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Stories from the Sales Frontlines

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  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 7,229
    That's my twin brothers name also!
    The Sandman :) :sick: :shades:

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Absolutely! Gee, maybe I should be shortman1 based on height reports around here.....

    Only sandy is in my range and he's still towering above me by two whole inches....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    edited March 2011
    I read a really good book a few years ago, Michael Connelly's Lincoln Lawyer. I like all Connelly's books but this was by far my favorite.

    The movie starts this weekend and I hope to see it. The book is called that because this washed up lawyer has his office in the back seat of an old Lincoln Town Car. The movie gets good reviews and it is really made for adults....which is rare these days.

    If you like John Grisham this book is like a Grisham but, 10X better.

    This is a scene from the movie....and all those TC fans should try to see it!
    image

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    If you read my first post from September, 2007, you wouldn't be so kind with your words. I logged on as one whining, complaining a$$h---who didn't really know what he was talking about at all. It took greater people than me to set me straight---Isellhondas, Fezo, Snake, Jmonroe, Joel, Jipster and a couple of wonderful people who have passed away---Mackabee and Tom (our host). I was taught early on in life to admit when you are wrong. Though it was a bitter pill to swallow, I learned to listen to these guys who knew more than me. I have been very grateful for what i have learned from them. They didn't correct me in a mean way. They just plainly told me where I was wrong.

    I do appreciate your kindness. From day one, I stayed because these guys made such good sense and had such interesting experiences to share. This site is very unique for a forum. I feel that I have made friends with a wonderful group that I have never seen. The hours that I have spent here have been very enjoyable and informative. We're glad that you're here. You've added a nice spark to our discussions. All of the guys here are just super.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    I love those "Kids 1st" tags. Wish we had them.

    Richard
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    jmonroe - if you could pull of that TV stand hand making the new dining room set should be a snap!

    That’s not as far fetched as you may think.

    Back in the early 70’s when we were in our first house and I was still at my fighting weight, I built an almost 14 foot wall unit for the basement family room. When I had that house built I had a wall moved to make an inset for that planed wall unit that would be built there some day. It made the laundry room about 30 inches narrower than it would have been but that space was perfect for that wall unit. Had book shelves, a mirrored bar unit and a place to hold the old style console 25 inch color TV that closed when the TV wasn’t on. It even had a place for my stereo set up. It was a real master piece I tell you, even if I have to brag on myself. Mrs. jmonroe liked that thing so much she hated to leave that house.

    It took almost a month to build and man did I have saw dust all over that garage. The trickiest part was laying down a single 14 foot by 30 inch piece of fake black slate Formica. A surface that large using contact cement took me and three friends to work into place for the top of the three base units of that wall unit. If you’ve ever worked with contact cement you know you only get one chance with that stuff. Then we had a well earned beer.

    Years later when we listed the house the realtor said that thing would sell the house, all by itself, no doubt about it. After we closed on the house, while out in the parking lot before we left, I asked the guy why he bought my house and not others in the same price range. His answer, “we liked that wall unit”.

    Now, ‘you know who’ says, “if our dining room had a mirrored wall unit something like our first house had that room would really be something special but you don’t do anything like that any more that’s why I’ve looked for another set. I don’t know why you still keep all those tools down in the garage. You don’t do anything with them anymore, they only accumulate dust now”. :(

    Who knows, some day I might be forced into dusting off those tools.

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    It's a deal. Go to my community profile and get my email address. That way, we can exchange mailing addresses. My shirt is still in the package. It's a large. I can wear your X-Large with no problem. Hope you can wear the large.

    Richard
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Oh, it was great. You came in and we're all thinking "who is that jackass?"

    Now things are different - we know who that jackass is.... ;)

    There was a wink after that last sentence in case the emotorcons aren't working at the moment.

    Actually you were fine once you realized the math of it. I will bet you there is not a person capable of learning anything in these parts that has not learned a whole lot more from the other side in these threads. I know I learned a lot and have much more respect for the sales guys overall. It also gets me more ticked off when I run into a bozo in the showroom but that's another story.

    Last time I bought a car (my wife's Camry) it was froim a guy who used to hang in here. Speaking of that I should drop him a line. He'd been missing because they blocked Edmunds at his store. He's not there anymore so I'll check.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Hey, if he can't wear a large I can.... Don't have a trade though.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    You amaze me. I can't imagine building a unit like that from scratch. Just think. If you build one more, you won't have to buy the new furniture.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    The problem is that you don't own an Orient watch. What would you say when people ask you about the shirt?

    Richard
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    OK. Send me a watch, too....... :D
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Truth be told I missed that we moved onto watch shirts....

    driver - thanks for the tip! I love Grisham when he's on (his latest is very good) so this should be a treat.

