New job at a Honda shop

[garyb900]

Hello all,

I haven't really posted anything much in a while because like a lot of folks I was let go from my job back in February after 18 years due to the economy. I was kind of bummed for a while.
I began the ususal search but as you know there isn't much out there.
Well, I found a new job finally.
I am now working at a Honda motorcycle dealership in Des Plaines, Illinois.
It is a new thing for me as I'm now a salesman which is a little different from what I used to do.
Anyway, I just wanted to let you all know that if there is anyone in the Chicagoland area that is in the market for a new Honda motorcycle please come and ask for Gary Lesser at Des Plaines Honda Motorcycles in IL and I'll get you the best deal I can.
They are located at 550 E. Northwest Hwy. Des Plaines IL 60016
Phone: 847. 699.9600, Des Plaines Honda Motorcycles - Honda GoldWing, Rune, ATV, Scooters and Motorcycle Accessories! - Illinois Dealer

Thanks!
Gary

[HondaJim]

Good luck with the new venture Gary. Send me some samples.

[cmurphy84]

I'm in Elk Grove/Itasca several times a year. I'll try to remember to stop by your shop on my next trip up.

[garyb900]

Thanks guys.
Yeah, stop by Chris, it'd be cool to meet you and you can see your Hornet stickers on my bike! LOL.

[Farab]

Good luck!

[mattf]

Glad to hear you found a job Gary, best of luck with the new endeavor

[UJM]

Nice seasonal job, I hope you do well.

Remember, salespeople at dealerships are somewhat disposable, some call it the revolving door.

Sales is not easy, but it can be very rewarding. Treat people like you want to be treated, you know that.

Underpromise and overdeliver -

And try to make the time to orient the customer with the bike. Take them and introduce them to the staff, including parts and service - introduce them by name.

Have fun, again, best of luck!!!

[garyb900]

Originally Posted by UJM

Nice seasonal job, I hope you do well.

Remember, salespeople at dealerships are somewhat disposable, some call it the revolving door.

Sales is not easy, but it can be very rewarding. Treat people like you want to be treated, you know that.

Underpromise and overdeliver -

And try to make the time to orient the customer with the bike. Take them and introduce them to the staff, including parts and service - introduce them by name.

Have fun, again, best of luck!!!

Thanks.
I am trying to be less of a salesman and more of an "assistant" to the customer. Trying to match them to the right bike for what they are looking for so they will have as much fun riding as we do. If they have fun and enjoy their bike they'll tell others plus if you meet on the road you've got a friend to ride with.

[HondaJim]

This thread could probably spark a discussion about how you like to be treated at a dealership. I would imagine it varies wildly from a person who has ridden for a long time to a new rider. I like the guy who says "Got any questions let me know." but I know what I'm looking at and looking for. The kid with his mom and dad would be a different approach, although I last went to a motorcycle shop with my dad when he was 68 so I guess that wouldn't be the same.
I've done HVAC sales my whole life so I know that market. Motorcycles would be a fun change.

[dream]

Congrats Gary on landing a new job!

When I worked in a bike shop during high school I had a parts list IOU in the till, that I partially paid every payday. My last day I wrote them a BIG check.

Good Luck!

[Byrdman]

This is great news Gary. Sorry to hear that after 18 years you were let go but you know what they say about doors opening and closing......

I saw the sales job advertised in the paper the other week. I think you'll do great and I'll make sure to mention your name when I buy parts......

[cmurphy84]

I say we all meet up for some eats soon. I doubt I'll ever get to bring the bike up during a business trip.

I'll probably be up again in July or August.

[Byrdman]

Sounds great to me. Ride the bike up, it's only 5 hours.

For many years, I rode the ST down to the Louisville Lawn & Garden Expo. Good times..........

[cmurphy84]

Originally Posted by Byrdman

Sounds great to me. Ride the bike up, it's only 5 hours.

For many years, I rode the ST down to the Louisville Lawn & Garden Expo. Good times..........

