By Rebecca Sippel
Congratulations to Customer Service Specialist Tim Galbreath for reaching one decade with O’Daniel Mazda!
Galbreath joined the car business in 1978 after graduating high school and has worked for multiple dealerships including Collins Oldsmobile, Autozone, until finally finding a home at O’Daniel Mazda.
A New Haven native, Galbreath has lived in the Fort Wayne area his whole life. He chose to start working at O’Daniel Mazda because he wanted to work for the best car dealership in Fort Wayne.
Galbreath said he “caught the car bug” from his father who worked on cars while he was growing up. He went on to say he also developed his strong work ethic and people skills from his father who was a World War II veteran.
Galbreath was sure to inform us that he enjoys working in the car dealership industry because it gives him the opportunity to help people and make friends. For him, and all those who come in contact with him, his personality is his strongest asset as he likes to make people laugh.
His secret to success is simple: listen to the customer.
“Take time to build a relationship with them,” Galbreath said. “They need to know you, like you, and trust you.”
Galbreath jokingly described his work style as frantic and chaotic. His typical workday involves greeting customers for the morning rush, creating estimates, moving cars, and doing paperwork.
However, at the core, Galbreath revealed that his job really comes down to fixing cars and delighting customers.
After 40 years of working in the car business, Galbreath has learned to expect the unexpected.
“Back in 78’ we thought it was crazy that there was a computer that controlled engine functions,” Galbreath said. “Now it’s amazing what cars can do.”
Galbreath is a member of the Oldsmobile Club of America and enjoys going to car shows in his free time. He has three kids with his wife Susan and two grandchildren who he said he enjoys spending time with and teaching new things.
