Meet You At Mills: Shane Clarke

MYAM - Shane Clarke - Mills Buick GMC Ltd

Written by: Christella Morris | Mills Motors Buick GMC Ltd | Oshawa | Whitby | Clarington

 

In this new feature on Skidmarx, Meet You At Mills, we take a closer look at members of the Mills Motors team, from our sales staff to the admin team and into the service department. Each member of our team plays an integral role in staying true to the concept of “Whatever It Takes” and we’d like for you to get to know them as we have.

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Whenever we buy used cars or get trade-in’s, have service appointments and our customer’s car needs a cleanup, we have a team of vehicle detail specialists who are responsible for making each vehicle look brand new. One of these “Vehicle Preparation Specialists” is Mills’ own Shane Clarke.  We sat down with Shane to chat about the best and worst parts of his job, life at Mills and more!

MYAM - Shane Clarke - Mills Buick GMC Ltd

Mills Motors (MM): How long have you been working at Mills? 

Shane Clarke (SC): I’ve worked here twice! First time I was here for 2 ½ years, this time I’ve been working here for a year so far.

MM: How did you get started in Vehicle Detailing?

SC: My Grandpa, my Dad both loved cars… cars have been a part of my whole life, since I was a kid. I’ve been working on cars since I was 5 years old!

MM: Where did you grow up?

SC: Grew up in Muskoka, moved to Oshawa when I was 12.

MYAM - Shane Clarke - Mills Buick GMC Ltd

MM: What is your favourite vehicle that we sell currently?

SC: I’m really excited for the 2014 GMC Sierra Denali edition! It’s a beautifully made vehicle.

MM: What is your favourite part of being a Vehicle Preparation Specialist?

SC: Making customers happy!

MM: What are two words that most people would think of if asked to describe you?

SC: Energetic and Hard-Working!

MM: How do you think most people see the service departments in car dealerships? Is it accurate?

SC: I think our customers have high expectations of our value, and I always try to meet or surpass them!

MM: What is your favourite part about working at Mills Motors?

SC: I think there is a good solid group of employees here! They’re very skilled at what they do and always do a great job! Both sales and service!

MYAM - Shane Clarke - Mills Buick GMC Ltd

MM: What does the promise of “Whatever It Takes” mean to you?

SC: Whatever it takes to get the job done and make the customer happy! Leaving them with the impression that we did a great job and this is the best place to come for their vehicle maintenance and repairs.

MM: How many vehicles, on average, do you work with daily?

SC: It all depends on sales and service. 12-13 per day is my average, but if sales is busy or has a lot of trades, it can be 20 or more!

 

MM: We’ve covered the best part, so tell us what the worst part of your job is!

SC: No air conditioning on hot summer days! I’m always in and out so the heat is a lot to handle sometimes! Working in water can also sometimes be aggravating [to my skin.]

MYAM - Shane Clarke - Mills Buick GMC Ltd

MM: If you could be ANY superhero, who would you be?

SC: Superman! He saves the world and I like to think I help save the sales and service teams! Haha.

MM: What’s your best piece of advice for someone who’s trying to keep their vehicle neat & tidy?

SC: Always keep a garbage bag or can in your car and napkins, wipes or a rag for spills.

MM: Tell us an interesting fact about yourself!

SC: I’m a huge UFC fan! My favourite fighter is Rampage Jackson.

 MYAM - Shane Clarke - Mills Buick GMC Ltd

Thanks to Shane for sitting down with us! If you’d like to learn more about vehicle detailing or tips and tricks for maintaining your car, visit our website here:
http://www.millsbuickgmc.com

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Meet You At Mills: Brandon Cordick

Meet You At Mills - Brandon Cordick - Goodwrench Technician

In this new feature on Skidmarx, Meet You At Mills, we take a closer look at members of the Mills Motors team, from our sales staff to the admin team and into the service department. Each member of our team plays an integral role in staying true to the concept of “Whatever It Takes” and we’d like for you to get to know them as we have.

………..