We had a rider go down while running an errand for the company so it is policy to take a company vehicle. I guess I could see about taking one of the trucks and putting the bike in the back though. HMMMMM I'll have to talk with my boss about that one.

Is the CBRXX ride going to be a run to Moonlite again? If it's close, I'll ride along instead of just meeting some of the XX guys in passing this year.

[Byrdman]

Originally Posted by cmurphy84

We had a rider go down while running an errand for the company so it is policy to take a company vehicle. I guess I could see about taking one of the trucks and putting the bike in the back though. HMMMMM I'll have to talk with my boss about that one.

Is the CBRXX ride going to be a run to Moonlite again? If it's close, I'll ride along instead of just meeting some of the XX guys in passing this year.

Wow, that just sucks. Was he okay?

I'm headed down on the 21st of April to hang out for a few days with Josh. I'm sure that Saturday we'll be heading from Corydon over to Owensboro. You should hang with us, there's a few really cool guys heading down this year.

[cmurphy84]

Originally Posted by Byrdman

Wow, that just sucks. Was he okay?

I'm headed down on the 21st of April to hang out for a few days with Josh. I'm sure that Saturday we'll be heading from Corydon over to Owensboro. You should hang with us, there's a few really cool guys heading down this year.

He tore his shoulder and was off work for a while.

He was in the left lane and a semi was in the right lane. He went to pass and as soon as he did, the semi decided he wanted to get in the left lane. He ended up hitting the front of the trailer just before the tractor tires and before the semi stopped, he was almost under the trailer tires.

I'll PM you my number so you can give me a call before you head down. Was Josh on the ST last year?

[Byrdman]

Wow, that sucks moist ass. I stay as far away from semi's as I can. Not only can't they see us very well but they throw so much more debris than cars do.......

Last year, Josh was on his XX. I rode my ST1300 down because I had the XX torn down.

[Sniper]

Hey Birdman, can I tag along on the ride from Corydon to Owensboro? I know the way.

Maybe we can coherce HondaJim to come along.

[HondaJim]

Originally Posted by Sniper

Hey Birdman, can I tag along on the ride from Corydon to Owensboro? I know the way.

Maybe we can coherce HondaJim to come along.

If it's the 21st of April I'm heading to Chicago and won't be back until the night of the 24th. Otherwise I'd go.

[cmurphy84]

Maybe we need to do another Moonlite run around Easter. Last year was a good ride.

[HondaJim]

Originally Posted by cmurphy84

Maybe we need to do another Moonlite run around Easter. Last year was a good ride.

Agreed.

[Byrdman]

Originally Posted by Sniper

Hey Birdman, can I tag along on the ride from Corydon to Owensboro? I know the way.

Maybe we can coherce HondaJim to come along.

HELL YES..........

I'm sorry Jim won't be in town but I'll make sure to wave as we pass each other on I65!

[garyb900]

Originally Posted by dream

Congrats Gary on landing a new job!

When I worked in a bike shop during high school I had a parts list IOU in the till, that I partially paid every payday. My last day I wrote them a BIG check.

Good Luck!

Thanks.
I'm trying not to get a tab started but it might be difficult! I already bought some Repsol and a new pair of gloves.

[garyb900]

Originally Posted by Byrdman

This is great news Gary. Sorry to hear that after 18 years you were let go but you know what they say about doors opening and closing......

I saw the sales job advertised in the paper the other week. I think you'll do great and I'll make sure to mention your name when I buy parts......

Thanks Jeff.
Is this your local shop? Be sure to say Hi if you stop in.

[Byrdman]

Originally Posted by garyb900

Thanks Jeff.
Is this your local shop? Be sure to say Hi if you stop in.

It is now.........

I typically shop over at Schaumburg Honda and know the owners very well there. But, if I can help a fellow 919 owner out by riding a few more miles East, I'm all over that.

[sbeau1960]

Congrats Gary, I'll stop by the next time I'm in Chicago!