This month we sit down with one of our Buick/Kia finance managers, Mike Barber. Mike has been with the company for over 2 years now but he has been an honorary member of the VanDevere family for as long as he can remember. We sat down with Mike and asked him our normal questions, let’s get to know Mike.
VanDevere: Thank you for taking the time to chat with us today! Let’s jump right in. What is the best thing about your job?
Mike B.: The best thing is getting to help people protect their investment and understand a process that can be scary and confusing for a lot of people.
VanDevere: Helping people is something we hear a often when doing these spotlights. That is a great feeling. What is the best thing about VanDevere?
MB: The culture and the atmosphere for sure! VanDevere values doing the right thing above everything else, whether it’s with their customers or employees. We are rooted in faith and integrity and aren’t afraid to have fun in everything we do!
VanDevere: No wonder the company has been around for 76 years! What 3 words would you use to describe VanDevere?
MB: Honorable, exciting, family-oriented
VanDevere: Those are great words, we hear the family one a lot from our employees. Now on to some fun stuff. What do you like to do when not at work?
MB: I enjoy spending time with my wife and two boys, be adventurous and play games.
VanDevere: That sounds like a fun time, I am sure that they keep you busy. What inspires you?
MB: My dad! He is one of the hardest workers I know. He has been through a lot in his life. His perseverance and dedication to God and Family is something I will always admire.
VanDevere: That is wonderful. Not only is he a great role model for you but for your boys as well. Fill in the blank: I once met ___________!
MB: I once met one of the Property Brothers. Well I didn’t really meet him but I saw him in LAX airport. And I’m not sure which one it was because they are twins, but it was still cool!
VanDevere: Ha, that is fun. We wouldn’t know which one it was either. If you could pick one superpower, what would it be?
MB: I’d have to say super-speed because I could go anywhere in the world for a day and nobody could beat me in a race!
VanDevere: Yes, we would like, too. We would love to travel. Speaking of travel, what is your favorite travel spot?
MB: The beach!! Any beach. Can’t beat drinks, sand and sunshine!
VanDevere: We can’t agree more! What is your favorite place to eat?
MB: The Cheesecake Factory. It makes me feel fancier than I am and focus is more on the dessert than the entrée.
VanDevere: Dessert is always a good thing! Last question, since we deal in cars…. What is your dream car?
MB: For my daily driver, an Audi A8. For show/fun, the Batmobile from The Dark Knight.
VanDevere: Batmobile for sure! Thank you for taking the time and letting us get to know you!