Porsche – Page 10 – Park Place Dealerships

June 15, 2016

Park Place Dealerships – Texas Rangers Triple Play Game Show Spectacular Another Success

The 14th Annual Park Place Dealerships Texas Rangers Triple Game Show Spectacular was another great success. Park Place Dealerships is a proud sponsor of the event, which benefits the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation and supports numerous initiatives including the construction of the Texas Rangers MLB Youth Academy at Mercy Street Sports Complex in West Dallas.

The theme for the 2016 Park Place Dealerships Texas Rangers Triple Play was “Fields of Dreams.”

“Park Place Dealerships has been the presenting sponsor of this event since its inception in 2002,” said Rob Sumner, Park Place Dealerships’ director of marketing. “This event has it all: celebrity sightings, great entertainment, and most importantly, an opportunity to raise funds for our community where it is most needed. Working with the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation every year is a great experience and partnership as we have similar goals in helping kids maximize their potential.”

Last year’s Park Place Dealerships Texas Rangers Triple Play event raised more than $610,000 for the Rangers Baseball Foundation. Celebrating its 25th year, the Foundation has given back more than $14 million to help area children. The Foundation provides support for youth baseball programs, youth education, youth health, and youth in crisis.

“The Texas Rangers MLB Youth Academy really will be a field where dreams come true,” said Karin Morris, executive director of the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation. “This state-of-the-art facility will provide children across North Texas with a safe place to play baseball and softball. In addition to providing year-round baseball and softball instruction, the Academy will host tournaments, coaching clinics, and skills camps. It will also give young students access to tutoring programs, college prep classes, college and career fairs, financial literacy and internship programs, and MLB industry alternative career workshops.”

The Park Place Dealerships Texas Rangers Triple Play features live and silent auctions, which gives fans the opportunity to bid on fabulous live and silent auction items such as trips to see the Rangers play at Chicago’s Wrigley Field, Colorado’s Coors Field, and Houston’s Minute Maid Park, private hitting and pitching lessons with current Rangers players, and many other exclusive Rangers experiences.

One of the evening’s highlights is the Rangers’ players competing against each other in a pair of game shows. This year’s competitions saw the return of the very popular Fielders Feud and Minute to Win It.

The Texas Rangers players, coaches, and front office personnel attend the event so guests get unique access to players and management for autographs and to get a picture with a favorite player. Every year guests remark how much they enjoyed the up close and personal interaction with players and coaches.

May 23, 2016May 24, 2016

Poised for Precision: The new 2017 Porsche 718 Cayman

The new 2017 Porsche 718 Cayman has been enhanced as comprehensively in its design as it has in its technology. The third generation of the mid-engine sports coupe has a more striking and athletic appearance. The taut proportions, prominent air intakes on the sides and at the front, as well as the low side profile underscore the uprated dynamics.

The front fascia has a sharper profile, which gives the front of the car a wider and more muscular appearance. The ultra-slim front lights above the air intakes, which house the positioning lights and indicators, reinforce this impression. Significantly larger cooling air intakes and Bi-Xenon™ headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights also characterize the new 718 Cayman. LED headlights with four-point daytime running lights are available as a new option.

The redesigned rear fascia appears wider than before due to the high-gloss black accent strip with integrated Porsche logotype. The taillights have been completely redesigned and are distinguished by the three-dimensional look and four-point brake lights that appear to float freely.

Inside, revisions are visible for both the 718 Cayman and the 718 Boxster. The upper part of the dashboard and the air vents are new. The new 918 Spyder design sport steering wheel and extensive connectivity options have now been added to the 718 cockpit. Porsche Communication Management (PCM) and the eight speaker Sound Package Plus audio system are standard.

The capabilities of the PCM can be extended with options such as the Connect module. It includes special extensions for smartphones, such as the USB port, Apple CarPlay and Porsche Car Connect.

The new turbocharged flat-four cylinder engines from the 718 Boxster power the 718 Cayman, making the power output identical for both models. The 2.5 liter powerplant in the S model produces 350 horsepower, while the 2.0 liter engine in the 718 Cayman delivers 300 horsepower. Both models make 25 more horsepower than their respective predecessors. The abundant torque produced by the new engines yields driving pleasure and agility even at low revs.

With their superb driving dynamics, the new 718 Cayman models follow in the footsteps of the legendary 718 race cars. Thanks to their outstanding agility, the historic mid-engine sports cars won numerous races including Le Mans and the Targa Florio in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Firmer springs and sway bars as well as retuned shock absorbers improve lateral grip and tracking stability. The steering rack with a 10 percent quicker on-center ratio compared to the previous model has been adapted from the 911 Turbo and enhances agility as well as driving pleasure. The rear wheels, which are one-half inch wider, and a new generation of tires increase lateral grip to allow for even better cornering.

Performance enhancing options such as the Sport Chrono Package and Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) sharpen the sporty character of the 718 Cayman even further. Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) with a 10 millimeter reduction in ride height is also optionally available. Furthermore, the S model can be ordered with the PASM Sport suspension for the first time, which lowers the car by 20 millimeters.

As in other Porsche sports cars, the Sport Chrono Package can now be adjusted using the Mode Switch on the steering wheel. Supplementing the previous settings of “Normal,” “Sport,” and “Sport Plus” is the “Individual” program, which can store and call up the driver’s preferred settings.

