Tom Woods, general manager of Academy Ford Laurel, knows first-hand about the opportunities at car dealerships.
Woods joined Academy Ford as a service advisor 11 years ago and rapidly moved up the ranks to become the general manager. But Woods said his story isn?t unique.
“This is a team atmosphere,” said Woods. “It?s not ?I? or ?me? or ?you.? It?s ?us.? We communicate in this dealership and we want people to succeed.”
Woods is not naïve about what it takes to move up the ranks, especially in these days of a sagging car market. Dedication, perseverance and a true rapport with the customers are necessary ingredients for success, he said.
“You have to stay motivated,” he said. “You work long hours and you meet a lot of people. It?s meeting all of those different people that is really the enjoyment of the job.”
For that reason, Woods always looks to hire candidates who have abundant enthusiasm and people skills. He hopes that employees make careers at Academy Ford and move progressively up through the dealership.
“That?s my goal,” he said of the approximately 90 employees on his staff. “I really like to mold people, to bring them through the ranks.”
The dealership, which has remained at the same site since 1967, reaps rewards such as loyal clients who drive hundreds of miles for sales and service.
“We know our customers,” said Woods. “We go in the waiting room, we talk to them, and we know everyone. Here we build relationships.”
MikeRobinson, the dealership?s parts manager, said the camaraderie shown to customers is also shared among the employees. That, he said, also benefits the customers.
“This place gives better customer service than anyone else,” said Robinson, who has worked at other dealerships. “At a typical dealer, the different departments never talk to each other. Here everyone talks. And everyone knows our customers come first.”
At a glance
Academy Ford
» Where: 13401 Baltimore-Washington Blvd., Laurel
» Phone: 888-256-8739
» Web site: www.academyford.com
