A few years ago, I was finally
reapproved for my disability claim. While I am not a huge fan of being on
disability that does not mean I am too proud to take a hand up when it is
offered and needed. Due to the fact my claim took so long to complete, I was
awarded back pay. For those of you who might not know what that is, it’s when
the government decides they owe you money because you were disabled the whole
time they processed you. It couldn’t have been better timing for me, as my car
had just died!
That may seem like a good and bad
situation. Good that I was able to fix the problem, but maybe you would
consider the need to go car shopping a bad thing. I guess in some cases you
might be right! Alright, so in a lot of cases you would be right. You can’t argue
with established history, at least not very well. I started my search with a
local used car store, just to see what was available and in my price range. I
hesitate to name the business because I don’t like to do negative reviews,
however well deserved.
I remember saying that I was there to browse
and probably wouldn’t be making a purchase. The salesperson offered to take me
inside and do a check on my credit so they would be able to match me up with a
car I could afford. At this point, and as I think back I don’t think I ever
did... I didn’t tell them I was paying cash up front in full. They took one look at my score, sniffed in
semi disgust and gestured for me to follow. Once we were back outside on the
lot I was taken to a very beat up compact. I have nothing against compact cars
even if I am a bit on the heavy side and I do have a sense of humor so I let
him show me the car.
The paint was peeling. That should
have been a warning, and a gauge for just where I fit on their ideal customer
meter. We opened the door, and the smell of "cat" hit me in the face
making my eyes water. Still trying to be polite, even though at this point I
was not the least bit interested I looked around the interior. The roof
paneling was almost gone, and it had no shifter just a hole in the floor panel
where one should have gone. This car was an automatic, and I am not quite sure
how I was expected to drive off the lot. I suppose I was meant to find a
screwdriver or perhaps stick my finger into the hole and pray I have the
leverage to shift gears.
It was about that moment that I
remembered my friend Steve owned a dealership or two. I don’t know why it
didn’t occur to me sooner except that when it comes to friends I tend to focus
more on their personality and their free time rather than bothering them at
work. I called Steve up and he told me to come out and take a look at his lot.
He didn’t mind helping me, even though he knew I wasn’t exactly going to be the
wealthiest guy on his lot.
I went out to the Subaru store and
found a salesman. Sadly, at this point, I don’t remember his name. I do however
remember his friendly, welcoming attitude as well as his bright smile. My
salesman was a kid in every sense of the word. He was a young guy just starting
his life and career. Fresh out of training, I did my best to put him at ease so
that he could help me more effectively. My credit score was not improving just
because I crossed town to Steve’s lot. I was still not going to be able to get
credit for much.
That fact didn’t faze my young
salesman in the least. He actually wanted to help me find something for my kids
to ride safely in. He looked a bit sheepish telling me that we might have to
look at the used cars because of my score and I let him know that was just fine
with me.
It was night and day between the
two car lots that I had experienced. The first (NOT Rimrock!) dealership had
been about making money. Fast and dirty, get the customers in and out seemed to
be their mantra. While Rimrock wants to make money too as any business should
they also have a policy of not selling anything they wouldn’t want to be seen
in. Quality not quantity, banking on the repeat business of happy customers.
This is a long haul company, not a short game like many of the other used car
retailers.
After a lot of browsing, I settled
on the vehicle voted ugliest car in America. Not because it was the only one I
could afford, but because it suited my personality. We had found a car that
matched my needs, my personality and my budget. I love my Pontiac Aztec. It may
look odd on the outside, but inside is a comforting heart of gold. I have no
idea who that sounds like, do you? I have that my Aztec, problem free for a few
years now. The salesman made the difference by going above and beyond not just
for his commission but for the happiness of his customer.
At one point, I would have told you
that you can’t be a good person and a good businessman at the same time. I
would have been wrong.
Let’s fast forward a few years,
shall we? I am now sitting in Steve’s new Mercedes dealership. No, my writing
is not good enough yet to be able to afford one of these beautiful machines. I
did however learn from my purchasing experience that Steve and his company were
the type of people that I would want to do business with. When I started my
nonprofit company, I asked Steve to act as president. I know that he will watch
the bottom line, but also watch for the best interests of the people he is
there to serve.
I had been waiting to start our
board meeting and I took a minute to write up just why you should bring your
business to Rimrock Auto. It begins and ends with respect for their customer.
Even if you are just a potential customer you matter to them.
The showroom is built around
helping to put customers at ease. A large TV, in the comfortably furnished
waiting area is just steps away from a coffee bar that could easily be imagined
as having a barista staffed full time. The large windows give you a sense that
this company has nothing to hide and wants to welcome you to look as much as
you like. The care and attention to detail, and to the needs of their customers
is nothing short of amazing in a world that has gone towards a do it quick
mentality and a self serve staffing style.
If you are looking for a new or
used car to purchase, and want to be treated like a worthwhile human being no
matter your social standing or credit score, than I highly recommend Rimrock
Auto.
Buying a car should be a good experience,
not a headache and I think Rimrock Auto has found the Aspirin to take the
headache out of the car buying experience before it even starts.
:Marcus Morris
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