “Mercedes Benz Financial Valued Partner Award,” the equivalent of “Best of the Best” for Finance.

Park Place BodyWerks 

“Park Place BodyWerks Grapevine won the 2019 Lexus Collision Center of the Year designation,” added Grossman. “They are the first such facility to ever win the award back-to-back. They also won the award in 2018.”

Park Place Jaguar Land Rover

Park Place Jaguar Land Rover DFW received two of the highest honors a Jaguar Land Rover dealership can receive: the 2019 “Pride of Jaguar” award and the Land Rover “Pinnacle” award. Both awards are notable for their exclusive designations as “Lyons Elite” and “Wilks Elite,” signifying sales and service leadership in the “Largest Dealer” category. This is Jaguar Land Rover DFW’s ninth “Pride” award and first “Pinnacle” award. JLR North America CEO Joe Eberhardt personally congratulated the dealership on their outstanding achievement.

In addition, Park Place Lexus Plano and Park Place Lexus Grapevine both won the 2019 “Elite of Lexus” award, given to a very select group of dealerships based on customer ratings and a rigorous series of operational and certification requirements. Plano has earned this prestigious award 26 times, while Grapevine has won 19 times. 

Bentley Dallas

Last, but certainly not least, Park Place Premier Collection’s Bentley Dallas was named number one for sales in the Central Region in 2019.

“Park Place is proud of our members for their pursuit of excellence in every area of our operation,” concluded Grossman. “The recognition when the pinnacle of success in such a competitive industry is rewarding. But, more importantly, the dedication to customer service is what makes our clients refer to Park Place as ‘My Place.’”

Founded in 1987, Park Place operates 17 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, McLaren, and Maserati. For more info, visit parkplace.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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BodyWerks Fort Worth Shop Manager – Born to be Wild

Member Spotlight: Greg Cinicolo, Body Shop Manager at BodyWerks Fort Worth

Westchester County in New York is well-known for its quaint villages and picturesque towns as well as open spaces and a network of beautiful parks. But Hells Angels? Yep. And at just five years old, Greg held the flashlight while his dad repaired the members’ Harleys from his garage in small-town White Plains.

 

“They’d babysit me,” he laughs. “Dad restored motorcycles and cars as a hobby and I’d pass him wrenches and other tools. The bikers took a shine to me and I remember having a blast. In fact, one of dad’s buddies is Chuck Zito, the actor from the HBO prison drama “Oz,” who was president of the New York Hells Angels chapter!”

Clearly, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree – Greg’s always been into cars and motorcycles. His family moved to Texas in 1984 and at 16, he went to work at a Chevrolet dealership and never looked back. “I even read books about body shops and repairs. For fun! I’m totally boring.”

Greg Began at Park Place in 2011

Greg began his Park Place career in 2011, serving as an estimator at Grapevine BodyWerks for six and a half years. He’s been in his current role, shop manager for BodyWerks Fort Worth, for almost three years and oversees 22 members as they go about their daily operations, which include everything from major to minor structural repair, paintless dent repair (PDR), paint and bodywork … and in several cases, even animal rescue.

“We’re not surprised by damage from floods and hailstorms,” he says. “But animals are another story. A client came into the Lexus service department with a hawk trapped in the vehicle’s grill. But they saved the hawk! Another time, raccoons made themselves at home in a vehicle. They were still in there by the time we got the vehicle, so that was a job for sure.”

It’s a Science…and an Art

One of the more challenging aspects of vehicle repair is also one of the industry’s oldest and most vexatious – paint-matching.

“It’s a science as well as an art,” he says. “Modern paints are all water-based acrylic polyurethane enamels and very durable, but UV rays are terribly destructive to any kind of paint and actually change the color. Vehicles with clear coat, basically a pigment-free paint, suffer much less UV damage than those without it and make matching much more precise.”

Fortunately for owners, Greg says that the BodyWerks members have all the necessary technical certifications and industry experience to make things right. They also have another essential ingredient – artistry.

“They’re really artists,” he says proudly. “They view these vehicles as their canvas. And day in and day out, they prove their gifts. It’s an honor to work with them.” 