    Did anyone follow up on my recommendation of The Art of Racing in the Rain? Trust me. You will not be disappointed.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    image

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Classic!
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    I thought Driver lived on the other side of the US.

    Richard, I sent email. Hope I used the correct address (never found the community page).

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • tallman1tallman1 Member Posts: 1,874
    OK. Send me a watch, too.......

    That made me laugh out loud. :D
  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    You came in and we're all thinking "who is that jackass?"

    I too came in here with a full head of steam and a chip on my shoulder.

    It was Oct, 2005 when the new Mustang came out and I wanted to vent.

    Ran right into Isell who told me I was a grinder. I followed up with
    I need a salesman like I need a waitress in a restaurant.
    Someone to fetch me stuff!

    It got heated to say the least. I thought I was going to be kicked out of here.

    Then Tom (host) came back with "don't forget to tip the waitress"

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    His answer, “we liked that wall unit”.

    I know the wall unit you made must have been really nice....sounds like a great design. But your story did remind me of this other redneck wall unit - HD TV set up I saw.
    image

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    I thought Driver lived on the other side of the US.

    I do............... on the northern side!

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    I hope you enjoy the Lincoln Lawyer.

    I looked up The Art of Racing in the Rain on Amazon.com and it gets an amazing 4 1/2 stars out of 5 and 1299 reviews and is #47 out of all books sold, which is quite remarkable. The best review I found which gives an idea of the story was this one:

    On the eve of his death, Enzo (a dog) tells what amounts to his master's life story. Stein's attention to detail was amazing - the book read like it was written by somebody who took the time to stop and think "what would a dog feel/do in this situation?" As a result, Enzo is memorable and lovable. He's at once a crotchety old man, and an innocent youth. He's wise, he's naive, and he is devoted.
    ------------------------------------------

    I am going to try to get a copy, though my slush pile of books to read is really growing. I just finished the "Intelligence of Dogs" which explains how and why dogs do what they do. Their world is built around their incredible sense of smell, sight is just not that important - dogs do see in colors but not bright and they see in shades of green but not reds or yellows. Iwould like to read Ken Folletts Fall of Giants and I really like Deborah Crombie these days...she writes British mysteries but she was born and lives in Texas!
    image

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    That's great...a redneck BMW!

    Surprised he didn't go for a Ferrari.......maybe next year when he gets tired of his bimmer. :)

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,681
    edited March 2011
    >so this should be a treat.

    I'd like to recommend to everyone here to read Michael Connelly's books from the earliest to the latest within a series. He's a great writer, one of only a handful I can read. His style doesn't leave me with a braincramp trying to discern the meaning of what he's writing in the chapter--it's enjoyable reading at my low ability level, i.e.

    I ordered all the older books from my library system. It's best to read them in order, but they didn't come in order.

    This is the second time I've read through Connelly's works.

    http://www.michaelconnelly.com/Printable_Book_List_13.pdf

    http://www.michaelconnelly.com/Book_Collection/book_collection.html

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 7,229
    So I should be "Shortman1" and you should be "Shortman2"...how does that sound?
    The Sandman :) :sick: :shades:

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • delta737hdelta737h Member Posts: 626
    Gogiboy,

    You said...

    "John--If indeed that is you real name--perhaps you could clarify exactly whom Richard slammed publicly."....

    I said…

    “I agree that anonymity is, in certain instances, appropriate and even prudent. However, if you're going to slam someone publicly, at least have the guts to reveal yourself. Perhaps she was slamming the school and principal for a very good and legitimate reason…”

    And therein lays the confusion. It does, indeed, sound as though I was referring to Richard. When I said…

    “However, if you're going to slam someone publicly, at least have the guts to reveal yourself.”

    I wasn’t referring to Richard although the word usage, syntax, and grammatical structure indicate otherwise. I was trying to speak in generality. And for that, I apologize.

    Richard slammed no one and my apologies to him and you as well as others on this forum if they thought differently than what I had intended.

    I did not mean to imply or suggest that Richard slammed anyone. I was applauding the teacher that Richard was referencing for having the guts to identify himself/herself in spite of the fact that he/she was slamming their school and principal. I was slamming those that slam others and don't have the guts to identify themselves. So, I simply identified myself.

    Yes, my real name is John Clark. I haven’t lied or stole anything since accidentally hitting my brother on the head with a hammer when I was 7 years old. Today, he’s a very knowledgeable and fantastic insurance salesman.

    And, for the record, I’ve never criticized anyone on this forum (at least, not in the past 3 years).

    All of you seem like a bunch of nice guys that are certainly worth getting to know!

