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Employee Spotlight of the Month
Ladies and Gentlemen, please let us introduce you to a new section of Handy Toyota's Website, the Employee Spotlight of the Month, a supplement to our current Staff Page. In this section you will get a brief yet revealing look at a member of the Handy Toyota family like never before. If any of you have suggestions for questions that you feel would help to get a better feel for the folks that are highlighted in this segment, please to not hesitate to send an email to Internet Manager Chris Dugan at cdugan@handycars.com. Our goal with this section is to allow you potential customers out there to get to know our staff a little better; because we've all been buyers before or had a vehicle serviced, and you never know who you're going to get for a Salesperson or Service member--that can be an anxious occasion. Our hopes are to quell some of that nervous atmosphere. We just want to let you know that our Toyota staff is here for you, and getting to know them a bit beforehand will hopefully augment your experience.
On behalf of all those in the Spotlight now and in the future, we thank you for giving us your time.
Sincerely,
On behalf of all those in the Spotlight now and in the future, we thank you for giving us your time.
Sincerely,
The Handy Toyota Family
August 2010
Kyle Palmer
Toyota Service Advisor
July 2010
Doug Jacques
Certified Toyota Sales Consultant
Tundra Truck Champion
June 2010
Tom Young
Certified Toyota Sales and Lease Consultant
May 2010
Ali Kamal
Certified Toyota Sales Consultant
Kyle Palmer
Toyota Service Advisor
Kyle Palmer is nothing if not a happy-go-lucky kind of guy. With a smile on his face and a chuckle to his speech, it's not often one meets someone with such a bright outlook on just about every angle of life.
Born in Burlington, Vermont in 1985, Kyle is 25 years old as of this writing. He is also approaching his fifth year with the Handy Family of Dealerships, where he works at Handy Toyota as a Toyota Service Advisor to Joe Luneau, Toyota Service Manager and son of Handy Toyota's General Manager Dan Luneau. When asked what has kept him here for five years, Kyle speaks very plainly. "Well it's the people; I get to see different customers all day, every day. And then there are the repeat customers that almost seem like part of the family. Also, Joe's a great guy to work for-he's not like some bosses that will just come down on you because he's in a sour mood. You can bet-no, you can be sure that if he's upset, there is good reason. That's a good, straightforward boss for which to work."
Besides his job and his happiness here at Handy Toyota, Mr. Palmer loves motorcycles and riding his Harley. "I have a Harley Fat Boy, and I've been to Laconia's Motorcycle Rally anywhere from 10 to 15 times" he says. In fact during his last trip to the Laconia Motorcycle Rally in New Hampshire, he came back absolutely cooked by the sun. "Yea, that was a bad one" he says in his standard chuckle. "I got really badly burned. But it was definitely worth it!" he shouts with another round of laughter.
To further understand Palmer, he receives the question of what his favorite vehicle or dream vehicle is. Without hesitation, and with precision to boot, he states "a 1967 Chevrolet Corvette 427," an extremely rare version of the classic Corvette Sting Ray, of which even fewer are original. With the follow-up question regarding which Toyota vehicle, past or present, best personifies him, he is equally quick to respond: "definitely the Tundra, I guess" he says. "You know, I'm a truck guy, first of all, and it's an outdoorsy kind of truck. And it's got to be a big truck, with a lot of muscle!" he says with another class Kyle Palmer laugh.
When Kyle isn't working, he really enjoys hunting and fishing, and as he said, general nature-related activities. He rides his bike frequently, and also plays ice hockey in the winters. Besides these hobbies, one of Palmer's favorite pastimes is helping others out, a truly noble pastime indeed. "I just like helping others, which is why I work well as a Service Advisor," he starts. "I don't mind running out and doing a few oil changes when a Technician is out, that's just who I am." Mr. Palmer went on to say that something else he loves is making people laugh and seeing that they have a good time, whatever the situation may be.
