Customer service always works best when it comes from the heart.
Frank Kowalski of Thomas Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM firmly believes this and follows this motto every day. As the General Manager of the Highland-based car dealership, Kowalski’s primary role is to oversee and maintain stability within the office and help out as many customers as efficiently possible.
Originally a salesperson, he was offered the position of General Manager in 2004, and he gladly accepted.
“The position was offered to me because I was so successful at helping people buy cars,” said Kowalski. “I grew within the store.”
Kowalski stated that from his experience, the best way to work with people in the car dealership business is to approach each situation with empathy and a positive attitude.
“It’s important to really understand the customer and help them resolve their problems,” Kowalski said. “Servicing their wants and needs with an upbeat attitude is the key to being a successful salesperson and really any role within the car dealership industry.”
Kowalski said spreading positivity and goodwill to both the employees and customers truly motivates him, as does the opportunity to adapt and grow as an employee and a person.
“Never be afraid to talk to anyone. Be open to learning new things,” he said. “In this profession, every day is a learning experience since every customer you interact with is different. If you’re not positive and open to learning, there’s no way you will succeed in this or any line of work.”
Kowalski strives to lead his team to reach and exceed their own personal goals, and the company’s.
“The biggest thing about being a General Manager is being a leader, not a boss,” he said. “I think one of the biggest things someone in my position has to do is cooperate with the employees rather than command them. Being a leader means saying, ‘we can accomplish this.’”
Kowalski looks at failure as just another learning experience.
“In our line of work, we succeed from our failures,” he said.
It’s about maintaining an upbeat personality and ability to adapt.
“It feels really good to see where my accomplishments have taken me,” Kowalski said. “The car dealership business has been part of my life for years, and we have had so much success. What you put into this business is what you get out of it.”
To meet Kowalski in-person visit Thomas Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM, visit their website at https://www.thomascdj.com/.