Interviews 🎤 Networking Secrets 🤝 Community Cleanup 🌳

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🍷 National Moscato Day 🍷

Moscato grapes are renowned for their sweet flavor and floral aroma, making them popular for producing light and refreshing wines. Ranging from sparkling and desert wines even to dry varieties, the moscato grape is one the of the oldest and most versatile wine grapes.

Enjoy a glass (or 2) in celebration tonight.

Preston Automotive Group has unlocked a key to networking and supporting local businesses. They have done so through the Preston Business Alliance Program. This tailor-made program is a way for their dealerships to align themselves with local businesses who need their products and provide them with exclusive offers. Once enrolled in the Business Alliance, you unlock discounts and custom rewards to be used at any of their stores.

This process has proven very successful for the Preston Automotive Group, as they pose it as a way to not only save local businesses money, but earn valuable customers with no need to shop around. We encourage all dealers to explore and incorporate similar rewards programs to increase your local business network. Learn more details about the Business Alliance Program by clicking below

We came across an awesome interview ASOTU hosted with Sam Weaver, Vice President & Partner at Chevy Chase Automotive, and found considerable value in the knowledge shared. Tom goes over his Mentorship Program and the importance of reaching the future leaders in your organization now rather than later. Take a minute and listen to how Tom does so using a method he learned by Scott Simons; All in an effort to shape the industry of tomorrow.

“Team members from Sheehy Subaru Hagerstown came together on the last Sunday of April to pick up litter at the Hagerstown Fairgrounds Park.”

Custom Cars, Cocktails, and Change

Cars for a Change is hosting their 6th annual '“Custom Cars, Cocktails, and Change” semi-formal masquerade event. Now, this is not until October, but it gives you time to plan and check out the sponsorship opportunities. Community building is vital for the success of your dealership, and doing good is good for business.

What better opportunity to show you care than this?

Can you tell us about the opportunities you seized to become a female leader into the automotive world?

I began my career journey at Pohanka Oldsmobile 48 years ago, where I eagerly took on various roles and responsibilities from a young age. Starting at the switchboard at just 15 years old, I quickly proved my capabilities and climbed the ladder, transitioning to roles like the sales manager’s assistant and handling tag and title work at night. When the finance manager broke his arm, I saw an opportunity to step in and assist with paperwork at just 17, laying the foundation for my future in finance and insurance.

By the time I turned 18, I was legally able to sign contracts and joined the finance and insurance team. I dedicated myself to excellence, constantly learning and even stepping in to learn the sales manager’s role in my spare time. This dedication paid off as I progressed from sales manager to used car manager and eventually became the GM of six stores by the age of 27, and Dealer Operator by the age of 39. 

Throughout my career, I never shied away from thinking outside the box. Whether it was revitalizing inventory by customizing vehicles or implementing innovative sales tactics like unconventional spiffs and engaging competitions, I was always striving to exceed expectations and drive profitability. My leadership philosophy centers on creating a high-performance team culture where excellence is the norm. 

Can you tell us about the Pohanka of Salisbury culture?

At Pohanka of Salisbury, we prioritize doing things right the first time, making the customer experience seamless, and fostering a supportive environment where every team member can thrive. Beyond business success, I’ve always believed in the importance of giving back to the community that supports us. At Pohanka, we’re committed to serving not only our customers, but also the broader community. Through initiatives like our pay-it-forward program, we’ve donated over $5 million to over 700 organizations on the Eastern Shore. We’re proud to support causes that make a meaningful impact on people’s lives and strengthen the fabric of our community.

What would you tell a young professional wanting to thrive in the Pohanka of Salisbury?

I firmly believe in the power of authenticity and self-belief. I encourage young professionals to embrace challenges, never accepting limitations imposed by others, and to consistently pursue their personal best. Success is not a sprint but a series of deliberate actions, fueled by positive self-talk and focused intention.

Servant leadership is not just a concept; it’s a guiding principle in my approach. By serving

others—customers, team members, and the community—we sow the seeds for mutual respect, loyalty, and success. In closing, I urge aspiring professionals to stay true to themselves, embrace challenges with tenacity, and always strive to exceed their own expectations. With dedication, innovation, and a servant’s heart, anything is possible. And remember, success is not just about personal achievement but also about the positive impact we can have on the world around us.