For more information on Handy Toyota's Service Advisor extraordinaire Kyle Palmer, check his bio under About Us or just click here. Under this section, you can also see what Kyle's customers are saying about him at his Dealer Rater page, and even leave a review of Kyle Palmer yourself should you feel so inclined.
Born in Burlington, Vermont in 1985, Kyle is 25 years old as of this writing. He is also approaching his fifth year with the Handy Family of Dealerships, where he works at Handy Toyota as a Toyota Service Advisor to Joe Luneau, Toyota Service Manager and son of Handy Toyota's General Manager Dan Luneau. When asked what has kept him here for five years, Kyle speaks very plainly. "Well it's the people; I get to see different customers all day, every day. And then there are the repeat customers that almost seem like part of the family. Also, Joe's a great guy to work for-he's not like some bosses that will just come down on you because he's in a sour mood. You can bet-no, you can be sure that if he's upset, there is good reason. That's a good, straightforward boss for which to work."
Besides his job and his happiness here at Handy Toyota, Mr. Palmer loves motorcycles and riding his Harley. "I have a Harley Fat Boy, and I've been to Laconia's Motorcycle Rally anywhere from 10 to 15 times" he says. In fact during his last trip to the Laconia Motorcycle Rally in New Hampshire, he came back absolutely cooked by the sun. "Yea, that was a bad one" he says in his standard chuckle. "I got really badly burned. But it was definitely worth it!" he shouts with another round of laughter.To further understand Palmer, he receives the question of what his favorite vehicle or dream vehicle is. Without hesitation, and with precision to boot, he states "a 1967 Chevrolet Corvette 427," an extremely rare version of the classic Corvette Sting Ray, of which even fewer are original. With the follow-up question regarding which Toyota vehicle, past or present, best personifies him, he is equally quick to respond: "definitely the Tundra, I guess" he says. "You know, I'm a truck guy, first of all, and it's an outdoorsy kind of truck. And it's got to be a big truck, with a lot of muscle!" he says with another class Kyle Palmer laugh.
When Kyle isn't working, he really enjoys hunting and fishing, and as he said, general nature-related activities. He rides his bike frequently, and also plays ice hockey in the winters. Besides these hobbies, one of Palmer's favorite pastimes is helping others out, a truly noble pastime indeed. "I just like helping others, which is why I work well as a Service Advisor," he starts. "I don't mind running out and doing a few oil changes when a Technician is out, that's just who I am." Mr. Palmer went on to say that something else he loves is making people laugh and seeing that they have a good time, whatever the situation may be.For more information on Handy Toyota's Service Advisor extraordinaire Kyle Palmer, check his bio under About Us or just click here. Under this section, you can also see what Kyle's customers are saying about him at his Dealer Rater page, and even leave a review of Kyle Palmer yourself should you feel so inclined.
July 2010
Doug Jacques
Certified Toyota Sales Consultant
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 us as a 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--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 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. 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]."
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 ask any of the customer's to whom he's catered and built a rapport over 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. To hear what Mr. Jacques customers have said over the years, CLICK HERE.
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 everything. They took us through the different production steps, we saw the inside and outside parts of the trucks being assembled--it was just really cool. Having always been in love with the Tundra above all other Toyota's, it was a dream come true to see them get made. 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, contact Chris Dugan at cdugan@handycars.com, email Doug directly at djacques@handycars.com, or check out more Handy Toyota staff on the About Us section of the website. Stay tuned, as next month we'll reveal even more about another of your friendly neighborhood Toyota dealers!
Sources:
1. Google Maps, Map of St. Albans, Vermont. www.google.com, July 24, 2010.
2. Google Images, Toyota Tundra Plant, Indiana. www.google.com, July 24, 2010.
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 us as a 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--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 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. 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]."
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 ask any of the customer's to whom he's catered and built a rapport over 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. To hear what Mr. Jacques customers have said over the years, CLICK HERE.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 everything. They took us through the different production steps, we saw the inside and outside parts of the trucks being assembled--it was just really cool. Having always been in love with the Tundra above all other Toyota's, it was a dream come true to see them get made. 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, contact Chris Dugan at cdugan@handycars.com, email Doug directly at djacques@handycars.com, or check out more Handy Toyota staff on the About Us section of the website. Stay tuned, as next month we'll reveal even more about another of your friendly neighborhood Toyota dealers!