Protect your Paint!

His advice to owners – take care of that clear coat. “Savvy owners know to wash the surface thoroughly, then polish the paint, then wax the polish. That protects the clear coat, which protects the paint. If you don’t have the time, we’ll do it for you. It’s a great investment to keep your vehicle pristine.”

Family First

It’s clear Greg is not only passionate about his profession, but he’s well-equipped to run this full operation. But while it might be hard to imaging, restoring vehicles to their “before wreck” condition isn’t his only focus. In fact, his priority is now his family.

“These days, my hobbies have less to do with repairing motorcycles and more to do with family,” he adds. “We have three girls ages 10, 8 and 3, so we basically live in our backyard. But none of them are holding flashlights and wrenches for me – yet!”

For more information on how to join the Park Place BodyWerks team or to book a free estimate visit us at www.ParkPlaceBodyWerks.com

 

 

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Game Day at the Park Place Auto Auction

An up-close-and-personal look at Park Place’s Auto Auction for area authorized dealers.

It’s 4 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon at Park Place Auto Auction in Plano, and the non-stop auctioneer chatter over the booming loudspeakers is silent now. The twin driveways are devoid of vehicles, while administrators inside the facility quietly wrap up the mounds of paperwork required to transfer ownership of nearly 200 vehicles.

But a mere two hours prior, the place was a buzzing beehive. Sedans, coupes, convertibles, SUVs, crossovers, pickups, minivans, sportscars and other vehicles of every make and manufacture creep slowly yet continuously along parallel driveways while about 200 potential buyers – independent and franchise dealers alike – raise a hand or give a nod and a wink to convey their bids. The din from fast-talking, sharp-eyed auctioneers is loud and urgent. Enormous wall-mounted monitors display a dizzying blur of vehicles and ever-rising numbers for all to see.

“The whole process is actually well under control,” says Kenny Parmentier, Operations Manager of Park Place Auto Auction. “But to outsiders, it tends to look like complete mayhem,” he adds with a chuckle.

Where Did It All Start?

The idea for getting into the auction business came from Park Place President Jordan Case, who wanted to create a clean, comfortable and well-kept environment where authorized dealers could find an extensive selection of both high-performance luxury cars and top-quality vehicles of all kinds, and engage in an efficient, hassle-free purchasing experience. In short, he wanted the auction business to function with the commitment to excellence that makes Park Place, well, Park Place.

More often than not, he’s on hand to savor the experience, which kicks off every Wednesday at 2 p.m. sharp. From that point, a vehicle is sold every 38 seconds. In the next 90 minutes, about 195 out of about 200 vehicles will have changed hands. And then it’s all over. Until next week, when it all starts again.

Where Do the Cars Come From?

Most of the vehicles come from Park Place pre-owned lots where they’ve been for 65 days, the result of trade-ins on something newer and shinier. Or they’re front-line vehicles that are getting long in the tooth as a new model year looms. The auction gives them all a chance to find new homes – and Park Place more room for more desirable pre-owned vehicles that will hopefully turn faster.

Celebrating its two-year anniversary in February, the Park Place Auto Auction business is run in partnership with America’s Auto Auction, a full-service company catering to dealers in 23 locations across 15 states. They handle all the day-to-day activity – checking vehicles in, taking pictures, and handling collections, payments, and titles.

Parmentier works for them, as does his five-member team.

“We’re running at a 95 percent success rate,” he says. “Once a vehicle is sold, the buyer has 48 hours to complete the sale and move the vehicle off the lot. It’s a fast-paced business and really quite exciting. It’s game day!”

In 2019, the business sold 8,647 vehicles or about 720 a month. Those that don’t sell one week – called “reruns” – go through the line again a week later for another shot at success, and are usually snapped up by eagle-eyed bargain hunters.

That certainly wasn’t the case when a 2019 Rolls-Royce and a 2018 McLaren came down the line.

“We don’t get those rarities all that often,” Parmentier grins, “but when we do, they’re show-stoppers!”

