Even after 11 years on the job, Nick Diehl, parts manager at Patriot INFINITI of Merrillville, remains as passionate about his work as he was the day he started. Among his many daily responsibilities, Diehl ensures that the dealership’s technicians have all of the parts they require. He also keeps the dealership’s inventory fully stocked for its day-to-day operations and oversees the dealership’s fixed operations and business functions.
According to Diehl, working at a car dealership suits his interests perfectly.
“I've always been into cars,“ Diehl said. “A friend of mine worked here and asked me if I was looking for a job. I was a 22-year-old kid just out of college and I didn’t really have much, so I said ‘I’ll give it a shot.’ I started here as a parts driver and worked my way up through the ranks from there until I got where I am today. Everybody here was so personable and I enjoyed the work, so I wasn’t inclined to leave. I enjoy working here because you never know what you’ll encounter each day. It’s always something new. This job keeps me on my toes, and I enjoy that.”
Diehl also works with customers both in-person and over the phone on a daily basis, assisting in procuring whatever car parts they need. In Diehl’s view, working with customers is one the best parts of the job.
“I like making customers happy,” Diehl said. “I like seeing them smile when they come and pick up their part. Helping our customers locate a part they’ve had a tough time finding makes me feel good inside. I enjoy helping the customers who I’m on a first-name basis with and have worked with for years, but I also enjoy working with newcomers as well. I try to jump through every possible hoop to make them happy because they might become recurring customers. I really enjoy the gratification of hearing some of our customers say that I’m the easiest person they’ve dealt with when trying to locate the part. I like to hang my hat on that at the end of the day.”
Some of the customer interactions that stand out to Diehl the most are the ones in which he helps them get out of difficult situations.
“A few months ago, a customer needed a part so he could make the three-hour drive to Muncie for his daughter’s graduation,” Diehl said. “He was in desperate need of a control arm for his car, but he couldn't get one aftermarket because none of them were the size he needed. I was able to find him one, have it delivered overnight, and deliver it to him on my way home from work, going about 20 minutes out of my way. The guy wanted to tip me $100, but I said, ‘I can't take your money. It's not a big deal.’ He was able to see his daughter graduate, and I know it meant a lot to him.”
Like his coworkers, Diehl enjoys golfing and appreciates the opportunity to get out on the course, turn his phone off, and not have to worry about anything for four hours. Diehl looks forward to keeping customers happy and helping the dealership continue to grow in the coming years.
“I would encourage potential customers to check out the parts department here at Patriot INFINITI of Merrillville and see what we have to offer,” Diehl said. “Our staff members are always in a good mood, and it’s clear to see that everyone's happy to be here. Whether you’re coming in to get an accessory for your vehicle or a touch-up on your car’s paint job, stopping by our parts department is totally worth it. Hopefully, we can make you smile as we help you get the parts you need.”
Please visit infinitimerrillville.com for more information on Patriot INFINITI of Merrillville’s services and offers on vehicles.