When it comes to the service department here at Mills Motors, we pride ourselves on having a full team of experts here to help our customers. From detailers to body repair specialists to Goodwrench Technicians, we try to meet all of our customer’s service and repair needs. One such Goodwrench Technician is Brandon Cordick! We sat down (beside, really) with Brandon to chat with him a bit about his experience so far at Mills…

Mills Buick GMC - Service Repair - Goodwrench Technician

Mills Motors (MM): How long have you been working at Mills?
Brandon Cordick (BC): Almost 3 years now.

 

MM: How did you get started in service/repair?
BC: I got started through doing a program in high school that helps you get an apprenticeship in the trade.

 

MM: Where did you grow up?
BC: Oshawa

 

MM: What car do you currently drive?
BC: I actually don’t currently have a car! I live really close to work, so I just walk!

 

MM: What is your favourite part of being a Goodwrench Technician?
BC: Helping customers who are at their wits end! They can’t do anything else [with their car] and they need someone to help them and I can do it! I like turning horrible days into great ones [for our customers.]

 

MM: What are two words that most people would think of if asked to describe you?
BC: Reliable and Outgoing!

 

MM: How do you think most people see the service departments in car dealerships? Is it accurate?
BC: Historically, customers who got work done at a dealership believed they were paying more because they wanted the expertise of the factory trained techs. Today, customers not only get our expertise, but the bonus part is that our rates are competitive with and often lower than independent shops.  At Mills, at least, we’re here to fix a concern, do it right the first time and in the most cost-effective way we can.

 

MM: What is your favourite part about working at Mills Motors?
BC: The team environment! Also, everyone has a lot of knowledge [in their specialities], everyone knows their area and it flows very well. Of course everyone here is friendly and it’s just a great environment!

 

MM: What does the promise of “Whatever It Takes” mean to you?
BC: It means that I’m gonna do whatever I can… whatever is needed to get customers in and out in a good time with them leaving very happy. If I have to work through my lunch, work late or come in early, the service advisors know that they can promise that and I will do it every time. I will do what I have to if it means the job gets done right.

 

MM: How many vehicles, on average, do you work with daily?
BC: I usually work on 15-20 vehicles daily. It depends on how busy we are, but that’s the average.

MYAM: Mills Motors Employees - Brandon Cordick

 

MM: We’ve covered the best part, so tell us what the worst part of your job is!
BC: Getting covered in oil! Getting dirty is okay, it’s a part of the job, but when you get even dirtier, like when an oil pan spills when I’m taking it off, and SPLAT!  Drenched in oil! That’s the worst part!

 

MM: If you could be ANY superhero, who would you be?
BC: Spiderman! ‘Cause of the webs! You could do whatever you wanted!

MYAM: Mills Motors Employees - Brandon Cordick

MM: What’s your best piece of advice for someone who’s having their car repaired?
BC: Make sure you are seeing a professional! Those backyard/neighbourhood mechanics, which do it for fun or in their spare time, may not always know what they are talking about. Even if they have the best intentions and you want to save money, it could end up costing more in the long run. Or worse, it could put you or your family’s safety at risk.

 

MM: Tell us an interesting fact about yourself!
BC:  “I’m single, Ladies!”

 

 

Well, there you have it! Another great interview with another GREAT (and single!) employee at Mills Motors.

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Thanks for reading! We hope you stop by again soon!

Want more? Why don’t you visit our website and you can learn more about Mills Motors and our history!

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Meet You At Mills: Dax Wasylyk

Meet You At Mills - Dax Wasylyk, Mills Motors Buick GMC Ltd
In this new feature on Skidmarx, Meet You At Mills, we take a closer look at members of the Mills Motors team, from our sales staff to the admin team and into the service department. Each member of our team plays an integral role in staying true to the concept of “Whatever It Takes” and we’d like for you to get to know them as we have.

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Meet Dax Wasylyk, Business Manager here at Mills Motors.

Meet You At Mills - Dax Wasylyk, Mills Motors Buick GMC Ltd

Dax Wasylyk helps customers find financing on their vehicles, buy warranties and extended warranties, and more.