 

 

 

 

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Watch List for the 2020 Park Place Pre-Owned Event

Did you know that we have a wide array of Pre-Owned and Certified vehicles in our showrooms and inventory? Introducing the Park Place Pre-Owned event, which is a great way to experience affordable luxury to kick off the new year. With over 1400 Pre-Owned vehicles, including over 700 Certified Pre-Owned models and an array of non-certified Pre-Owned vehicles,  there are plenty of cars and SUVs to choose from.

To help guide you during the Park Place Pre-Owned event, we have highlighted notable models across our dealerships that could very well be the next vehicle in your driveway.

 

Jaguar F-Type & Land Rover Range Rover Sport

If you love responsive handling with a sports car vibe, the Jaguar F-Type offers coupe and convertible options for sale. Whether you enjoy a hard rooftop or want to let the top down during the springtime, drivers will enjoy the experience behind the Jaguar wheel.

The same handling experience can be found with the Range Rover Sport. Whether you are driving around the Dallas tollways during the week or navigating mountainous terrains during vacation, the Range Rover Sport SUV adds more throttle to your commute.

When purchasing the Certified Pre-Owned Jaguar or Land Rover, the CPO warranty covers 7 years from the original in-service date or when your purchase reaches 100,000 total miles, whichever comes first.

Lexus NX

The Lexus NX features modern interior design complemented by swift SUV performance. Ever since the NX debuted with its 2015 year model release, drivers have enjoyed the comfortable seating and adaptable cargo space. When purchasing a Certified Pre-Owned NX, L/Certified warranty offers you four complimentary maintenances for two years or 20,000 miles, whichever comes first.

McLaren 720S

Available at our Premier Collection, the McLaren 720S is ready for action as soon as you the start engine. The 720S is designed to be an everyday vehicle but also pushes the limits of relentless performance. Those interested Certified Pre-Owned McLarens can enjoy an additional 12 months or up to 12,000 miles of McLaren Qualified warranty.

Mercedes-Benz GLC

Mercedes-Benz meets the needs of drivers who love the comfortability of a luxury SUV paired with the drivability of a compact sedan. Certified Pre-Owned GLCs are available dating back to 2016 models. Any GLC300 comes with an unlimited mileage Certified Pre-Owned warranty for an additional year – with the possibility to extend coverage for two additional years at the time of purchase.

Porsche Macan

As SUV growth continues to climb industry-wide, the Porsche Macan is at the forefront of the SUV revolution. Not to mention, the performance crossover SUV is Porsche’s top-selling vehicle. Since its introductory 2015 model, Macan owners have enjoyed the athletic ride paired with the authentic Porsche styling. Owners who purchase a Porsche Certified Pre-Owned model will also enjoy 2 years of unlimited mileage warranty coverage after the expiration of the new vehicle limited warranty.

Volvo XC90

The top-selling Volvo model concludes the Park Place Pre-Owned Event vehicle watch list. Whether you need additional cargo space for a weekend getaway or daily driver to pick up the kids, the XC90 provides ample room for up to 7 occupants. With additional safety support and cozy comfort, Volvo’s full-size SUV helped the Swedish brand achieve their highest sales volume in 12 years.

With your purchase of a Certified Pre-Owned Volvo, owners will enjoy a 5 year or unlimited-mile warranty coverage from the original in-service date of the car. Additional warranty coverage can also be purchased up to a total of 10 years and unlimited miles at the time of purchase.

If you are in the market to upgrade your vehicle during the Park Place Pre-Owned Event, please visit parkplace.com to find your favorite Pre-Owned options.

 

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Recruiting the Next Generation: Meet Park Place’s Recruiting Team

Team approach key to finding, keeping and promoting great people.

“Finding people is easy,” says Park Place Recruiting Director Matt Howe. “Finding talent is another thing entirely. That’s where our team comes in.”

Howe joined Park Place with one goal in mind – build a united team dedicated to bringing the best and brightest to Park Place.

But he’s quick to point out that it’s a job that goes well outside the hours of 9-5.

“Good recruiters are always looking for top talent, even during nights and weekends. Everyone you meet could be a candidate, or a source for other great people,” he says.

He also points out the importance of internal referrals. “If you’re a member, we’d very much like to meet your friends and family members, because if they’re like you, chances are we’ll like them, too.”

