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.

Rick Stone2016

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.” FullSizeRender (11)

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.”

Best Christmas Pageant Ever-Rick Stone

RS Gator baseball

RS Baseball Flying Squirrels team

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.

Bentley GT Speed Black Edition

Bentley is introducing the Continental GT Speed Black Edition which celebrates the rich and striking depth of the GT’s sporting character. Available for both coupe and convertible, the customers’ choice of body color is complimented by a high gloss black finish to the exterior brightware, including the window openings and lamp bezels.
All-black 21” five-spoke directional wheels cover distinctive brake calipers, which can be specified in red or black finishes. To add a further unique and striking twist, the Black Edition also features contrast colors to the front splitter, side skirts and rear diffuser in four different shades: Hallmark, Beluga, St James Red and a new shade, Cyber Yellow. Customers can also choose to color-match the door mirrors as a final exterior accent.
Bentley Continental GT Speed Black Edition6
Inside, the mix of dark tones and vivid highlights continues. Carbon fiber adorns the fascia, center and roof consoles to create a dark opulent ambiance while a dedicated Black Edition color split sees the seats and center console bordered by contrasting leather, available in Porpoise, Beluga, Pillar Box Red or new Cyber Yellow to match the exterior styling accents. Corresponding contrast stitching accentuates the diamond quilting of the doors and Mulliner GT Design seats.
Bentley Continental GT Speed Black Edition5
We have developed the GT Speed Black Edition to meet demand from customers for a model in the Continental line that offers both increased sporting capabilities and instantly recognizable styling cues. The Black Edition has a subtle but purposeful look that is backed up by exceptional performance,” said Paul Jones, Product Line Director for Continental GT.

Bentley Continental GT Speed Black Edition4
It takes 110 hours to handcraft each and every Continental GT at the Bentley factory in Crewe, Cheshire. The upgraded W12 engine applied to all Continental GT Speed models is entirely assembled by 30 dedicated Bentley colleagues over 12½ hours. Meanwhile, the sumptuous and technically complex unique interiors are handcrafted by the experts in Bentley’s Leather and Trim workshop. Each hide is carefully checked by hand and eye before being stitched, shaped and finished entirely by hand, rivalling the quality of the finest furniture and precise tolerances of jewelry and watch craftsmanship.

To order the new Bentley Continental GT Speed Black Edition or for more information, please contact:
Malcolm Gage at Bentley Dallas 844-745-8538 or MGage@10.2.54.33

Bentley Launches New GT Speed

Bentley unveiled the revised Continental GT Speed, raising the bar even further in terms of exclusivity and performance. The fastest production Bentley ever, with a top speed of 206 mph (331 km/h), now delivers even more power and torque.
Bentley Continental GT launch, Norway, June 2015 Photo: James Lipman / jameslipman.com
Engineers at Bentley in Crewe have developed even more muscle from the Continental’s iconic 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 engine. The GT Speed now produces 642 PS – up from 635 PS – and 20 Nm of extra torque, bringing its total to a forceful 840 Nm. This additional torque is applied through the entire rev range via careful reoptimisation of boost control, raising the Grand Tourer’s renowned “torque plateau” of continuous maximum torque delivery from 2,000-5,000 rpm, and bringing even greater acceleration performance. As a result, the 0-60 mph sprint time has dropped to just 3.9 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.1 secs).
Continental GT Speed Convertible Apple Green

Bentley Continental GT Speed4

Continental GT Speed Convertible Apple Green2

It takes 110 hours to handcraft each and every Continental GT at the Bentley factory in Crewe, Cheshire. The upgraded W12 engine applied to all Continental GT Speed models is entirely assembled by 30 dedicated Bentley colleagues over 12½ hours. Meanwhile, the sumptuous and technically complex unique interiors are handcrafted by the experts in Bentley’s Leather and Trim workshop. Each hide is carefully checked by hand and eye before being stitched, shaped and finished entirely by hand, rivalling the quality of the finest furniture and precise tolerances of jewelry and watch craftsmanship.

The new Bentley GT Speed is available to order now at Bentley Dallas.

