A little bit of professionalism can go a long way, according to the team at O’Daniel Automotive Group. In the business of selling and maintaining vehicles, there’s more to the relationship than just a transaction.
According to one of the dealer’s top sales professionals, Roberta Parkison, it places a great deal of emphasis on follow-through. “We simply take better care of our customers,” she says.
Jenny Flanigan, who is a service writer at Audi Fort Wayne, says service advisors make it a point to get to know the customers and as a result they are more apt to buy another vehicle from the dealership.
That loyalty doesn’t just apply to the customer base. Flanigan has been with the dealership for 22 years and General Sales Manager Julie Kimes boasts a 25-year tenure.
“The best thing about O’Daniel is it’s a really tight-knit group,” says Kimes. “The dealership is willing to give everyone a chance as long as they work hard.”
And it’s no coincidence that these longtime employees are women. Female employees are encouraged and empowered here. O’Daniel invests in training people to ensure the best possible customer experience, including a high percentage of women in sales and leadership roles.
O’Daniel employees are Ask Patty Certified Female Friendly® and provide an outstanding experience for women. Kimes also provides free automotive advice to female consumers in her role as an automotive expert.
Parkison makes it a point to help customers figure out what they want and need—even if it’s not in her best interest.
“What the customer wants isn’t always the best option for them. My job is to be an advisor and not be pushy,” she says.
This approach has served the dealership well. In 2015, all O’Daniel stores were recognized with the Customer Satisfaction award for the entire state, for making sure that every customer’s experience is the best that it can be. Additionally, they were also named DealerRater’s Indiana Dealer of the Year for both 2013, 2014 and 2015. This award program recognizes only the best dealerships located throughout the United States and Canada, and awards are based on outstanding customer satisfaction.
General Manager: Greg O'Daniel
Phone: (260) 435-5350
Website: odanielauto.com
Years in Business: 37
Number of Employees: 215 (30 women; 4 in managerial positions)
Products & Services: New and certified pre-owned vehicle sales, a collision repair center, certified parts and a service department
