Tag: sales

Employee Spotlight: Rich Borodkin

This month we sat down with VanDevere Chevy Equity Manager, Rich Borodkin. Rich has been with the company for 13 years! We took some time to get to know him a little better, with our normal line of questioning.

VanDevere: Hi Rich, congrats on the 13 years here and thank you for sitting down with us. We will start easy… What is the best thing about your job?

Rich: The best thing is when the customer takes deliver for the first time, they are so excited. They are smiling and glowing.

VDV: That has to be a great feeling to help them get in their new car. What is the best thing about VanDevere?

RB: I think the best thing about VanDevere is the family atmosphere.

VDV: We hear that a lot in these interviews. What are 3 words you would use to describe VanDevere?

RB: Hmm, the three words would be family, friendly and fun!

VDV: Ah yes, gotta have the fun in there. Let’s move to something not work related. What do you like to do when you are not at work?

RB: I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I also enjoy playing the drums at my church.

VDV: That is pretty cool! What (who) inspires you?

RB: That is easy, my family inspires me to move forward for them. Emily, Jared and Julia are my 3 children and my wife, Michelle.

VDV: That is awesome. Nice to see that you are so close with your family. If you could pick one superpower, what would it be?

RB: I would want to be Spiderman, so I could climb and jump tall buildings and such.

VDV: Ha, nice. That would be fun!

Employee Spotlight: Mike Robinson – Kia Sales & Leasing Consultant

This month we sat down with Kia sales associate, Mike Robinson. Mike has been with us for 8 years! Thank you for your time here! We appreciate you!

VanDevere: Hi Mike, thanks for sitting down with us and thank you for 8 great years! What is the best think about your job?

Mike: The people that I get to meet and helping them find their new car.

VanDevere: What is the best thing about VanDevere?

Mike: The family and relationships I have made here.

VanDevere: What do you like to do when you are not at work?

Mike: I love music. I listen and play music.

VanDevere: What are your favorite types of music?

Mike: Gospel and R&B

VanDevere: Awesome. What inspires you?

Mike: My family! My wife of 25 years and my 2 girls!

VanDevere: Wow, 25 years! Congrats! Fill in the blank: I once met…..

Mike: Thank you! I once met Fred Hammond, he is a fantastic gospel artist!

VanDevere: Very cool. If you could pick one superpower, what would it be?

Mike: Mind reading

VanDevere: That’s a good one. What is your favorite travel spot?

Mike: We love going to the Bahamas!

VanDevere: Great choice. What is your favorite local place to eat?

Mike: El Jalapenos

VanDevere: Ok last one, what is your favorite car?

Mike: a Lambo!

VanDevere: Sweet! Thank you for taking the time to sit with us! Congrats on 8 years!

Employee Spotlight: Walt Grimes

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!