AUTOMOTIVE SOLUTIONS THE “FUNNER” SIDE OF THE BUSINESS

When I began selling Infiniti’s 25 years ago, I had no expectations on what a career selling cars would look like. I had heard all the horror stories about the people I would be working with, including the lack of character in upper management and ownership. I was not misled. That said, 25 years ago, with volume incentives from both the manufacturer and the dealership, I could make a good living – but it did not come easy.  70 hours a week, never properly trained and, as the rookie, I got the least of the incoming customers assigned to me.  I just worked harder and I was rewarded.

Back in the days when customers flocked to dealerships, by mistake you could run into famous people. I think several of my customers from those days are still famous.  I was fortunate enough to have run into Michael Kay, the famous voice of the Yankees; Ken Haymen, the renowned photographer who worked with Margaret Mead, Look and Life magazines and was a personal friend of Ernest Hemingway; the still-stunning Vanessa Williams (yes, she purchased a Qx80 specifically for her 2 great danes!) and Michael Lang. For those who are unfamiliar with this last name, think Woodstock. Michael was one of the founders and organizers of the original “event.” If you must ask what event, you are too young. When I knew him, he lived in Mt. Tremper and would drive to White Plains.  I was lucky enough to get that “up” the day he came into the dealership. (Sorry for the car talk: an “up” is a customer that randomly walks into the store.)

Michael’s family drove Infiniti’s for years.  Leasing them new, he saw the value in a fun and sporty car that was also reliable. He got the most out of his time in 3 or 4 G35/G37x’s and he always rolled into another lease. I must have been good - he returned to me for 12 years or more. Figuring everybody he dealt with daily would annoy him about his career in the music world, I was never the one to bring up the subject.  But when presented the opportunity, Michael did not hesitate to tell me about the music he was producing and I, in turn, shared the upcoming calendar of concerts I was attending.  When still more comfortable with our relationship, Michael shared autographs, pictures, and books with me, before I ever asked.  

When Lori and I were in Woodstock this fall, driving thru Mt. Tremper, thoughts of the good old days and my relationship with Michael became present. In the center of the town of Woodstock, there stands an understated memorial in his name. Regardless of your opinion on his professional career, Michael was always respectful, humble and a pleasure to work with. I heard of his passing and could not help but remember almost every conversation. Not only about Woodstock but also his generous words about the reasons he always visited me at Pepe Infiniti.