24 years ago, Mike Spudic started his career as a car salesman at Team Chevrolet of Valparaiso. He has become one of the most recognizable faces at the dealership, talking with customers from his showroom desk, and giving walkthroughs of the lot’s many models with the knowledge and voice of a seasoned expert.
It was not always like that though, as Spudic was never really a “car guy” growing up. He had an appreciation for the classics, but a career in the auto industry never really crossed his mind as a student. Things changed one day when he stumbled on an opportunity while searching for work.
“I happened to see an ad in our local paper ‘get a demo, sell cars!’ and I thought, wow, this sounds neat,” Spudic said. “I applied for it, went to classes for it, and if you stuck around for 90 days, then they kept you.”
It turned out he had both a talent and passion for it, and was helped along by the late Ted Hansen – the man who hired him, and eventually bought vehicles from him. His initial 90-day trial turned into a lifelong career, one where he is always ready to adapt to the latest shifts in the car market.
“I think the most challenging thing is the constant change,” he said. “If Chevy comes out with a vehicle this year and you learn everything you can about it, next year they might do a whole bunch of changes or even come out with an entirely new model. This job is about constant education and change, but I like it because it keeps things from getting stale.”
One thing that does not change is Spudic’s core philosophy when it comes to working with customers.
“First of all, I always offer service before the sale,” he said. “Guests aren’t just a number. I want to know what they want and need. I’m always honest and try to talk to people like I’d hope someone would talk to my wife and kids. No matter if it’s a 17-year-old guy or an 80-year-old lady, you never want to be condescending to a customer.”
Spudic makes it his goal to navigate Team Chevy’s guests to the options that suit their unique circumstances – there is no one-size-fits-all.
“You get guys coming in saying ‘Hey, my car blew up and I got to get to work’ or a widow on a fixed income whose cars broke down,” he said.
“That’s my favorite part of the job, helping these people solve their problems. Even if it’s just helping someone find their ride to work each day, it’s about having an attitude of serving, not selling.”
24 years of service like that makes you a lot of friends, and Spudic is no stranger to being invited out to parties, graduations, and other family events.
“It’s an awesome feeling,” he said. “Watching someone drive out of here with a smile on their face, seeing how excited they are – there’s nothing else like it.”
Spudic’s motivation is boosted even further because he’s surrounded by like-minded people at Team Chevy, he said.
“The atmosphere of the staff here is the same as what I do with the customers – service before the sale,” he said. “Dave Brubaker, and all of the management team here, are great. Dave is unique because he’s compassionate for people, both his employees and customers. It’s not something you see too often today.”
To learn more about Team Chevrolet of Valparaiso, visit www.chevyon30.com.