To order the new Bentley Continental GT Speed or for more information, please contact:
Malcolm Gage at Bentley Dallas 844-745-8538 or MGage@10.2.54.33

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Is an Award-Winning Trendsetter

Mercedes-Benz is a design trendsetter. This was confirmed for the Stuttgart-based company by the judges of the globally renowned design competition, who gave the “Red Dot Award” to the MULTIBEAM LED headlamps on the new E-Class.

Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse Limousine (W 213) 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Cl
The MULTIBEAM LED headlamps mark a technical milestone. Each comprising 84 individually drivable high-performance LEDs, these headlamps automatically illuminate the road surface with a hitherto unsurpassed, precision-controlled distribution of exceptionally bright light – without dazzling other road users.

Scheinwerfer Headlamps

At the same time, with their contemporary, pure elegance and dynamically sensual radiation, they reflect the intelligence and high-tech character of the E-Class saloon.

Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse, E 400 4MATIC, AMG Line, selenitgrau magno, Leder schwarz/sattelbraun Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse, E 400 4MATIC, AMG Line, selenit grey magno, leather black/saddle Brown

Characteristic, for example, are the twin eyebrows of the newly interpreted daytime running lamps as well as the high-grade details, which lend the saloon a majestically focused look.

Scheinwerfer Headlamps

Mercedes-Benz MULTIBEAM LED-Scheinwerfer: Mercedes-Benz MULTIBEAM LED-Scheinwerfer mit einer Raster-Lichtquelle mit 84 LED. Ermöglicht eine noch höhere Auflösung des Lichtbilds. Mercedes-Benz MULTIBEAM LED headlamps: Mercedes-Benz MULTIBEAM LED headlamps with a gridded light source containing 84 LEDs, enabling even higher resolution of the light output.

The high-calibre panel of judges for this year’s “Red Dot Awards” was called upon to judge a record number of 5214 product entries from 57 countries. The 41 independent designers, design professors and specialist journalists reserved the awards for products of outstanding design expertise. The prizes went to examples of well-thought-out, innovative styling, aesthetic quality and trendsetting design. In the verdict of the experts, these requirements were met by the MULTIBEAM LED headlamps on the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

For more information about the Mercedes-Benz E-Class or other Mercedes-Benz models, please contact:

Richard Wasson at Park Place Motorcars Arlington (817) 807-4811; RWasson@10.2.54.33

Zach Gilbert at Park Place Motorcars Dallas  (214) 443-8212; ZGgilbert@10.2.54.33

Walter Reed at Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth (817) 263-3618; WReed@10.2.54.33

Matt McPherson at Park Place Motorcars Grapevine  (817) 310-7361: MMcPherson@10.2.54.33

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.

The new Volvo XC90, exterior

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

Volvo XC90: All the Attention, All the Awards

 

Volvo’s relentless quest to make the safest, most luxurious car in its class has been recognized. And we’re honored. The all-new Volvo XC90 has been named a 2016 AUTOMOBILE All-Star by the experts at AUTOMOBILE magazine, and collected more awards from three other publications. This brings the global number of awards the XC90 has received to more than 110, including being named Motor Trend’s 2016 SUV of the Year and North American Truck of the Year.

The new Volvo XC90 with the T8 engine driven in Tarragona, Spain.

We are extremely proud to call the all-new XC90 an AUTOMOBILE All-Star, and to be recognized by so many other independent experts,” said Lex Kerssemakers, President and CEO, Volvo Car USA. “Accolades from such prominent publications give owners the confidence they are driving something truly great. They also mean a lot to everyone at Volvo.”

The XC90 was also named Best Luxury 3-Row SUV for Families by U.S. News and World Report; Best Luxury SUV by the Daily News; and the Autobytel Luxury SUV/Crossover of the Year. “The XC90 is unquestionably one of the best SUVs to come along in years, a true All-Star if there ever was one,” said Mike Floyd, editor-in-chief of AUTOMOBILE. “It’s easy to see why it’s won so many awards – it’s that good.”