Every individual on our Sales and Service teams play an integral role in fulfilling our “Whatever It Takes” promise. One of the key positions in seeing that promise through is as a Business Manager in our finance department. As one of the Business Managers at Mills, Dax Wasylyk is responsible for seeing each customer gets the financing they need to purchase their vehicles, warranties and more. Dax sat down with us to tell us a bit more about his experience at Mills and in the auto industry…

Mills Motors (MM): How long have you been working at Mills? 

Dax Wasylyk (DW): This is my 14th year at Mills.

MM: How did you get started in finance/business management?

DW: I was previously an insurance agent. The auto industry is definitely more fun!

Meet You At Mills - Dax Wasylyk, Mills Motors Buick GMC Ltd

MM: Where did you grow up?

DW: Oshawa

MM: Tell us an interesting fact about yourself!

DW: I’ve played hockey my whole life. I also enjoy playing guitar.

MM: What car do you currently drive?

DW: 2013 GMC Terrain – It’s very versatile!

Meet You At Mills - Dax Wasylyk, Mills Motors Buick GMC Ltd

MM: What is your favourite part of being a business manager?

DW: Working with the public!

MM: What are two words that most people would think of if asked to describe you?

DW: Motivated/Organized.

MM: How do you think most people see the finance department in car dealerships? Is it accurate?

DW: I think people are skeptical about rates. We give full disclosure every time! In most cases, banks tell customers to deal with us because our rates are better.

MM: What is your favourite part about working at Mills Motors?

DW: It’s a great family-oriented environment.

MM: What does the promise of “Whatever It Takes” mean to you?

DW: When I’m working to get people approved financing for their vehicles, going the extra mile to ensure we can secure financing for all customers.

MM: How many people, on average, do you work with daily?

DW: It varies, on average there can be 5-10 people in my office on any given day. Sometimes more!

MM: We’ve covered the best part, so tell us what the worst part of your job is!

DW: When I’m unable to get a customer financed, that’s the worst part. Sometimes even after you’ve explored every option it just doesn’t work.

MM: If you could be ANY superhero, who would you be?

DW: The Invisible Man! I like helping people, but I don’t need the accolades for doing so.

Meet You At Mills - Dax Wasylyk, Mills Motors Buick GMC Ltd

MM: What’s your best piece of advice for someone who’s starting the buying process?

DW: Make sure you know what it is you’re looking for from a vehicle, and drive it. No matter what a car looks like, the most important thing is knowing you’re comfortable driving it.

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Thanks for reading! We hope you stop by again soon!

Want more? Why don’t you visit our website and you can learn more about Mills Motors and our history!

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Meet You At Mills: Sara Jobb-Jenkins

Mills Motors - Meet You At Mills - Sara Jobb Jenkins

In this new feature on Skidmarx, Meet You At Mills, we take a closer look at members of the Mills Motors team, from our sales staff to the admin team and into the service department. Each member of our team plays an integral role in staying true to the concept of “Whatever It Takes” and we’d like for you to get to know them as we have.

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Meet Sara Jobb-Jenkins, Sales Assistant here at Mills Motors. Sara is part of the Jobb family here at Mills, which includes her brother, her uncle and her father. We will meet each of them in later editions of Meet You At Mills. For now, let’s get to know Sara a little bit more, shall we?

We asked Sara to answer a few questions for us about her job and what she enjoys about working at Mills! Read below!

Mills Motors - Meet You At Mills - Sara Jobb Jenkins

Mills Motors (MM): How long have you been working at Mills? 

Sara Jobb-Jenkins (SJ): 2.5 Years, but my family (my Dad) has been working with Mills since 1995!

MM: How did you get started in the automotive industry?

SJ: I was hired to assist my Dad in everyday sales. Over time the opportunity to work in the business/financing side of things presented itself, so it made it easier to create our own team.

MM: Where did you grow up?

SJ: Oshawa and Bowmanville

MM: What car do you currently drive?