    John P. Clark
    3841 Reeves Lane
    Medina, Ohio 44256
    autoleasegeek@zoominternet.net
  • delta737hdelta737h Member Posts: 626
    edited March 2011
    Richard,

    I am so sorry for the misunderstanding. I didn't mean to suggest or imply that you were hiding behind a screen name. Quite the contrary. I have read several of your posts as well as those of others. You seem to be a model citizen on this forum and one that has earned the respect of others. Lots of great people on this forum and I want to extend my thanks for making me feel welcome.

    I do agree with you that a public forum is no place to berrate or chastise anyone be it an individual or institution. I do, however, applaud this teacher's willingness to identify themself however misguided they may be in slamming someone publicly. If one chooses to slam someone publicly (which is wrong), then they should have the courage to at least identify themselves.

    Anyway, many thanks for your response. And, by the way, Pinehurst, NC is a very special place for me. As a kid, still in HS, I used to frequently fly my dad to Pinehusrt for a few days of golf. Love the Raleigh-Durham and Chapel Hill area! Also, I once taught HS although most of my teaching was in the parochial schools in the Cleveland, Ohio area.

    All the Best,

    John Clark
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    John,

    I'm glad that you decided to respond again. Think no more about it. I have had to clarify many times regarding posts that I have written. I appreciate your kind words. We're glad that you have decided to join us. I think that you will really enjoy the experience, and you will get to know some great people here. BTW, you write really well.

    Richard
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    edited March 2011
    I was applauding the teacher that Richard was referencing for having the guts to identify himself/herself in spite of the fact that he/she was slamming their school and principal.

    Delta, you sound like a really nice guy, and it is easy to be misunderstood. Although I agree, people should stand up for what is right, I think it is better to try to go through proper channels first. Unfortunately, some people write twitters or blogs criticizing people and they don't have the real facts to back up their claim.

    I am sending an example of such a situation. To summarize, a city councillor in the city of Newmarket Ontario was criticized on Facebook for missing two city events. Then city council voted that councilors cannot reply to comments on Facebook. This councillor had more important meetings she wanted to attend....but she couldn't defend herself, in fact she was systematically cut off from defending herself.
    Councilor can't defend herself

    I understand what you are saying and for the most what you are saying is true, especially that the teacher at least identified herself. But, IMHO I don't think people should whistleblow on Facebook, unless they have tried other avenues first. It is too easy to have opinions or make comments that are not based in fact.

    Welcome aboard and I hope you will stay for the long haul.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    edited March 2011
    "Then Tom (host) came back with..."

    Tom had such a wonderful way of cutting through the ice.

    I, too, ran into Isell and Mackabee---at the same time. Talk about a wall of force. They clipped my wings and set me straight PDQ. Both great guys.

    Richard
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    recommend to read Michael Connelly's books

    I didn't realize Connelly had written so many books. I read a book a week and Lincoln Lawyer is one of my all time favorites. The movie sounds really good, and in this review he talks about how good the book is too!
    A movie review by James Berardinelli

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • delta737hdelta737h Member Posts: 626
    Richard and driver100,

    I couldn't agree more with the both of you. Many thanks for your encouragement and kindness. Driver, I enjoyed reading A Different Set of Standards and agree with you wholeheartedly.

    I look forward to participating in all the lively debates and discussions on this forum as I can learn much from all of you.

    Warmest regards,

    John
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    I wasn’t referring to Richard although the word usage, syntax, and grammatical structure indicate otherwise.

    Ah! You are lucky that Richard didn't get you on that one. He's fanatical with that stuff.

    Glad to see it was a misunderstanding. Come on in and join a great bunch of guys.

    That tipping your waitree line was wonderful. I so miss Tom.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    But your story did remind me of this other redneck wall unit - HD TV set up I saw.

    Who are you calling a "redneck"? :mad:

    You must have me confused with Richard. He's the furniture guru that lives in the South. :P

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • 28firefighter28firefighter Member Posts: 9,841
    I am also a Michael Connelly fan. I read the Lincoln Lawyer as my first book of his, so you can imagine my excitement when I heard it was coming out as a movie.

    Last night I saw the movie with some friends from school, and overall it was very well done. I highly recommend it.
    2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    Who are you calling a "redneck"?
    You must have me confused with Richard. He's the furniture guru that lives in the South.


    But, you used to live in the South too!

    Not calling anyone a redneck though.......they just do have some interesting ideas on furniture and cars etc.

    In Canada, we have our own redneck called Red Green. This 54 second long video is hilarious and it is car related.....he shows how to convert regular windows (rolling your windows makes you look too middle lower class) into power windows very easily.......
    Convert roller windows into power windows for about 10 bucks

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    Last night I saw the movie with some friends from school, and overall it was very well done. I highly recommend it.

    I am glad...if all goes well we will see it tonight!

