OUR SALES STAFF & MANAGEMENT
Get to know your guide to "THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE!" |
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| General Sales Manager |
| Michael E. Vadasz |
Phone: 610-399-6800
Fax: 610-399-4172
Hours: Mon 9-8, Tue 9-8, Wed 9-5, Thu Off, Fri 9-6, Sat 9-5
mevadasz@ottosbmw.com | |
Looking back, I think I always realized there would come a day when I would join my parents here at Otto’s. After all, I had grown up watching them pour themselves into this dealership, and somewhere along the way, I came to my own appreciation of the automobile business they loved and worked so hard to build.
But as inevitable as it may have seemed that I would have a role at some point, I also knew this was not where I would get my start. It was important to me – and my parents – that I explore other options and, in essence, make my own way in life.
I graduated from Ithaca College in 1998 with a degree in international business, and my plan was to move to New York City. Many of my friends were there, and while the jobs for which I interviewed didn’t really connect with my passions, they seemed like a reasonable way to get out into the working world.
Then serendipity intervened in the form of a casual conversation, which then led to an interview at BMW NA, which, in turn, led to an internship offer. For the next six years, I served in a series of marketing, sales, and distribution positions in various BMW divisions, and in the process, developed an even deeper sense of connection and commitment to the automotive industry.
In the meantime, things were evolving at Otto’s in a way that made my coming here a timely and appropriate choice. I started out as QMS [Quality Management Systems] Project Leader, where I learned and implemented the day-to-day principles and practices set forth by BMW, customized to fit the specifics of each dealership. It also gave me an understanding of service and parts, which were new operational areas for me.
In January 2006, the position of Sales Manager became available, and I was glad for the opportunity to take on the responsibility. I had spent years observing and working with BMW dealerships around the country, and really felt ready to build on the founding vision which I believe has always differentiated Otto’s.
There have been enormous changes in consumer shopping patterns and attitudes over the past decade or so, particularly with the revolutionary role of the Internet. And while we continue to be industry leaders in adapting technology to accommodate the preferences of our customers, we will never lose sight of the importance of personal relationships. They have always been what has set us apart – and why third-generation customers tell us they wouldn’t go any where else. | | |
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| Sales Manager |
| Leo Sam |
Phone: 610-399-4167
Fax: 610-399-4678
Hours: Mon 9-5, Tue 9-8, Wed Off, Thu 9-8, Fri 9-6, Sat 9-5
lsam@ottosbmw.com | |
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My roots in this industry are deep, going back to the time when I worked in my uncle’s dealership in upstate Pennsylvania. In fact, other than my four years in the Air Force as a translator aboard our AWACS planes, I have spent most of my adult life in the business.
I started here as a Client Advisor and was impressed by the low-key, low-stress approach to sales that matched my own. I knew immediately it was going to be a great fit because we share a foundational belief about working with clients: it’s all about relationships – and maintaining them long after handing over the keys. Our customers know they’ll hear from us on an ongoing basis, monitoring their interactions with our service and parts people, and making sure any issues they’re dealing with are resolved in a timely and satisfactory way.
Most of us have been in sales situations that felt more adversarial than affirming. It’s completely different here. Whether a customer comes in on referral, in response to our advertising, or simply because they admired the dealership as they drove by, they soon discover they can be transparent about their automotive needs and preferences – and that by doing so, it makes it so much easier for us to help put them in the precise model they need and want.
In my time away from Otto’s, I love to be with my family. Two of my three kids are old enough to join me playing golf – and that’s always a treat. I really enjoy life and feel very fortunate in so many ways. | | |
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| Sales Client Advisor |
| Jess Kreider |
Phone: 610-399-4164
Fax: 610-399-4172
Hours: Mon 9-5, Tue 9-8, Wed Off, Thu 12-8, Fri 9-5, Sat 9-5
jkreider@ottosbmw.com | |
I drove my first BMW shortly after I graduated from college. I was twenty-two, had taken a sales job at a family-owned Ford dealership in Pottstown, and this gorgeous ’86 325es came in on a trade. I remember just sitting in the car, a bit puzzled – but also intrigued – by the somewhat confusing little onboard computer display. I had never seen anything like it. I took the car home for a couple of nights and realized this was a very different driving experience than I had ever had.
I then moved to Atlanta, and given my long-standing admiration for BMWs, I decided it was a natural choice to start selling them – which I did. Once we returned to the area, it was an equally obvious decision to apply for a job here at Otto’s. That was fourteen years ago, and I now have the longest tenure of any of our Sales Advisors. It’s been a wonderful place to work.
