Handy Toyota

Employee Spotlight - July 2010
Doug Jacques - Sales Consultant and Tundra Truck Champion

The year was 1989 - the end of a decade filled with decadence, excess, and the explosion from Hip Hop/Rap to Gangster Rap filled with explicit lyrics that perfectly conveyed the way of the world.  At nearly the same time, automatic weapons were banned in Los Angeles, California to stifle the growing gang problems.  The Reaganauts had all but died off, and to take the mantle President George Bush Senior rose to prominence, making for the longest consistent party-presidency in this writer's life.  Early in 1989, the last gunshot was fired in the Russian/Afghan War, and the Russian Army fled back to the Motherland for a chilly and refreshing respite from the sandy heat of the Middle East.  A segway into a "greener" Earth was initiated as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) were no longer allowed in the manufacture of aerosol cans as per a twelve-nation agreement to lead to a greener Earth in the "new" and upcoming millennium.  The Exxon Valdez oil spill occurs, now of total infamy, lead to more regulation in the conveyance of potentially hazardous materials, on the other side of the Earth Disney World opened up MGM studios for the very first time, and nearby the Menendez Brothers were in the news for the supposed matricide and patricide leading to President Bush's further attempts to quell violence with the criminalization of weapons deemed Assault Rifles.  In the middle of the U.S.A., North and South Dakota, celebrate their 100th birthday and shortly thereafter North Carolina reaches their bicentennial, the Cold War comes to a virtual conclusion, and for the first time video games, once only playable for a quarter per play, become the center of every child's universe.

Yes, 1989 was a year like few others, with citizens revolting against their cruel government to break the shackles binding them to famine and quasi-enslavement, music changed into a form we still know today, and the Earth and her safety finally became a priority.  Perhaps most importantly, at least to us at Handy Toyota, the year in question marked the arrival of one of Handy Toyota's most beloved sales consultants, both to our dealership family and to our customers.  In 1989, Doug Jacques, Sales Consultant and Tundra Truck Champion became a full time - or more like full and a half time as his kids would say - Toyota sales consultant and a member of the Handy Toyota fold.

Doug was born in St. Albans, Vermont and has remained here for his entire life.  Why does a man of so many talents stick around?

"Family, work, and I love my hobbies," he says quite bluntly.  "I have four children and a granddaughter now, and I've worked here for a long time.  It makes sense to stay.  Speaking of my children, I need to mention my oldest daughter--she just graduated from the Air National Guard, and I'm very proud of her for that!"

Doug has worked for Handy Toyota for 21 years, and his passion for putting you, your mother, and your mother's friend into their specific dream-car, whether that dream vehicle is new or used cars, has not wavered one bit.

"It's not the money of the job," he starts, "that's why I've been in this same position for the whole time I've been here - it's the people, the customers.  Seeing their faces when they dot the last 'i,' cross the last 't,' and jump into their dream car?  Well something's kept me going for 21 years!" he laughs, jokingly.

When asked about his hobbies, Doug takes a few moments to ponder, and soon we find out why that moment was needed as he's extraordinarily busy.  "Well I'm always mowing and doing necessary things for my rental properties," he says slowly, still thinking of what it is he does for fun.  "The kids say I'm a workaholic!  If I'm not maintaining the properties, I'm here!" he chuckles again, but continues "I guess when I have the time I fish.  I also love to hunt but that only happens once in a while [due to seasonal restrictions coupled with no time]."

Given the questions "what Toyota model best personifies you?" Doug is quick to answer "the Tundra!  It's a manly-man's truck!  And Chevy's motto is 'like a rock' right?  Well the Toyota is a Rock!  And so am I" he exclaims, and there is no question in this writer's mind that he is in fact solid as a rock.  To say the least, Doug is an imposing physical specimen, but if you ask or read online reviews as written by Doug's customer from past 21 years and they will tell you he's a teddy bear - one of those gentle giants whose smile is as large as his stature.

Speaking of his smile, he's also a very funny guy with a great personality and sense of humor in general.  The question arose of what vehicle, of any make or model, he would take if he could have a dream vehicle.  His answer was based in economic simplicity and frugality:  "One that's paid for.  I don't care what - just no payments."  One would suppose it's an ideology like such that causes his customers and fans alike to rave about his excellent skills at getting them bargain prices on high end models.

To continue, we must examine the Tundra statement Doug made earlier in the interview.  There is little wonder why Doug Jacques is not only fond of the Tundra but also one of Handy Toyota's best sellers of said model.  Upon being questioned about the plaque sitting on his desk that says Tundra Truck Champion, Doug gets a neat glimmer in his eye, signifying his great interest and knowledge in all things Tundra.

"I was lucky enough to get sent to a Toyota factory in Indiana in September of 2006 to watch the Toyota Tundra get put together.  We saw it from A to Z, by all stretch of the meaning!"

As stated, one can tell when a person lives for what they do and what they've accomplished in regards, and this is the most excited Doug has seemed, even considering his normally jubilant demeanor and good nature.

"Yeah it was really cool!  We got to see Tundra above all other Toyota, it was a dream come true to see them get assembled.  Plus it really humbles you, you know, to see where your livelihood comes from.  And I'll tell you:  there's no safer vehicle on the market."

Stated plainly, there's no doubt in anyone's mind at Handy Toyota that Doug Jacques is in fact the real Toyota Tundra Truck Champion.  For more information on Doug Jacques, send him an email by clicking here, or check out more Handy Toyota staff on the staff section of the website.

Stay tuned, as next month we'll reveal even more about another of your friendly neighborhood Toyota dealers!