The new 718 Cayman complements the Porsche 718 Boxster in the mid-engine model line-up, and for the first time, the coupe is priced below the roadster. The 718 Cayman is expected in showrooms late 2016.

For more information about the 2017 Porsche 718 Cayman or other Porsche models, please contact:

Pete Hodges at Park Place Porsche (214) 525-5408 or PHodges@10.2.54.33

April 25, 2016May 24, 2016

Porsche European Delivery- Your Adventure Awaits.

The Porsche factory. The place of dreams, race cars, and pure performance. It’s also where you can pick-up your brand new Porsche.
The German brand is taking the car buying experience to another level with the Porsche European Delivery. Imagine the usual test-drive through notorious Dallas traffic. Now picture yourself behind the wheel of your new silver, or red, perhaps a black Porsche 911 feeling the power and the full potential on the Autobahn. No limits. No restrictions. No problems.

Put it through its paces on winding roads in Germany, or the picturesque countryside that inspired Porsche’s unique design and exhilarating performance.

Tour the factories where your Porsche was crafted with meticulous attention to detail. See how it all comes together before being presented with the keys to your brand new car.

Start it up and set off on an adventure of a lifetime and experience the exhilarating thrill of driving your new Porsche for the first time through historic and charming streets of Europe before you roar down the Autobahn to your next German adventure.

To order your new Porsche and experience the Porsche European Delivery, contact

Pete Hodges at Park Place Porsche (214) 525-5408 or PHodges@10.2.54.33

Auf Wiedersehen & See you soon!

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.

March 14, 2016March 22, 2016

Scenic Stroll Through Dallas Blooms

It’s our favorite time of the year! Dallas Blooms is in full swing once again at the Dallas Arboretum. From great scenery and statues of great contributors to great luxury SUVs, there’s plenty to see and do. Park Place Dealerships is the exclusive automotive sponsor of the annual event and we added some of our favorite models from Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and Volvo to the Dallas Blooms mix.

Warm welcome! Visitors are greeted by this gorgeous grey Mercedes-Benz GLC300, which also provides for a fun photo-op.

Perched among the fragrant flowers, not far from the entrance, is a picture-perfect white Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid.

A Swedish model is making Cool Thursday Concerts a lot cooler. Be sure to check out the 2016 Volvo XC60 greeting visitors on the lawn.

This year’s theme, “The Artistry in Nature” includes life-size sculptures of great contributors such as Benjamin Franklin, and William Shakespeare relaxing on benches or in garden-setting throughout the Dallas Arboretum. Whether to take a selfie, or take in the views, guests are invited to have a seat on the bench along with the great contributors. The bronze sculptures are works of renowned sculptor Gary Lee Price.

Dallas Blooms runs through Sunday, April 10th.

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.”

December 15, 2015May 24, 2016

Porsche 911: The Best vs The Best

Your best and greatest challenger is yourself. To do better and grow, compete with the person you were yesterday. Greatness comes from within. From pitting you against you. Onto the greatest version of you. What would happen if Muhammad Ali stepped in the ring against himself? Or if Maria Sharapova faced off against herself. And if Magnus Carlsen sat across a board from himself. Only the best have a chance against the best.

What happens when a Porsche 911 meets a new Porsche 911 on the road? Only a Porsche 911 can beat a Porsche 911.

Porsche takes a look at the greatest competition and how it challenged itself to create the new Porsche 911.

For more information about Porsche please contact:

Pete Hodges at Park Place Porsche (214) 525-5408 or PHodges@10.2.54.33

September 23, 2015

Porsche Exclusive Celebration- Custom Cars. Cocktails. Couture.

Park Place Porsche in Dallas was recently named one of only six Porsche Exclusive Flagship Dealers in the country. To celebrate, Park Place invited more than 450 guests to a unique event, where they experienced the limitless options now available to configure their own amazing vehicle in the new Porsche Exclusive Design Center.

“There’s an infinite number of possibilities to customize your Porsche,” said Patrick Huston, general manager of Park Place Porsche. “Whether you’re looking to create a distinctive 911 Turbo, Boxster, Cayenne, Panamera, Cayman or Macan, you’ll discover a level of customization never before possible. You can sit down in our Design Center and select a wide range of options. Then you see the changes on the computer screen to determine how those choices work together. We also have paint, leather, trim, and parts samples in-house where you can touch and feel them.”

In addition to the Porsche Design Center, Park Place sales experience managers roamed the floor with electronic tablets to help guests configure their own dream car.

Two Porsche Exclusive cars inside, provided inspiration: a 2016 Panamera and a 2015 911 Turbo S with many unique features.

Guests who configured a Porsche at the event were entered into a drawing for a chance to win a $13,000 exclusive Chopard Porsche 919 Edition watch from Bachendorf’s.
Ron Witten of University Park was the lucky winner.

Customization was the key to the party. Lombardi’s invited guests to build their own flatbreads.

Reyka Vodka and Hendrick’s Gin offered a “create your own martini” bar, where one could create any cocktail combination they could conjure up.

The Lou Lou Ladies Lounge featured unique clothing and accessories so a lady could create her own look, all while sipping on refreshing Solerno Fizz Cocktails.

Jo Malone London fragrances demonstrated how to create your own personal scent.

The Men’s Lounge showcased watches from Bachendorf’s, Origins skincare, chair massages, a Hudson Bourbon bar, as well as Krombacher beer and hand-rolled cigars.