Category: Dealer News

The VanDevere Bunch To Support West Akron Baseball & Softball League

Akron, March 23, 2022   The VanDevere Bunch is partnering with West Akron Baseball & Softball League in Akron. The VanDevere Bunch has joined forces with the national Chevrolet Youth Baseball & Softball program to provide new equipment , invitations to free instructional clinics and an opportunity for community members to earn donations for their league via a test drive fundraiser.

“Playing baseball and softball helps kids develop skills like leadership, cooperation, and sportsmanship while bringing families and communities together to show their support. The VanDevere Bunch and Chevrolet Youth Baseball & Softball are proud to participate in a sport that brings so many smiles to kids and families in Akron.” said Lori Sams, Marketing Director for The VanDevere Bunch. “Chevrolet believes in the power of play as a way for young people to build the skills needed to be successful in the future and supports the spirit of teamwork that baseball and softball instills in its players.”

2022 marks the seventeenth year of Chevrolet’s Youth Baseball & Softball program and has benefitted over 9 million players since it launched in 2006. Last year, more than 1,100 Chevrolet dealers participated across the country.

The VanDevere Bunch will present West Akron Baseball & Softball League an equipment kit that includes useful items such as equipment bags, first aid kits, batting tees, and ball buckets. The sponorship also includes youth clinics featuring current and former MLB/MiLB players and coaches, or instruction from Ripken Baseball.

In addition, The VanDevere Bunch will present a check representing a one-time donation to West Akron Baseball & Softball League. Sponsored leagues across the country will have the chance to earn additional funds to support the league as community members take test drives at their partnering dealership.

“Chevrolet designs and builds its vehicles with busy families in mind, featuring a comprehensive suite of available safety features; technologies that make the journey more comfortable and engaging for the entire family; and the space and flexibility needed to haul people and cargo. We encourage everyone to take a look at what Chevrolet has to offer,” said Sams.

For more information about Chevrolet Youth Baseball & Softball, please visit www.chevrolet.com/youthsports.com.

Employee Spotlight: Mike Barber – Finance Manager

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!

Employee Spotlight: Rob Kaplansky – Buick Kia Sales Team

Our latest Employee Spotlight features Buick/Kia Salesperson, Rob Kaplansky.  Rob has been with the VanDevere bunch for about 3 years.  We sat down with Rob to learn more about him and thank him for 3 years!

VanDevere: Hi Rob, thanks for taking the time with us today.  Congrats on 3 years!

Rob:  Thank you and it’s been a good adventure.

VanDevere: What is the best thing about your job?

Rob: Being able to help people and get them into better situations.

VanDevere:  That does sound rewarding.   What is the best thing about VanDevere?

Rob: It is truly a family atmosphere. We help each other out.

VanDevere: We hear that a lot from employees.   What are 3 words to describe VanDevere?

Rob: Family, exciting and inspiring.

VanDevere:  Good combo, what do you like to do when not at work?

Rob: I like spending time with my baby girl.

VanDevere:  I bet you both have a lot of fun adventures.   What inspires you?

Rob:  My daughter and making sure she has a better life than I did.

VanDevere: Awesome Now on to some fun questions.  If you could pick any superpower, what would it be.

Rob: Hmmm Teleportation.  Oh, the places I could go.

VanDevere:  That would help with my next question, what is your favorite travel spot?

Rob: No favorite but I want to go to visit Disney!

VanDevere: I bet you and your daughter would have a blast. What is your favorite place to visit eat?

Rob: Easy, Fat Heads Brewery in Canton

VanDevere: Good choice.   OK last one.  What is your dream car?

Rob: Either a C8 Vette or a Cadillac ATS V Series

VanDevere:  Very nice choices!  Thank you for your time and congrats on 3 years.