Another year, another pair of outstanding salesmen at O’Daniel Automart Mazda. It’s no surprise that a dealership with not one, but FIVE Dealer of the Year Awards (2013-2017), and three Consumer Satisfaction Awards (2015-2017) from DealerRater should have excellent employees. It’s also no surprise that the winners have won honors more than once as well. We caught up with this year’s Salesmen of the Year (SOY), Sam Moun and Eric Smith to see just what the secret to their success is— for Sam, this is an incredible 10th time with the honor, and a second for Eric.
What did they do over the past year that led to winning SOY (again)? Turns out great minds think alike! Both Sam and Eric stayed in close contact with their customers, wishing them happy birthday, happy holidays, and generally made sure that they were happy with their vehicles.
This type of thorough follow up, and care for customers’ needs post purchase are practices that Eric attributes to his success. For Sam, it’s his ability to be “personable and down to earth,” as well as his pride in taking fantastic care of his customers. “I’m different from your typical pushy salesman. I’m honest, practical, and matter-of-fact."
Most common question asked by potential buyers?
Eric: “Is this a good car?—I find that a lot of people ‘over research’ vehicles online when they really just need to come in and drive it. I find that their opinion often changes after driving it.”
Sam: “What new vehicle models are coming up?”
What is your approach to sales?
Sam: “Every day and every customer is different with different needs. I take time to connect with each customer and answer their questions so I can help them get the perfect vehicle."
Eric: “I try to find mutual common ground with my customers or something in common so that they trust me with their vehicle needs.”
Although both men work at the same dealership, they each have a different vehicle they sell the most often. For Sam, it’s the Mazda CX-5. “I own one myself, and I feel it is the best in its class, as well as the best looking.” For Eric, it’s the Chevrolet Malibu. “It is a good reliable car for a range of budgets.” Sam and Eric have different morning routines too, perhaps to fit their different clientele (Mazda vs Chevrolet buyers). Eric enjoys coffee and music, which energizes him and gets him ready for work. Sam is all eyes-on-the-prize, focusing on his sales approach, and growing his book of business.
What is the best time of year to buy a vehicle?
Eric: “The last week of the month because that’s when we’ll have the best prices due to the necessity to move out old inventory for new.” (In reference to previously owned vehicles)
Sam: “The best time is the close out year end model transition because of the incentives to move the vehicles of the previous year.” (In reference to new vehicles)
Most important part of buying a vehicle? Both agree: Be kind to your salesman! You will always get the best deal, and your salesman will work extra hard to get everything you want— as long as you’re nice! :D
Goals for next year?
Sam: “I aim to grow my book of business by 10%."
Eric: “To remain steadily successful with work and life and to grow my relationships with my customers.”
Congratulations Sam and Eric! Your repeated excellence has been honored once again, may you continue to have another record breaking year!
What did they do over the past year that led to winning SOY (again)? Turns out great minds think alike! Both Sam and Eric stayed in close contact with their customers, wishing them happy birthday, happy holidays, and generally made sure that they were happy with their vehicles.
This type of thorough follow up, and care for customers’ needs post purchase are practices that Eric attributes to his success. For Sam, it’s his ability to be “personable and down to earth,” as well as his pride in taking fantastic care of his customers. “I’m different from your typical pushy salesman. I’m honest, practical, and matter-of-fact."
Most common question asked by potential buyers?
Eric: “Is this a good car?—I find that a lot of people ‘over research’ vehicles online when they really just need to come in and drive it. I find that their opinion often changes after driving it.”
Sam: “What new vehicle models are coming up?”
What is your approach to sales?
Sam: “Every day and every customer is different with different needs. I take time to connect with each customer and answer their questions so I can help them get the perfect vehicle."
Eric: “I try to find mutual common ground with my customers or something in common so that they trust me with their vehicle needs.”
Although both men work at the same dealership, they each have a different vehicle they sell the most often. For Sam, it’s the Mazda CX-5. “I own one myself, and I feel it is the best in its class, as well as the best looking.” For Eric, it’s the Chevrolet Malibu. “It is a good reliable car for a range of budgets.” Sam and Eric have different morning routines too, perhaps to fit their different clientele (Mazda vs Chevrolet buyers). Eric enjoys coffee and music, which energizes him and gets him ready for work. Sam is all eyes-on-the-prize, focusing on his sales approach, and growing his book of business.
What is the best time of year to buy a vehicle?
Eric: “The last week of the month because that’s when we’ll have the best prices due to the necessity to move out old inventory for new.” (In reference to previously owned vehicles)
Sam: “The best time is the close out year end model transition because of the incentives to move the vehicles of the previous year.” (In reference to new vehicles)
Most important part of buying a vehicle? Both agree: Be kind to your salesman! You will always get the best deal, and your salesman will work extra hard to get everything you want— as long as you’re nice! :D
Goals for next year?
Sam: “I aim to grow my book of business by 10%."
Eric: “To remain steadily successful with work and life and to grow my relationships with my customers.”
Congratulations Sam and Eric! Your repeated excellence has been honored once again, may you continue to have another record breaking year!