SJ: 2013 GMC Terrain! I have to say that the back seat has SO MUCH ROOM! I have 3 daughters and we all fit comfortably and it’s great on fuel, too!

Mills Motors - Meet You At Mills - Sara Jobb Jenkins

MM: What is your favourite part of being a Sales Assistant?

SJ: I get to work with my family every day!

MM: What are two words that most people would think of if asked to describe you?

SJ: My brother (Ryan) says I’m patient. I’d like to think that I’m a good multi-tasker.

MM: How do you think most people see sales departments in car dealerships? Is it accurate?

SJ: Most customers are nervous to enter a business office, but they shouldn’t be! We’re here to help you and can likely assist you with a ton of things, like your credit score for instance. We try to educate our customers about different financing options, warranties and anything else we can help with!

MM: What is your favourite part about working at Mills Motors?

SJ: It’s a great team environment! I love the staff. You can be your own person here, for sure!

MM: What does the Mills Motors promise of “Whatever It Takes” mean to you?

SJ: It means getting the customer the BEST price and the BEST service every time!

MM: How many people, on average, do you work with daily?

SJ: My Dad may sell up to 20-30 cars per month, so between financing, customer service and sales, it can be A LOT.

MM: We’ve covered the best part, so tell us what the worst part of your job is!

SJ: Not being able to finance someone. Letting a customer down when we can’t come through with their financing feels terrible!

Mills Motors - Meet You At Mills - Sara Jobb Jenkins

MM: If you could be ANY superhero, who would you be?

SJ: Jem from Jem and the Holograms!

MM: What’s your best piece of advice for someone who’s having their car serviced or repaired? / thinking about buying a car?

SJ: Know what you’re looking for! You can shop online and figure out exactly what you need and what you want before you ever step in the store.

 

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Thanks for reading! We hope you stop by again soon!

Want more? Why don’t you visit our website and you can learn more about Mills Motors and our history!

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Meet You At Mills: Jeremy Oliver

Meet Jeremy Oliver, Mills Motors Service Advisor

 Mills Motors Buick GMC Ltd. | Oshawa, On

In this new feature on Skidmarx, Meet You At Mills, we take a closer look at members of the Mills Motors team, from our sales staff to the admin team and into the service department. Each member of our team plays an integral role in staying true to the concept of “Whatever It Takes” and we’d like for you to get to know them as we have.

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Thanks for stopping by the Blog! Our newest team member to hit the pages of Skidmarx is Service Advisor Jeremy Oliver. Jeremy spends his time at Mills Motors working in our Service Drive Thru where he assists our customers with regular maintenance services, repairs and a variety of other things. Jeremy is one of the first people you see upon entering our service department and our customers love him!

We asked Jeremy to answer a few questions about himself so you could get to know him better. Next time you pull into the service department, let him know you read the blog!

Jeremy Oliver Service Advisor Assisting a Customer

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Meet You At Mills: Kheneil Black

Mills Motors - Meet Our Staff

In this new feature on Skidmarx, Meet You At Mills, we take a closer look at members of the Mills Motors team, from our sales staff to the admin team and into the service department. Each member of our team plays an integral role in staying true to the concept of “Whatever It Takes” and we’d like for you to get to know them as we have.

Our first team member we’d like to introduce you to is also one of our newest! Kheneil Black, part of our Used Sales Team as well as Assistant Merchandiser to Used Sales Manager Chris VandenThillart, Kheneil was happy to answer a few of our questions.

Kheneil Black - Mills Motors 2013 | Oshawa | Whitby | Port Perry

Mills Motors (MM): How long have you been working at Mills?

Kheneil Black (KB): Since December, 2012.

 

MM: How did you get started in Auto Sales?

KB: The idea was introduced to me through a friend who was already working in the industry. It wasn’t too long before I joined in on the fun.

 
MM: Where did you grow up?

KB: I was born in Kingston, Jamaica and now I live in Pickering, Ontario! But there is a lot in between that plays a big part in who I am today.

 

MM: What car do you currently drive?