Redesigned from the ground up, the 2016 Volvo XC90 carries forward the full-size SUV torch for Volvo, the 89-year-old Swedish automaker known for building some of the safest passenger vehicles available. The elegantly styled XC90 is available with several powerful and efficient powertrains – from a 250- horsepower turbocharged engine to a 400-horsepower, plug-in hybrid that can propel seven-passengers to 60 MPH in about five seconds.

Inside, the XC90 features Volvo’s Sensus control system, which is centered around a lag-free, 9.3-inch tablet-like touchscreen that incorporates most vehicle controls, including Apple CarPlay, and eliminates nearly all buttons and switches.

Like all new Volvos the XC90 also features Intellisafe, a full suite of active and passive safety technologies designed to protectwhat’s important to owners. And with semi-autonomous driving features like Pilot Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control the XC90 is ready for life in the twenty-first century. Together these features and functions are helping Volvo realize Vision 2020, which states that by 2020 no one should be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo car.

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

Must Test Drive- 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 is Autotrader’s 2016 Must Test Drive award-winner. The Mercedes-Benz GLC300 is a handsome new luxury crossover that makes a huge leap forward over the increasingly outdated GLK it replaces. The GLC features nicely balanced steering, crisp design and premium materials throughout the cabin,” says Autotrader.

Autotrader highlights new vehicles that car shoppers should pay attention to – and experience from the driver’s seat. Experience the award-winning Mercedes-Benz GLC300 at Park Place Motorcars in Arlington, Dallas, Fort-Worth, and Grapevine.

For more information about the Mercedes-Benz GLC or to place and order, please contact:

Richard Wasson at Park Place Motorcars Arlington (817) 807-4811; RWasson@10.2.54.33

Zach Gilbert at Park Place Motorcars Dallas  (214) 443-8212; ZGgilbert@10.2.54.33

Walter Reed at Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth (817) 263-3618; WReed@10.2.54.33

Matt McPherson at Park Place Motorcars Grapevine  (817) 310-7361: MMcPherson@10.2.54.33

Volvo XC90 Excellence Makes Its US Debut

The Volvo XC90 Excellence, a four-seat ultra-luxurious variant of the award-winning XC90 SUV, made its American Debut. The XC90 Excellence breaks new ground for Volvo, delivering a level of luxury, craftsmanship and comfort not previously seen in the company’s offerings. The driver and front passenger seats are duplicated to form the vehicle’s second row, fundamentally changing the car’s configuration.

With just four seats instead of seven the additional space is utilized to offer a First Class automotive experience that begins with broad, spacious individual reclining rear seats complete with massage, ventilation and increased leg room,

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as well as a retractable control touchscreen

Volvo XC90 Excellence - interior

folding tables,

The XC90 Lounge Concept takes luxury, space and convenience to a new level.

a refrigerator with bottle and glass holders, a heating/cooling cup holder .

Volvo XC90 Excellence - interior

and handmade crystal glasses from leading Swedish glass design company, Orrefors.

Volvo XC90 Excellence - interior

The presence of Nappa leather and open-pore wood, a signature of the XC90 Inscription, is expanded throughout the interior while a partition isolates the passenger space from the cargo area. This ensures an ultra-quiet environment to enjoy the 20-speaker, 1400-watt Bowers & Wilkins sound system.

Volvo XC90 Excellence - interior

The Volvo XC90 Excellence is uncompromising in luxury, safety and its environmental footprint. The vehicle is offered exclusively with Volvo’s 400 horsepower, T8 Twin-Engine Plug-in Hybrid Electric powertrain with an Orrefors crystal gear shifter. The XC90 Excellence meets the same stringent safety standards as the XC90 T8 Inscription, Momentum and R-Design. “The Volvo XC90 Excellence is a fantastic expanded version of Volvo’s idea of luxury. It brings together fantastic materials, uncompromising safety and performance into an amazing package,” said Lex Kerssemakers, President and CEO of Volvo Car USA, “This car exposes Volvo to a new type of buyer.”

Limited numbers of the XC90 Excellence will be available in the United States this summer, with an MSRP of $104,900.

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

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

Maserati Levante: Design. Exclusivity. Performance.