I really enjoy our clientele. They’re educated, successful, and really appreciate the level of excellence that’s built into every BMW. They have the freedom to choose any car they desire, which makes the whole buying experience a joy rather than a stressful necessity. There’s something very satisfying about being part of a process in which people who have worked very hard are now treating themselves to the world’s finest automobile.
When I’m not here at the dealership, I really enjoy being with daughter. Any time I can spend with her is what I treasure. | | |
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| Sales Client Advisor |
| Kevin Mahoney |
Phone: 610-399-4197
Fax: 610-399-4172
Hours: Mon 9-5, Tue Off, Wed 12-8, Thu 9-8, Fri 9-5, Sat 9-5
kmahoney@ottosbmw.com | |
My initial contact with BMW was back in college when I bought a vintage R75/5 motorcycle with 100,000 miles on it. That's where I was first blown away by BMW engineering.
Several years ago I went to one of the 'Drive For Life' events at Philadelphia Park. I test drove all the models and couldn't believe how incredible they were. With encouragement from my family, I just decided to follow my passion, and apply for a sales position here.
I find some of the activity here very similar to what I enjoyed in the high-end restaurant business. In both situations, people are coming in with a real sense of anticipation. My financial planning background leads me to stress the benefits of these cars, not just their impressive features. It's easy to look a prospective buyer in the eye and just say, 'these are the best cars in the world.'
When I'm not here, I enjoy playing golf and tennis - or working on the restoration of our 260-year-old home. Motorcycles used to be a strong interest, but now with a family, those days are behind me. I confess I am looking forward to the time when I retire my vintage MG and replace it with my favorite BMW, the Z4! | | |
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| Sales Client Advisor |
| Justice Mogano |
Phone: 610-399-4175
Fax: 610-399-4172
Hours: Mon 12-8, Tue Off, Wed 9-5, Thu 9-8, Fri 10-6, Sat 9-5
jmogano@ottosbmw.com | |
I've been into performance cars and the mechanics of automobiles since I was a kid. My first BMW experience was behind the wheel of the newly-released Z3 at a Susan G. Komen 'Drive for the Cure' event. Until then, I could never understand why people made such a fuss about BMWs, but when I drove that car, top down, through the winding Chester County roads, I quickly understood.
As a part of my early training, I attended the BMW Academy in Greenville, SC, where I spent one week testing each model under the most extreme conditions. That experience showed me the unique driving characteristics of each car. I currently have an M3 Coupe with a six-speed transmission. It's like driving a race car: the handling and performance is unbelievable. It's also a very limited production model.
I came to Otto's with a very diverse employment background. I've worked in construction, been a musician, and was even a butcher for a number of years. I enjoy helping people, and I always try to make the process of car shopping as enjoyable as it can be. | | |
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| Sales Client Advisor |
| Ralph Nofsinger |
Phone: 610-399-4191
Fax: 610-399-4172
Hours: Mon 9-8, Tue 9-5, Wed 12-8, Thu Off, Fri 9-6, Sat 9-5
rnofsinger@ottosbmw.com | |
My background includes fourteen years at a General Motors dealership followed by several more in my own business. When I decided to make a change, I followed the strong recommendations of friends who worked here, and made this my first call. The reality is, that as much as I love BMWs, it was my relationship with these guys and the reputation of Otto’s that led me here.
It turned out to be a very new experience for me, both in the cars we sell and the customers who buy them. Obviously BMWs are not considered “basic transportation.” With higher-than-average levels of income and education, our customers also have more demanding automotive expectations. What’s great is that they seem much happier and more relaxed going through the process than what one might expect. It’s not that price is unimportant; it’s just that the car itself – and the experience of buying it – are important priorities.
I take a consultative approach with my customers. I’m a good listener, try to offer information that speaks directly to their concerns, and always keep a positive attitude. I am also very thorough in my follow-up, paying close attention to details so that nothing falls through the cracks and so their BMW buying experience is a great one. My favorite model is the Z4. What a fun automobile. It makes your heart race. Of course, if I were going to buy a car right now, the X3 would be my choice. It has everything: it’s practical, has all-wheel drive, sports car handling, and great interior room. | | |
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| Sales Client Advisor |
| Robert Felicetti |
Phone: 610-399-4158
Fax: 610-399-4172
Hours: Mon 9-5, Tue 12-8, Wed 9-8, Thu 9-5, Fri Off, Sat 9-5
rfelicetti@ottosbmw.com | |
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I have been a high performance enthusiast for as long as I can remember. I have a particular passion for BMWs, which is why this position is such a perfect fit for me. One of the really gratifying aspects of selling these automobiles is that our customers have that same level of enthusiasm. These are cars they’re choosing, not settling for. As a consequence, even when their time is limited, I find they want to enjoy the experience, and I do everything I can to make that happen.