KB: A Carbon-Black Metallic 2013 Buick Verano, I love it!

 

MM: What is your favourite part of selling cars?

KB: Definitely has to be interacting with people! I enjoy meeting new people every day!

 

Mills Motors Oshawa | GMC Terrain | Acadia | Buick | Enclave | Encore

MM: What are two words that most people would think of if asked to describe you?

KB: Probably “Funny” and “Positive”.

 

MM:  How do you feel about the “used car salesman” stereotype?

KB: I feel as though there is a cycle in place already, and it can sometimes make it difficult from the start. Maybe a customer begins without disclosing one or two things, because they think the sales person isn’t being honest, or they’ve had a bad experience before. The situation is doomed from the start because of something perceived. I just try to always be completely upfront with my customers, build a trust because that’s how those opinions are going to change!

 

MM: What is your favourite part about working at Mills Motors?

KB: When a customer drives away happy with their new (or new to them) vehicle purchase!

MM: Who is the most important person in the world to you?

KB: Just one?! I can’t pick just one! I’m going to say my parents!

 

MM: What does the phrase “Whatever It Takes” mean to you?

KB: Being creative in fulfilling customer needs and requests so ultimately, in the end, they’re happy!

 

MM: How many cars do you think you’ve sold in your career?

KB: 130 or so, I’m still pretty new!

 

MM: We’ve covered the best part, so tell us what the worst part of your job is!

Mills Motors - Sales Rep - Kheneil Black

KB: I’d say that losing a customer is the worst feeling. You’ve done all you can do, but it’s just out of your hands. You just always hope the customer leaves with a good impression and maybe, one day, comes back.

 

MM: If you could be ANY Superhero, who would you be?

KB: Wolverine! He’s pretty bad-a$$!

 

MM: What’s your best piece of advice for someone who’s thinking about buying a new (or new to them) car?

KB: Always be completely upfront with your sales person! It will make the whole process a lot easier, and we’ll probably be able to work with you even more. Oh, and stay within your budget!

Mills Motors | Oshawa | Whitby | Bowmanville | Port Perry

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Want to chat with Kheneil?
Follow him on twitter @kheneilblack and maybe he’ll tell you what his favourite TV show is (It’s Community!)

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Why Is My Check Engine Light On?: The Top 5 Tips from our Automotive Experts

What does my check engine light mean? Why is my check engine light on?

Why Is My Check Engine Light On?: The Top 5 Tips from our Automotive Experts

By: Christella Morris, Digital Marketing Manager, Mills Motors Buick GMC Ltd
Mills Motors Buick GMC Ltd. | Oshawa | Whitby | Bowmanville | Repair & Service FAQ
Free Diagnostic Check at Mills Motors - Oshawa, Ontario

Save & Print this Coupon for a FREE Diagnostic Check

We’ve all been there once or twice, you start your car on your way to work in the morning and the little engine light comes on with a warning beep.  At first, you panic “Oh my GOSH! What’s wrong with my car?”, you think to yourself.  Hopefully the second thing you do is either: a) fish the manual out of your glove compartment, or b) Google It!

If you’ve looked it up and have found yourself here, you’re in luck, because we’ve got some great tips from our Mills Experts and we’re here to help!

We did an informal survey of our top automotive experts here at Mills Motors and they’ve got some great tips for you on what to do when your check engine light comes on!

Here is what the experts had to say:

Kim Matthews, Service Advisor, Mills Motors Buick GMC Ltd.“Check your Gas Cap!”

-         Kim Matthews, Service Advisor

 

 

Kim Matthews, Mills Service Advisor says “Check your gas cap!” It seems that the most common reason for your check engine light coming on without warning is forgetting to put your gas cap back on after a stop at the pump, or even just not tightly securing it before returning to your car. Kim continues, “If your drive-ability changes, call roadside assistance, do NOT continue to drive it!”

We can’t agree more on that one! If you’ve covered the basics and can’t find a problem, make sure that you call roadside assistance. Trying to drive a vehicle that’s in distress can cause further problems or potentially ruin your car.

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