Maserati’s Levante SUV is the ideal complement to the Maserati range. Distinctively Italian in style; design, exclusivity and performance are the key characteristics of this new Maserati.

The interior, its spaciousness enhanced by the panoramic electric sunroof, has been created with the finest materials, most exquisite to the touch, from premium leather to Ermenegildo Zegna silk, through to the Luxury and Sport packs for an exclusive look both inside and outside.

Levante 2

Levante 4

The technology installed on every Levante is designed to offer outstanding performances both on- and off-road: the sophisticated suspension, combined with electronically controlled damping and four corner air-springs with 5 different ride levels (as well as an extra-low level for parking) put the vehicle’s handling in a class of its own.

Levante

Furthermore, with the lowest center of gravity in its class, perfectly balanced weight distribution (50-50) between front and rear, high levels of flexural and torsional rigidity, and a mechanical self-locking rear differential as standard, when driven on-road the Levante delivers all the performance and thrills typical of every Maserati. With breathtaking and iconic Maserati design features, its coupé-sleek exterior has the best aerodynamic efficiency in its category.

Levante 6

The human-machine interface on board, based on an evolution of the Maserati Touch Control system, has also been completely updated to offer even more functions and convenience, thanks to the 8.4” high-resolution capacitative screen and the new rotary control on the central tunnel.

Levante 3

State-of-the-art driving aid systems such as adaptive cruise control with Start & Stop function, forward collision warning, automatic brake assist system and lane departure warning are also available on request. Additional options include blind spot alert, surround view camera and power lift tailgate.

Combined with the Quattroporte, Ghibli, GranTurismo and GranCabrio, the range now covers the entirety of the global luxury automotive market.

To order the all-new Maserati Levante SUV or for more information on this or other Maserati models, please contact:

Malcolm Gage at Maserati Dallas 844-745-8538 or MGage@10.2.54.33

 

Elegance and Grace: Jaguar Honored With “Best Car Styling” Award

Jaguar is the “Best Car Styling Luxury Brand” and has the awards to prove it. This is the second time the brand was honored by Kelley Blue Book, also winning in 2014, and comes after an incredible transformational year for Jaguar. “Design has always been at the heart of Jaguar products, and to be recognized with this award at a time when the brand is experiencing incredible momentum and growth is very gratifying,” said Kim McCullough, Vice President, Marketing, Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC. “As we begin to expand our line up with the addition of the XE and F-PACE this spring, we look forward to the opportunity to reach an even wider audience and welcome new owners and fans of the brands.”

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Jaguar XE

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Jaguar F-PACE

The Kelley Blue Book Brand Image Awards recognize automakers’ outstanding achievements in creating and maintaining brand attributes that capture the attention and enthusiasm of the new-vehicle buying public. Award categories are calculated among luxury, non-luxury and truck shoppers. Based on consumer automotive perception data from Kelley Blue Book Strategic Insights’ Brand Watch study, the highly comprehensive study offers insight into how shoppers perceive important factors driving their purchase decisions, and captures brand/model familiarity and loyalty among new-car shoppers.

The visually striking exterior design features of the Jaguar F-TYPE and XF models has earned praise in the market and played an important role in earning this styling award.

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Jaguar F-TYPE Coupe

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Jaguar F-TYPE Convertible

Fully redesigned for 2016, the second generation Jaguar XF brings a unique blend of design, technology and refinement to the premium sedan segment. The new bodywork mirrors the evolution of the Jaguar design language.

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Jaguar XF

Since its introduction in 2014, the Jaguar F-TYPE range has expanded from three models to six in only one model year. All-new for 2017, the ultra-high performance F-TYPE SVR takes performance, dynamics and driver involvement to a new level yet retains the comfort and duality of character inherent to all Jaguar cars.

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Jaguar F-TYPE Coupe SVR

For more information on any Jaguar models or to reserve a test drive, please contact:
Steve Vankos at Jaguar Dallas, (214) 849-5358; svankos@10.2.54.33
Jason Feuerberg at Jaguar Plano, (214) 366-5819; JFeuerberg@10.2.54.33