Currie Motors Ford of Valpo enters an exciting new era in customer service with the appointment of Leo Sfikas as its new General Manager. With prior experience overseeing operations from 2015 to early 2020, Sfikas brings a simple yet profound philosophy: always prioritize people over sales.
His mission is to ensure that every interaction at Currie Motors Ford of Valpo is characterized by positivity, particularly for those who step through its doors. Recognizing the weight of purchasing a car, both financially and in its impact on daily life, Sfikas emphasizes the critical importance of first impressions, with every team member committed to making a stellar one.
"We strive to create a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere for everyone who visits the dealership," he explains. "Understanding the significance of these investments, we empathize with our customers, recognizing that a vehicle purchase ranks among life's major decisions. We have an energetic team, but beyond being approachable and enthusiastic, they’re also knowledgeable and understand that each customer has different needs."
Addressing these diverse needs requires a personalized approach, as every customer arrives with their own set of preferences, from seating capacity to budget constraints. At Currie Motors Ford of Valpo, the emphasis lies in reciprocating the trust customers place in the sales and finance teams by ensuring their needs are met and the perfect vehicle is found.
"It’s our job to help our customers figure out what fits their needs based on the criteria they give us," Sfikas emphasizes. "Making sure they’re relaxed is essential so they feel comfortable and tell us exactly what they need, what they want to achieve, and what their budget is. All of that helps us find the pathway to the right vehicle. You listen, you pay attention, and you meet their needs"
Sometimes, this process leads to unexpected outcomes, we even see customers leaving in a different vehicle from what they had originally considered.
“Someone might be looking for an Expedition, but once we understand their budget,” Sfikas said. “That’s when we can point to the Ford Explorer, which is significantly less expensive with similar features."
Recognizing that respect fosters long-lasting relationships, Currie Motors Ford of Valpo takes pride in its large number of repeat customers.
"We cherish the relationships we've cultivated, some spanning multiple vehicle purchases," he notes. "These connections are very precious to Currie Motors. When I was asked to return back to run the dealership again, it was because of the many relationships that I have established and the respect for the people that have been so good to us over the years."
Returning to the dealership, Sfikas is committed to upholding these important relationships, ensuring loyal customers are treated with respect and dignity.
"When you treat people with decency, they remain loyal," he said. "Our customers recognize this sincerity, building a loyalty that goes beyond single transactions. If you take care of people, they’ll stick with you."
Sfika’s philosophy also means that customer service extends beyond the dealership’s walls. He sees it as the dealership’s responsibility to be good stewards for the community, giving back wherever it can.
"We view ourselves as stewards of the community for Ford and Currie Motors, striving to make meaningful contributions wherever possible," he states. "Supporting local initiatives and events allows us to connect with our community on a deeper level, reinforcing our commitment to being more than just a dealership. We’re going back to the old way of doing business – grassroots stuff, reaching out to people, and building bridges. We’re the number one Ford dealership in the Region, but we don’t want that to mean losing the friends in our backyard."
Every member of the Currie Motors Ford of Valpo team hails from the surrounding region, sharing strong ties with the community they serve. For Sfikas, this local connection underscores the importance of building a team rooted in trust and integrity, even if it means forgoing a sale when it's the right decision.
“Between service, parts, and sales there are 110 local people under this roof,” he said. “When we grow, we want to do it with a local team who have relationships within the community. It’s more important that the people in this community trust us, than it is for us to sell a few more cars. Ultimately, our goal is not merely to be the best dealership but to be the most respected.”
To discover more about Currie Motors Ford of Valpo, please visit fordofvalpo.com.
