King Auto Group, Rich Knowlton and Your Work
When my neighbor and former work colleague, Larry Homenick, wanted to purchase a 2011 GMC Terrain he researched for some time and based on vehicle availability and price, went to King Auto Group in Longmont, Colorado. I went along for the fun of watching someone else spend money. By the end of the day Larry got an excellent deal on a GMC Terrain (Merlot Jewel color) with all the features–and I got to watch the outstanding people at King Auto Group in action. I also saw something that reminded me of how we all ought to do our work.
Good Work After the Sale Was Done
The sale was completed, detailing had been done and I was thinking the car looked shiny, clean and ready to go when Sales Manager, Rich Knowlton walked around the car, saw a bit of dust and tire shine over-spray, and said, “Don’t go yet. I see something I want to wipe off.†Within seconds he was inside and back outside with a towel and cleaner to make the car look perfect. As he moved around the car, doing a last bit of polish and shine, I saw his smiling reflection on the door panel and thought about how he was reinforcing that our work reflects the real us more than anything we say. That is a recurring theme in everything I present and write about (as you may have noticed!) but someone like Rich Knowlton gives a visual image to prove the point.
The King Auto Group Lesson
I had a fun time at King Auto Group. Really! I got cards from Troy Haury, Brad Bohling, Ray France and Ken Paris (the sales associate who helped Larry) and listened to their conversations with customers and each other. I could tell they like working for the King Auto company and that they admire the family who owns it. The company has apparently built a culture that encourages employees to do great work and help people get the kind of car they want for a fair price. Then came the best part–when Rich put the final touches on the car and the transaction.
Your Name, Face and Spirit Are Reflected In Your Work
The next time you have a job do to—whether it is a written project, a call for service, an investigation, an email, a meeting, working with employees or clients–remember the long-standing-but-still-true advice to think of it as being a reflection of the kind of person you are, your ethics and the way you can be trusted to do your work and live your life. While you’re at it, be like Rich Knowlton and smile while you are perfecting your reflection!
If I lived in Colorado I’d give them a try. Most car salesman must have a naturally friendly attitude because it would be hard to pretend to like all the people they have to deal with. Nice looking car.
Comment by D.D. | February 21, 2011
Tina says: Thanks for the comment D.D. Yes, it IS a nice looking car. And I think you’re right about car salespeople–or any salesperson who has to negotiate with people.
Comment by TLR | February 21, 2011
Peace n prosperity TLR, I come to your website often but I am usually a lurker. I decided I’d finally post a comment for post saying how much I love visiting your blog as I think your writing is both exciting and helpful. Keep your blog up-to-date and you have a visitor for life, glad to meet you,thanks.
Comment by P.B.N. | February 21, 2011
Tina says: I know that P.B.N.’s comment was spam and I edited out the URL and identifying information. But doggone it, it sounded so nice I decided to keep the message and pretend that a real someone sent it! 🙂
Comment by TLR | February 21, 2011
Another great post! A great message for a current work situation — reminding me that even if I think some of the projects are a charade, they are still a reflection of my character, so I’d better stay focused on quality!
Comment by TM | February 22, 2011
Nice wheels. Sometimes it seems that no one cares about how their work represents them, so this was a good thing to read about.
Comment by N23 | February 22, 2011
Awesome stuff. I would love to go on a ride-a-long in your brain so that I could experience the world through your lens. You are always an inspiration; thank you for another sip of wisdom (no pun intended).
Comment by Honey&Boone's Farm | February 23, 2011
This was great and just what I needed today! Thanks Tina. I know those guys in Omaha will think they were lucky to be in your class. Be careful on the drive and stay away from the casinos! J.
Comment by J.I. | February 23, 2011