Sources:
1. Google Maps, Map of St. Albans, Vermont. www.google.com, July 24, 2010.
2. Google Images, Toyota Tundra Plant, Indiana. www.google.com, July 24, 2010.
June 2010
Tom Young
Certified Toyota Sales and Lease Consultant
Yet another 19-year Sales superstar is added to the ranks of our exclusive Employee Spotlight of the Month club, and this time it's none other than the Blogmeister himself, Mr. Tom Young.
As anyone who knows Tom will tell you, there is a faint bit of an accent hanging around contrary to his years spent in the Green Mountain State since 1987. Mr. Young was born and raised in New York City, New York, in the Bronx to be specific, hence the slight accent that makes it's way to the surface unintentionally. "The funny thing about the Bronx," Tom says, "something we always used to joke about when I was growing up is the 'the' in front of it-nobody knows why!" he exclaims with a chuckle. "You have Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, Brooklyn? And THE Bronx. We never understood why!"
Growing up in such a large place, you may find yourself asking how a city-boy like Tom Young ended up in little St. Albans, Vermont as a Sales and Lease Consultant. When asked about the curiosity, Tom's quick to let us know what happened. "Well I never in my life thought I would be a Car Salesmen. I managed a Kmart for a while, and got tired of not being my own boss. Obviously we have Bosses here, but we work at our own pace and I work for my own living in a different sense. I think a lot of people just get tired of the same routine, and meeting a lot of new people and putting them in their dream vehicle helps stay out of that rut."
Tom was then asked to let us know which Toyota model, past or present, best describes his personality, and the answer was quick and obvious: "The Corolla of course! It's efficient, dependable, long lasting, and it's been around longer than most other continuous models!" When pressed for another unique bit of information, he discusses that he can deal craps, something that is very uncommon up here. Just one last unique bit of info for a rather unique man.
Come in to Handy Toyota and discuss driving home in your new Corolla with Tom, the Corolla expert. Feel free to chat with him about cars, the Knicks, cooking tips, or anything Toyota related. You may also send Chris Dugan your questions, cdugan@handycars.com, and they will be brought to Tom's attention.
Sources:
1. Google Maps, Map of the Bronx, June 14, 2010.
As anyone who knows Tom will tell you, there is a faint bit of an accent hanging around contrary to his years spent in the Green Mountain State since 1987. Mr. Young was born and raised in New York City, New York, in the Bronx to be specific, hence the slight accent that makes it's way to the surface unintentionally. "The funny thing about the Bronx," Tom says, "something we always used to joke about when I was growing up is the 'the' in front of it-nobody knows why!" he exclaims with a chuckle. "You have Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, Brooklyn? And THE Bronx. We never understood why!"
Growing up in such a large place, you may find yourself asking how a city-boy like Tom Young ended up in little St. Albans, Vermont as a Sales and Lease Consultant. When asked about the curiosity, Tom's quick to let us know what happened. "Well I never in my life thought I would be a Car Salesmen. I managed a Kmart for a while, and got tired of not being my own boss. Obviously we have Bosses here, but we work at our own pace and I work for my own living in a different sense. I think a lot of people just get tired of the same routine, and meeting a lot of new people and putting them in their dream vehicle helps stay out of that rut."It would seem Tom fell into a great profession when he moved to Vermont in '87, starting at Handy Toyota in 1991. Through his 19 years, he's put together an impressive resume, great rapport among the local customers, and has even become one of the leaders in Corolla sales, a vehicle in particular he has driven for a number of years. When asked about his dream car, he rolls his eyes and says "Well I'd say a Corolla, but that sounds like a pitch right?" He laughs and continues "I guess it would have to be something classic-you know like a 1953 Buick-yeah, something classic." We went on to discuss it's not really a pitch if you love what you sell and sell what you drive, but he stuck with the classic Buick answer nonetheless.