Meet the team!

Bailie Fabik

  • Three years in recruiting, the last 22 months at Park Place.
  • Graduated Texas A&M (BA in History and minor in Sociology).
  • Specializing in Fixed Ops positions: Technicians/Tech Trainees, ASM/Internal ASM/ASM Trainee, Estimators, Body Techs, Detailers, PDR Technicians.
  • The best thing to happen to me in 2019 – engaged to my boyfriend of 5 years and getting married next summer!

Josh Gonzalez

  • Five years in recruiting, joined Park Place in May 2019.
  • Previously recruited for Richardson Police Department (youth program).
  • Graduated UT Dallas (BS in Psychology and Criminology minor).
  • Responsible for Valet/Car Wash/Parts Warehouse/Parts Specialist roles and miscellaneous hourly roles.
  • Has a 2-year old Miniature Schnauzer.

Jaqueline Ramos

  • Joined Park Place in 2015 at Park Place Motorcars Arlington, joined recruiting in 2019.
  • Responsible for adding new hires to MyHR, create PAF, track background/drug test, start date.
  • UT Arlington (Bachelors in both Spanish and Psychology).
  • Fluent in English and Spanish, understand French, currently studying Russian and German.

Jerold Varghese

  • Joined Park Place in September 2017 as SEM at Lexus Grapevine. Moved to Recruiting in July 2019.
  • Responsible for Sales and Variable Operations.
  • Bachelor’s in Accounting from DeVry, MBA in Finance from Keller Graduate School.
  • Fluent in four languages (English, Hindi, Malayalam, Urdu) and lived in Saudi Arabia, India, and the U.S. before turning 21.

Steven Spiker

  • Joined Park Place in August 2018 – 19 years in the automotive industry.
  • Recruiting for all Mercedes stores, Porsche Dallas and new JLR in Austin.
  • Two great kids who are “my world,” two dogs and loves golf.

Matt Howe, Director

  • Joined Park Place in August 2018.
  • Has been an automotive industry recruiter for the last 6 years
  • Responsible for managing the overall recruiting workflow for Park Place.
  • Graduate of Georgetown Prep and Washington College with a BA in Political Science and Government.
  • Paratrooper in U.S. Army 82nd Airborne and Weapons Intelligence Sergeant in U.S. Army Reserve.

 

 

 

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Ken Schnitzer, Founder and Chairman of Park Place Dealerships, To Sell 14 Dealerships

Asbury Automotive Group to Purchase Assets

IRVING, Texas (December 12, 2019) – Ken Schnitzer, founder and chairman of Park Place Dealerships, has announced his intention to sell 14 dealerships to Asbury Automotive Group, one of the nation’s largest automotive retail and service companies with 88 dealerships and revenues of $6.9 billion. The sale is expected be finalized by March 2020.

“The decision to sell the company that I have spent the past three decades building has not been an easy one,” said Schnitzer. “But now is the time to enjoy my family and friends, as well as explore new opportunities.”

The transaction includes the Park Place brand and the following dealerships: Mercedes-Benz stores in Dallas, Fort Worth and Arlington, Lexus Plano and Lexus Grapevine, Jaguar/Land Rover DFW and an Austin location currently under construction, Porsche Dallas, Volvo, Bentley Dallas, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Dallas, McLaren Dallas, and Maserati Dallas. Park Place BodyWerks in Dallas and Fort Worth are also included in the sale.

“I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished and the culture we have built at Park Place,” Schnitzer remarked. “I will keep my hand in the automotive industry by retaining two dealerships and a body shop in Grapevine. DFW is one of the strongest markets in the country, and Texas is a great place to do business. The future is very bright for Park Place Dealerships and the industry.”

Schnitzer will maintain ownership of the Mercedes-Benz and Porsche dealerships in Grapevine, as well as the body shop in Grapevine. He started Park Place Dealerships in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn Avenue. He proceeded to create one of the largest luxury dealership groups in the country by hiring and training confident, passionate people to provide an exceptional ownership experience for clients.

