Otto's BMW

My second interview was with Enterprise Rent-A-Car, where I was hired as a management trainee and worked my way up pretty quickly to manager. The pace was grueling – 60 hours a week – and after two years I knew it was time to move on. I was offered a managerial position in the Philadelphia office of Robert Half International, one of the largest outsourcing staffing firms in the country. Within a few months, however, I realized it wasn’t a fit for me, so I left, took a few days off, and followed up on a lead I got from my uncle, who’s worked at Otto’s for years. He said there were openings here at the dealership, so I came in for an interview.

I was offered several options, and chose financial services because it would give me an opportunity to work with the customers, as well as learn about virtually every aspect of the business. I like to see the big picture, and this position is perfect for that. Plus, I’ve always found it easy to talk to people, which is an important aspect of my job. I’m pretty laid back and easy going, and just try to make sure everyone leaves here with a smile. Given the amazing cars they’re driving off in, that’s a pretty easy goal to reach.

I picked up my love of automobiles from my dad. He’s been taking my brother and me to car shows since we were kids, and always manages to get himself a new model every couple of years. My favorite was the 2004 Mazda RX-8, which had a six-speed manual transmission. I’d come home from college, leave my clunker in the drive, and take his out for a spin. I kept myself under control, though. I’m pretty sure he would have killed me if I’d crashed it.

I like to spend time with my wife, my family, and my dog. I’m an active behind-the-scenes member of my fire department, where I’m trustee and one of the guys in charge of running the business side of the fire hall. I enjoy playing paintball with friends, and when I go on vacation, I like to go where the water is warm and blue.

I didn’t grow up with a clear idea of what I would be doing to make a living, and I certainly couldn’t have predicted I’d have a job here at Otto’s, but looking back, it’s not hard to see the path – or the logic – of how I got here.

I was born in Chester, but grew up in Kemblesville, a rural community about 30 minutes south of here. When it was time for college, I knew I wouldn’t be following the lead of most of my friends, who wanted to become teachers. I liked to draw and paint, so graphic design seemed like a good choice. I enrolled at Delaware College of Art and Design, got my associates degree, and went on to West Chester University, graduating in 2005.

My first job, working at an Apple store, was a bit of a placeholder. I liked the interaction with customers, but I really wanted to do something related to my education and interests. I was also the alumni designer for DCAD, doing marketing materials for their various events, and it was there that I learned of an opening at an ad agency in Cherry Hill, where I ended up doing graphic design for their casino accounts.

I should mention that while I was in college, I was also developing a parallel interest in automobiles. My boyfriend at the time was a bit obsessed with cars, particularly BMWs, and he drew me into that world. We watched all the car shows, and he tried to teach me everything he knew. I even went along on what I would describe as unauthorized rallies on the back roads of the Brandywine. I won’t disclose incriminating details, but I will say I was hanging on for dear life most of the time.

When I decided I wanted to work closer to home, Otto’s seemed like a natural option, and fortunately, there was an opening. Here I’m able to have the direct customer interaction I enjoy, work around cars I love, and even use my graphic design skills on occasional marketing projects. I hope at some point to become a Client Advisor, where I’ll be able to apply everything I’ve learned as a CEC Sales Coordinator.

In my free time, I like to hang out with friends, read, paint, do a little graphic design, and play with my dog. I love to go the Delaware beaches in the summer, and look forward to even more adventurous travel as the opportunities arise.