Tom Young's hobbies lie
in a variety of areas such as cooking, at which he's quite adept,
watching horse racing, and he used to be an avid fisherman but has had little time for it as of late. He also dabbles in the art of DJing and used to be the DJ for the Handy Toyota company Christmas parties. Tom also enjoys sports, basketball in particular, and though he is a New York Knicks fan, believe it or not he is not a Yankees fan. "That was tough when I was a kid. Everyone expects you to be a Yankees fan," he reminisces. "But unlike most anti-Yankees fans, I appreciate what they've done. I mean, they are the most winning and most consistent franchise in all of sports," he finishes. It almost sounds as though some of that Bronx-born Yankees-love might have been instilled regardless of his personal choice.
Come in to Handy Toyota and discuss driving home in your new Corolla with Tom, the Corolla expert. Feel free to chat with him about cars, the Knicks, cooking tips, or anything Toyota related. You may also send Chris Dugan your questions, cdugan@handycars.com, and they will be brought to Tom's attention.
Sources:
1. Google Maps, Map of the Bronx, June 14, 2010.
2. Team You Files, NY Knicks Picture, June 14, 2010.
May 2010
Ali Kamal
Certified Toyota Sales Consultant
Ali Kamal, a 19 year veteran on Handy Toyota's sales floor, is quite an interesting man. Having moved to Vermont in 1980, you would think he was just like any other Vermonter, but more lies beneath the veil than one would think.
Quite a cultured man, Ali speaks five different languages, English one of the five, and he is fluent in all but Spanish. "Yeah, I haven't used the Spanish in a while," Ali mused during the interview. "You know, use it or lose it!" he laughs, "yeah, that's what happened. I can still speak it, but not as well."
Working here at Handy Toyota since 1992, Mr. Kamal has seen a lot of changes happen. But when you come from another part of the world, change is something you grow accustomed to. You see, Ali was born in Dakar, Senegal, a country in the Northwest of Africa. "Coming from Africa," Ali says, "things are naturally very different over here. It's also different when you speak five languages," he joked. "But the whole experience over here [during the first few years after his immigration] were all very... different, you know?" he says, still laughing.
When asked which car he has sold now or in the past that best personifies him, he retorts quickly, clearly having needed little thought. "Definitely the Toyota Solara, the two-door coupe. I own one and I love it!" Having been asked to elaborate on his dream car, little changes for this content gentleman. "I guess I'd have to say the car I own, the Solara! I think it fits someone in my age group, it's just what I need; yeah, it fits me." Having seen Mr. Kamal in action, I can say the snappy Solara is in fact a perfect fit.
Sources:
1. Google Maps, Map of Dakar, Senegal. www.google.com, May 14, 2010.
Quite a cultured man, Ali speaks five different languages, English one of the five, and he is fluent in all but Spanish. "Yeah, I haven't used the Spanish in a while," Ali mused during the interview. "You know, use it or lose it!" he laughs, "yeah, that's what happened. I can still speak it, but not as well."
Working here at Handy Toyota since 1992, Mr. Kamal has seen a lot of changes happen. But when you come from another part of the world, change is something you grow accustomed to. You see, Ali was born in Dakar, Senegal, a country in the Northwest of Africa. "Coming from Africa," Ali says, "things are naturally very different over here. It's also different when you speak five languages," he joked. "But the whole experience over here [during the first few years after his immigration] were all very... different, you know?" he says, still laughing.When asked which car he has sold now or in the past that best personifies him, he retorts quickly, clearly having needed little thought. "Definitely the Toyota Solara, the two-door coupe. I own one and I love it!" Having been asked to elaborate on his dream car, little changes for this content gentleman. "I guess I'd have to say the car I own, the Solara! I think it fits someone in my age group, it's just what I need; yeah, it fits me." Having seen Mr. Kamal in action, I can say the snappy Solara is in fact a perfect fit.
Sources:
1. Google Maps, Map of Dakar, Senegal. www.google.com, May 14, 2010.