“In the last 32 years, there have been many challenges, opportunities, decisions, and risks,” said Schnitzer. “But when you have a great team by your side, you can accomplish anything. The members of Park Place who’ve contributed their ideas and talents to the growth of the company are the best in the industry.”

In 2005, Park Place Lexus Plano and Park Place Lexus Grapevine were awarded the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award by the President of the United States in the small business category. Park Place was the first auto dealer to ever win the award.

For the past 10 years, the company has been named to The Dallas Morning News’ Top 100 Places to Work. Each of the individual dealerships are ranked among the best in the country with respect to sales and service.

Park Place Dealerships employs more than 2,100 members and operates 17 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Karma, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, McLaren, and Maserati. For more info, visit parkplace.com.

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Member Spotlight: Shiva Olumi, Finance Director at Park Place Lexus Plano

Self-described “misfit” marks nearly 20 years of a perfect fit with Park Place Lexus Plano

Unlike most of her generation, you won’t catch Finance Director Shiva Olumi endlessly twiddling her smartphone to update her social media status.

“I just think that if you’re on your phone all the time, you’re never really present in reality,” she says. “You run the risk of missing out on real connections. Then again, I’m a bit unorthodox anyway,” she admits with a laugh.

A first-generation Iranian-American, Olumi says that curiosity led her to accept a part-time job at the dealership while she studied for a pharmacology degree. But she credits her innate ability to look at life through a different lens that led her to consider an automotive career.

“My parents were a bit concerned because this industry didn’t fit into the career boxes of medicine or law,” she states. “But the work spoke to me and I was able to rise up the ranks. Plus, I really enjoy the industry.”

From receptionist, she moved through a variety of roles at the store, including loan car admin, ARAP, inventory specialist, new car biller, preowned biller, staff accountant, accounting manager, assistant finance manager and new car sales manager to her current role.

“Guess I just can’t stay in one place,” she smiles.

She credits mentoring by both Jordan Case (Park Place President) and Chris Brunner (her hiring manager, now Lexus Plano GM) as critical to her exploration of challenging new roles. “They helped me develop and provided me with growth opportunities. Park Place is incredibly committed to inclusion and opportunity for all,” she adds.

She sees her role as a founding member of the Women in Automotive group as a way to pay back their confidence in her.  The group’s goal, she says, is to afford opportunities and exposure to others who might not have automotive industry careers on their radar.

“It’s not just a women-only thing,” she says. “It’s an open forum to support those who might not have a mentor at their store or may just need guidance or a conversation to create hope. I’d like to see it become more inclusive but we have to start somewhere.”

She’s a travel fan, as much for the nature she enjoys getting back to, as well as the differing perspectives she encounters. Favorite destinations include New Mexico, Spain, Germany and the Middle East. Even then, she often “takes the path less traveled.”

Her motto? “Write your own manifesto about what you find as your normal.”

[picture caption — (l to r) Shiva Olumi, Finance Director, and Selena Villalobos, Business Coordinator, both with Park Place Lexus Plano.

 

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Park Place Dealerships Kicks Off Season of Holiday Giving with Philanthropic Programs

For Every Act of Kindness Shared with Hashtag #giveamazing Lexus will donate $10 to Boys & Girls Clubs of America

The holiday season is a time of increased giving across North Texas and Park Place Dealerships is leading the way for members, clients and the community to give back to help those who may need it. Organizations Park Place will be supporting during this season include Salvation Army, Boys & Girls Club of America, Community Partners of Dallas, Arlington ISD, and Toys for Tots.

“We care about our community and are glad to provide support to those in need,” said Dave Evans, chief marketing officer for Park Place Dealerships. “There are many families who struggle throughout the year and our members continually look for opportunities to help others. During this holiday season, we are partnering with various charities and we have made it easy for the community to join these efforts.”

Give Back with Park Place 

Park Place Lexus stores in Grapevine and Plano are participating in the Lexus Give Amazing program, which kicks off November 22. Lexus is simply asking people to share acts of kindness on social media with the hashtag #giveamazing. For each submission using the hashtag, Lexus will donate $10 to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America up to a total donation of $100,000.

