Executive-Winter-Spring-2019

more efficiently with service needs. Also, a part of the expansion is the new AMG Performance Center, which features an AMG power wall with a touch-screen where customers can learn more about our products. Since we are now a preferred AMG Performance Center, we have access to even more AMG products than other Mercedes-Benz dealers. The expansion also included upgrades to the customer area of the service department, including a kids playroom and a better food and beverage area, as well as four contiguous interior delivery bays and an executive office suite. There is an excitement that comes with watching someone receive delivery of their new Mercedes- Benz and now my team and I get to experience that with our customers every day from our new office. Q: Why did you decide to expand now? A: We are never resting on our laurels. We are always innovating in our facility for our staff and our customers. Mercedes-Benz invented the automobile and continues to creatively push the envelope in the industry. The AMG line is a prime example of the constant innovation of our brand. This expansion proactively meets future Mercedes- Benz facility requirements and creates a comfortable, enjoyable space for people to come experience all the brand has to offer, make a purchase and experience our excellent service. As a third-generation automotive dealer, how do you maintain the trusted legacy built by your family while keeping the dealership up- to-date with the advancements in products and technology? The most important part of our legacy is taking care of our people. That’s something my mama taught me and something my grandfather taught her. If we care for our people and we provide them with every tool they need, then the technology and advancements all come naturally. Another lesson that has served me well is not being afraid to invest in our people and our business, like we’ve done with this expansion. Similar to my mom looking at the growth of Gwinnett County and moving the business here in 2005. We are always striving to provide opportunities for our family and our staff. Q: As a business owner and operator, what do you find beneficial about running a business Gwinnett County? A: It’s really exciting to be a part of the fast-paced growth and pride Gwinnettians have. We enjoy a great relationship with Gwinnett Technical College and their Mercedes-Benz training program. It’s been inspiring to watch Gwinnett Tech and their students accomplish their goals. We also appreciate the diversity of Gwinnett County. As a woman- owned, millennial-owned business, I am not the norm in my industry. My mom was in the minority as a woman-owner and proprietor in the ’80s and ’90s. Our staff is incredibly diverse — over 25 languages are spoken at our facility. You expect that in a bigger city like Atlanta, but once you get out here in the suburbs, you don’t necessarily expect it. I feel like diversity is really celebrated in Gwinnett. Q: What benefits have you experienced from being a part of the Gwinnett Chamber Chairman’s Club? A: We definitely feel the Chairman’s Club and Chamber’s impact and support. My mother was very involved when she moved the company to Gwinnett and, though I don’t live in the county, I make attending as many Chamber events as possible a priority. Being a member of the Chairman’s Club is an investment. We are a bigger small business, but still a family-owned small business, so we are always looking at every expense. But we do think that being a part of the Chamber is worth it. We love to host events and we can’t wait until we can show off our new expansion. Q: What are you looking forward to in the dealership’s future? A: In the near future, our focus will be expanding our service availability. We will also stay heavily engaged in the Mercedes-Benz training program at Gwinnett Tech. We’ve hired 12 students in the last 18 months for our apprentice program and are looking forward to working with these men and women, teaching them about our products and serving our customers’ needs as our products continue to grow. Our dealership’s future is in Gwinnett County. As we welcome more employees and they become a part of our family, we hope to continue to provide a happy and healthy work environment for people from both in and out of Gwinnett County. the EXECUTIVE 7