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,351
    I never miss one of those good 'ol Harry Bosch novels !!

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • gogiboygogiboy Member Posts: 732
    "And therein lays the confusion. It does, indeed, sound as though I was referring to Richard. When I said…

    (However, if you're going to slam someone publicly, at least have the guts to reveal yourself.)”

    John--

    Sorry to have misinterpreted your post. Even when we "regulars" (and I use that term loosely in my own case) use emotorcons intent is often obfuscated or lost.

    Gogiboy
  • gogiboygogiboy Member Posts: 732
    A driver backed his pickup truck into my wife's car about a week ago. He was pulling out of a spot as she was exiting a lot. Despite hitting her horn and then leaning on her horn he continued backward, crunching the right front quarter panel, hood, grill and light. My wife described the truck driver as 60ish and wearing earmuffs--which may be why he didn't hear her horn. Fortunately he and his insurance company have accepted responsibility, but it will be at least 10 days before my wife gets her car back now that the adjuster has finally seen it. Last year she was backed into by a college age boy who immediately fled the scene. That parking lot smooch appeared to be only a superficial scratching to the bumper yet when my wife took it to the dealership for her free oil and tire rotation it turned out hat here was $900 worth of damage to the wheel and some part of the steering mechanism. The car is just over 1 year old.

    My car has had 4 incidents in 4 years and I was only in the car for one of those.

    We live in a city of 45,000 with ample parking and big parking spaces yet we have had more fender benders in the last 4 years than in the previous near 35 years of driving including big cities. What's going on? Are our cars like the canaries in the coalmine--a harbinger of epidemic distracted driving?

    Gogiboy
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    edited March 2011
    we have had more fender benders in the last 4 years than in the previous near 35 years of driving including big cities.

    Not sure what is going on, but I think there is some social change stuff going on affecting peoples's driving. I have noticed;
    * people talking on cell phones (even though it is now illegal here) and not paying attention to their driving.
    *going through amber lights more often.....what happened to if you can stop you have to.
    *cutting in and out on the highway....changing lanes without taking other traffic into account
    * a big new one...when entering a highway speed up and go as far as you can on the on ramp before swerving in to the traffic, so you can sneek up the side and get ahead of the cars on the highway.

    I think a combination of factors are all coming together, selfishness, too many cars, people in a hurry, the poor economy, disrespect for laws. I would have thought small towns would be better, but I am not sure it makes a difference...it is all relative.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    And therein lays the confusion. It does, indeed, sound as though I was referring to Richard. When I said…

    “However, if you're going to slam someone publicly, at least have the guts to reveal yourself.”


    delta...FWIW, I didn't think you were talking about Richard. The way I read it was the way you intended it...the Teacher that slamed the school on FB.

    If you stick around you'll see that I'm the one that really understands how to read and comprehend. You just have to put up with the others. :)

    So, stick around you'll like it here. The guys in here ain't as bad as they first seem. :blush:

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "You must have me confused with Richard."

    Now, now. Not all of us Southerners are rednecks. Some of us just have a light pink ring around our necks. (Grin)

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "The guys in here ain't as bad as they first seem."

    Yes, he will learn that even jmonroe has a good side. (Grin)---those damn emotorcons are on the blink again.

    Richard
  • delta737hdelta737h Member Posts: 626
    Gogiboy and jmonroe,

    You guys are too kind and generous, too!

    John
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,351
    Hey delta, welcome aboard...got any good sales stories?

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • bolivarbolivar Member Posts: 2,316
    You live in Oklahoma. Same as me. My new car at 4 days old and 200 miles was rear-ended. Woman's husband worked in a body shop and wanted him to fix it. I declined.
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Oh, man. That is terrible. I know that you're sick over it. The important thing is that you weren't hurt. Hope they can repair it as good as new.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "My car has had 4 incidents in 4 years..." "What's going on?"

    I can identify with you. There must be something about certain cars. I bought a new Blazer in 1986. I had been wanting one for ages at that time. It was white with a red stripe and red interior. I just loved it, but people wouldn't stop running into me. I had three incidents in 3 years---one rear end crash by a drunk, one side crash by a woman who ran a stop sign, and a front end crash when a teen backed into me. I finally gave up and traded it for the '89 Town Car that I loved so much. I drove the TC for seven years without one incident. It does tend to make a person wonder. Glad that your wife wasn't injured.

    Richard
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,766
    I used to drive a Ford Focus, but although it was a great little car, I got tired of people sizing me up and just pulling out right in front of me with their larger vehicle.
    Moved up to a mid size and it doesn't happen as often, although someone ran into the back if it too, for some reason I have never been able to figure out.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    One of the guys I work with was hit by a state trooper who was backing out of a parking space when his car was a little more than a week old.

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

This discussion has been closed.