Park Place Motorcars Dallas and Park Place Porsche Dallas are participating in the Salvation Army Angel Tree program. Clients and members can pick an angel off the tree at the Lemmon Avenue dealerships. The angel tags are printed with a child’s name, age and gift ideas from their wish list. Participants purchase gifts and return them to the dealerships by the deadline on the tag. Park Place members will deliver the gifts to one of the 11 Salvation Army Distribution centers for delivery to a family. 

Park Place Motorcars Arlington is collecting new and gently used coats, jackets and shoes for students in Arlington ISD, where approximately 64,000 students (70% of students) are identified as “low socio-economic.”

Park Place Dealerships’ corporate office, located in Las Colinas, also will be collecting toys for distribution for the Community Partners of Dallas. Unwrapped toys can be dropped off at the front desk at 350 Phelps Drive in Irving.

Porsche Grapevine is collecting non-perishable food throughout November to donate to a local food bank and will be collecting Toys for Tots thru December 9th. Park Place Motorcars Grapevine is donating food for GRACE for Thanksgiving dinner and participating in Toys for Tots thru Dec. 13.

All of these efforts are part of the Park Place Cares program, which encourages Park Place’s 2,100 members to volunteer their time and resources to serve the community in which they live and work. The community can support any of these initiatives by donating toys, food, or sharing their act of kindness on social media with the hashtag #giveamazing. 

Ken Schnitzer founded Park Place Dealerships in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn. Today, Park Place Dealerships operates 17 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, McLaren, and Maserati. For more info, visit parkplace.com.

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#BalmoresPlace: Dreaming of a Brighter Future

El Salvador’s Balmore Salmeron Dreamed of a Brighter Future and Found it at Park Place.

Newest “My Place” video spotlights promote-from-within culture at Park Place Dealerships

Soft spoken, thoughtfully articulate and almost always smiling, Balmore Salmeron dismisses praise about his life’s achievements with uncharacteristic modesty.

“I’m not special,” he says. “I just did what I needed to do.”

But the facts are undeniable: When he came to this country from his native El Salvador in 2001, he had no official education degree, just some university computer science training. While he could read and write a little English, his speaking skills – and thus better job opportunities – were slim.

He was, however, eager to prove himself. And Park Place was just as eager to give the young man a leg up in his adopted country.

“My mother-in-law had a friend in the detailing department at Park Place Lexus Grapevine, so I was referred and hired,” he says. “I worked on cars during the day and on my communications skills at night.”

Three years later, his managers rewarded Balmore’s determination with a promotion to the dealership’s service drive, where a quick understanding of client needs along with a cheerful and professional demeanor are must-haves.

By this time, he was also taking accounting courses, since he’d always felt comfortable with the language of numbers and figures. And knowing that Park Place likes to promote from within, he kept his eye on potential internal opportunities.

“To be better than yesterday – that’s something we should always strive for,” he says.

Nearly two years later, he found what looked like a fit when an internal financial analyst position opened up. At each step of the interview process – and there were a lot of steps – he impressed managers with his gumption and positive attitude. But he worried that he didn’t have the necessary skills.

He didn’t need to.

“We hire for attitude and determination,” declares his manager, Park Place Controller David Orenstein. “If a great candidate has that, like Balmore, then we can provide all the training they need.”

“The Park Place philosophy is about helping members improve and move up,” confirms Balmore. 

Since then, he’s been instrumental in refining the company’s accounting processes to be faster and more accurate – always a good thing when it comes to numbers.

He became a U.S. citizen in 2010, completed his accounting degree at Richland College in 2014 and embodies the idea that, with hearty backing from your organization, you can achieve your dreams.

So all in all, it’s pretty clear why Balmore calls Park Place “My Place.”

“America is a dream of freedom, built around the idea that one person can make a difference,” he says. “For me, Park Place is my place because I’m a part of something great and they’ve helped me to achieve my dreams.”

To Apply for a Career at Park Place Dealerships, visit www.ParkPlace.com/Careers

Ken Schnitzer founded Park Place Dealerships in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn. Today, Park Place Dealerships employs more than 2,100 people and operates 17 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, McLaren, and Maserati. For more info, visit parkplace.com.