Tag: Employee Spotlight

Mike is a Service Advisor at our Kia location and he has been part of the team for 6 years! In honor of Mike’s 6th year with VanDevere, we sat down and got to know a little more about him.

VanDevere: Hi Mike, thank you for taking the time to sit down with us. Congrats on the 6 years at VanDevere! Being a service advisor, what is the best thing about your job?

Mike: The people I work with and the diversity of people that come through the service drive.

VDV: What is the best thing about VanDevere?

Mike: The people and the culture we work in

VDV: What 3 words would you use to describe VanDevere?

Mike: Family, Fun and Energetic

VDV: Enough about work, let’s get to the fun stuff. What do you like to do when not at work?

Mike: I have 4 kids and 6 grand kids and I like to spend time with them. My wife and I do a lot of camping and traveling. Just like enjoying the outdoors.

VDV: That’s awesome. What inspires you?

Mike: My wife. She is a strong-willed person. She has an autoimmune disease and deals with a lot of pain but still keeps on going. I also get inspiration from both my fathers. I was adopted but they both had strong work ethics that they instilled in me.

VDV: Wow your wife does sound like a strong woman. We send our blessings. You mentioned your love of travel, what is your favorite place to go with your wife?

Mike: We love Aruba and the Smokey Mountains.

VDV: Both sound like lovely places. If you could pick one superpower, what would it be?

Mike: Teleportation Even for small things like to go to lunch at the beach.

VDV: We like the way you think. Speaking of lunch or any meal for that matter, what are your favorite local places to eat?

Mike: Brimfield Family Steakhouse, Dos Coronas and La Terraza.

VDV: So you like Mexican food? LOL Ok last question, what is your dream car?

Mike: 1965 Chevy Camaro

VDV: Awesome! Thank you for taking the time to tell us some about you. Congrats again on 6 years and happy traveling!

Employee Spotlight: Walt Grimes

June 25, 2019

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It’s not very often that an employee stays with a company for 49 years, so when they do, we want to make it very special.

Sales associate Walt Grimes has been with the VanDevere Bunch since 1970! VanDevere sales was his first real job. Walt was friends with general manager’s son which got his foot in the door. During his tenure at VanDevere, Walt has seen the group sell several new makes, including, Buicks, Subarus, Jeeps, Pontiacs, Kias and his favorite, Oldsmobiles. He told us that he was Very sad when Olds went away. (He stated very sad with a capital V).

When we sat down with Walt it was before a great celebration that was held at our Buick store. You can watch the video of the event on Facebook.

Now on to the questions!

VDV: What is the best thing about your job?

Walt: The people that I have met here over the years.

VDV: What is the best thing about VanDevere?

Walt: I like that it is a family-owned company and you can go talk to the owners about anything.

VDV: What 3 words would you use to describe VanDevere?

Walt: Longevity, family-owned and community minded

VDV: What do you do when not at work?

Walt: I like to go out on my boat and go fishing!

VDV: We assume as soon as you retire you will be doing a lot more fishing! What is your
favorite fishing spot?

Walt: I like to go to Portage Lakes.

VDV: Do you live near there?

Walt: Yes, my wife Denise and I live in New Franklin with our 1 ½ year old Golden Retriever,
Kenzie.

VDV: Awe, your dog must keep you busy! How long have you been married?

Walt: It will be 45 years this August. I met her at a bar. The funny part is that I went out to a bar
in Portage Lakes with a good friend of mine. That night we both met our wives that we have
been with since then!

VDV: Wow, that is amazing! Congrats! Do you and Denise have any favorite restaurants in the
area?

Walt: Yes, we enjoy The Ramp, Angie’s in Barberton and the Ido Café.

VDV: Sounds like you have all the meals covered. Since you sell cars, what is your favorite car?

Walt: My favorite car is the Oldsmobile Intrigue that came out in the late 90s.

VDV: What makes it your favorite?

Walt: It was just a great sporty 4-door car!

VDV: And last question, what advice do you have for new sales associates?

Walt: I saw this quote one time and cut it out and keep it with me. “Your beliefs don’t make you a
better person, your behavior does!”

VDV: That is a great quote, I think we can all take something from that. Walt, thank you for
your time today and sharing your story. We hope you enjoy retirement! Thank you for your
time here at VanDevere! We appreciate you!

Employee Spotlight: Curtis Davidsson – Buick Parts Counter

June 3, 2019

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Curtis Davidsson has been with VanDevere for 4 years. He started his career here in the Parts/Shipping & Receiving Department at our Chevy location. He then gave sales at Buick a try and decided to head back to Parts but at the Buick Location where he has been for over 2 years.

We caught up with Curtis and gave him our normal “get to know you” questions.

VDV: Hi Curtis, thanks for taking time out of your busy day! We will start simple. What is the best thing about your job?

Curtis: There is something new every day and it keeps me on my toes. I also love cars!

VDV: What is the best thing about VanDevere?

Curtis: The family feel… everyone has a place and we are all equals. No one goes overlooked
here. The owners say Hi to everyone and are available to anyone that needs to chat with them.

VDV: What 3 words describe VanDevere?

Curtis: Family, Faith, Integrity

VDV: What do you like to do when not at work?

Curtis: Wrenching, fishing, hiking, walking my dog, just about anything outdoors

VDV: If you could pick one super power, what would it be?

Curtis: Speed

VDV: What is your favorite travel spot?

Curtis: Hawaii!!

VDV: What is your favorite place to eat?

Curtis: The Hooley House

VDV: What is your dream car?

Curtis: A R34 Skyline GTR

VDV: (googling car) Never heard of that, what is it?

Curtis: currently it isn’t available in the US. Hopefully, 2025 it will be legal to get one here!

VDV: Wow, looks pretty cool. Last question, what are you wrenching on?

Curtis: I just finished my 1986 K10!

VDV: Sweet, those are awesome looking trucks. Curtis, thank you for taking the time to talk
with us and congrats on 4 years here at VanDevere! Cheers to many more.

Employee Spotlight: Mike Santimarino – Kia Service Advisor

Employee Spotlight: Walt Grimes

Employee Spotlight: Curtis Davidsson – Buick Parts Counter

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