Weekend Warriors, Start Your Engines!

As the weather becomes warmer, the need to be outdoors gets higher on the priority list.  If you are looking for things to do this weekend, We can help!

Here in the Tri-Valley, we are fortunate to have the best of both worlds.  For the wanderlusts of the world we have oceans and mountains to get lost in.  For the city-folk, we have bay-side restaurants serving champagne and oysters, tech-apps walking you through bridge architecture and car shows introducing you to the future while reminding you of the past.

If you haven't had a chance to experience a car show, prepare yourself.  They come in different shapes and sizes, from a local show featuring under fifty cars to national levels such as the ones you'd find at The Grand Prix or Sonoma Races featuring hundreds of concept cars, race cars and featured models being launched that following year.

Growing up in Southern California, I was raised on The Toyota Grand Prix.   Every April the grumbling of the speeding cars would call to us.  We knew it was coming because the streets off Ocean Blvd. would start getting blocked off and the road mediums began to appear in track formation.  Just as a fun tradition, we would watch a bit of Days of Thunder's opening sequences right before we piled into the car.  With pit-passes strapped around our necks, we bee-lined it into the Long Beach Convention Center where cars and lifestyle would open up before our eyes.

  

Car shows offer the visitor an incredible opportunity to touch, feel and play with all the newest features the automobile industry has to offer.  Bringing together vendors,  dealers and enthusiasts all in one location, car shows are the most direct way to explore everything that makes your car so special.

If this sounds like fun to you, come on out and experience the car shows for yourself!  The Good Guys hosts some of the largest car shows in Northern California and they have one this weekend! To get more information about this or other upcoming car shows click the link below!

https://www.good-guys.com/

For The Weekend Wanderlusts of the World

Weekend Wanderlust Warriors

If you are like me, my head begins to think of the weekend right about Wednesday afternoon.  As soon as the mid-day meal begins to sink deep into the belly, my mind will begin to drift to where I would much rather be at that moment.   That usually involves me, my car and the open road.

Being a mom of a six year old, the ability to just “get up and go” has become a thing of the past, but what I have been able to do is create “adventure days” and have become an avid Weekend Warrior. 

What does that mean?  Very simply, I have learned to tap into my inner gypsy and utilize my weekends for exploration and travel.  

Being able to travel by car allows for me to bring my daughter along, as well as every favorite toy she swears she’ll need while away for those two days.  The added convenience of ample storage space, a wicked stereo system and full blue-tooth connection for my phone allows me to stay connected and prepared for life's emergencies, while enjoying the much needed disconnection I strive for. 

You don’t have to travel by plane to experience luxury while enjoying stunning views that would wow even the most avid of Instagram users.  To satisfy my need for extravagance, I have found a few locations that have been able to entice the likes of even the Teslas' of the world to “unplug” for a weekend.   If it’s good enough for Mr. Tesla, it’s good enough for me.

First on the list, The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay.  From sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean to the dramatic cliffs that the resort is housed upon, to the hotel resident golf course and exclusive in-house culinary adventure at the hotel restaurants you can’t help but feel a bit posh just by walking through the hotels entryway. 

If you are more of a foodie than a golfer, The Epiphany Hotel hosts lofty ceilings with full-height sliding glass doors and spacious verandas.  For you night life, they provide two signature restaurants that provide atmosphere and indulgence to wow all five of the senses.  A must try for all city slickers.

These are just a couple of locations that I've been able to experience, but there are so many more to choose from, and all within driving distance from the heart of San Francisco.   To see photos or to make reservations at these or one of the many remarkable locations available to you, click on the below link:

http://www.sfgate.com/travel/article/Staycations-of-the-tech-elite-6266118.php

Why Choose The Pleasanton Automall?

When deciding to work for the Pleasanton Automall, you are not only entering into the reputable Hendrick Automotive Group, but you are also becoming a part of an incredibly rare team-oriented environment.   Here at the Pleasanton Automall, the rule of thumb is PEOPLE FIRST.  

This not only includes our clients, but our team mates as well.  Here at the dealership we value hard work just as much as we value quality of life, and the support and dedication to balance them is apparent in everything we do.  We had an opportunity to speak with one of our team mates, Rosemarie Destura about the hiring process and what it’s like in the product enthusiast role.

What was the deciding factor for becoming an employee at The Pleasanton Automall?

Rosemarie states, “Being able to work for a company that promotes such a team atmosphere allows for each of our employees to know and feel how important their roll is here at the dealership.”

Following an inverted management structure, our management team is able to maximize their support to our key players out on the showroom floors allowing for them to create nurturing relationships within our community.

What process is used by a Product Enthusiast when working with clients?

Rose: Well first I listen.  The clients may not always know exactly what they want, but I’ll be that much closer to helping them if I stop and let them talk.  I try to offer options whenever possible and I want my client to feel comfortable and trust in my abilities so I ensure that am transparent with all client interactions.  Finally, I use patience.  I know the goal is about the relationship with our client.  

Our product enthusiasts go through college style vehicle training courses culminating in a test of knowledge prior to then moving onto the showroom floor.  Upon moving into the showroom, our product enthusiast gets hands on training while shadowing current enthusiasts and sales associates. 

What challenges do you face in this role?

Rosemarie D: “Gaining trust of a guest when you have such limited time with them.  You only have one chance to make a lasting first impression that may lead to a long lasting relationship.  I will always try to find an alternative instead of just saying no, while constantly including management to ensure our clients concerns are expressed. “

What can you expect from working with a Product Enthusiast?

Being able to have any questions about a particular vehicle answered, not being placed in a high pressure environment, and at the same time accomplishing any goals and getting to know the sales staff and dealership are just a few of the benefits of working with a Product Enthusiast. 

The ultimate goal of our dealership is to create relationships with our guests.  Determining their needs and enabling that they leave here feeling like their needs and concerns matter and were being addressed whether we sell a car or not.