My first priority is to provide a level of professional advice that will make it easy for them to reach an informed decision – and to do it in a relaxed, pressure-free environment. Because I always take the long view with clients and prospects, I stay focused on offering the sort of service that will make every transaction a pleasure. That’s been my approach for over 25 years, and it has led to many lasting relationships.
I find it remarkable how knowledgeable our customers and prospects are about the product. Whether from experience or their own research, most have a pretty clear understanding of what distinguishes BMWs from other luxury automobiles. Even those who may have budget constraints appreciate the value of these cars and why they really are worth the investment.
When I’m not here at Otto’s, I enjoy working on my home, and have spent a lot time over the years remodeling and making improvements. I also love to travel wherever it’s nice, the Caribbean being a perennial favorite. | | |
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| Sales Client Advisor |
| Gabe Szabo |
Phone: 610-399-4165
Fax: 610-399-4172
Hours: Mon 9-5, Tue 9-8, Wed 9-5, Thu Off, Fri 10-6, Sat 9-5
gszabo@ottosbmw.com | |
I was born and raised in Budapest, Hungary – the capital city – back when it was under Soviet control. My first real job was with an export-import company which supplied agricultural machinery parts to distributors in various Eastern Bloc countries. My dad and I worked together, since the company he was involved with manufactured many of the parts we shipped.
Because of the lack of freedom, I left Hungary in 1970, escaping with a few friends through Yugoslavia. It was not easy, and if the border guards had discovered us, they would have shipped us back to serve fifteen years in jail. Nobody knew I was leaving, even my family.
I worked in Austria and Germany for awhile, but in 1972 decided to come to America. My first significant job here was in the Treasury Department of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Looking to advance – and having been attracted to automobiles since I’d been a little boy – I decided to try sales at two local dealerships before coming to Otto’s.
I’m enjoying my time here. I like being around people, and can relate to anybody. I also think what helps me to be an effective Sales Advisor is my passion for automobiles -- BMWs in particular. Before I ever sold them, I owned them. Although I currently drive a 3 Series, the 6-speed, 8-cylinder 5 Series is the one I like the best.
In my free time, I like to work in my yard and do home improvement. I also enjoy watching basketball and football – American and European. | | |
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| Sales Client Advisor |
| Christopher Bates |
Phone: 610-399-4177
Fax: 610-399-4172
Hours: Mon 12-8, Tue Off, Wed 9-8, Thu 9-5, Fri 9-5, Sat 9-5
cbates@ottosbmw.com | |
I was born in Chicago but grew up in California, spending most of my time on or near the beach. I loved it. My relationship with BMWs started when I was pretty young. My father owned three BMW motorcycles, and every weekend he would put me on the back of his bike and we’d go for a ride. I think that’s where my brand loyalty had its start.
I met my wife out in California, and we made a slow progression eastward with stops first in Denver and then Chicago, where I was in outside sales for the world’s largest manufacturer of prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses. While it was very satisfying work, and enabled me to travel extensively here and abroad, I was paying too high a price in terms of being away from home. At the same time, we decided we wanted to move to this area, which is where my wife is from, so we could raise our child close to family.
Coming to Otto’s was a perfect choice for me. I’ve always had a passion for vehicles, and I wanted to be with a company with the world brand recognition of BMW. I learned from a variety of sources that Otto’s has great presence within this marketplace, and that led me to apply for a sales position.
I would describe my approach to customers as warm, relaxed, and easy to work with – which is consistent, I believe, with their overall experience of the dealership itself. We pride ourselves on creating an atmosphere where the customers can enjoy themselves, whether it’s the first or the hundredth time they’ve walked through our doors. We work very hard to provide the level of service they’re accustomed to - and, quite frankly, they deserve.
Beyond my time here at Otto’s, I have three four-letter interests: wife, baby, and golf. I feel I have a very blessed life, and I’m very happy. | | |
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| Sales Client Advisor |
| Doug McLaughlin |
Phone: 610-399-4163
Fax: 610-399-4172
Hours: Mon 12-8, Tue 9-8, Wed 12-8, Thu 9-5, Fri Off, Sat 9-5
dmclaughlin@ottosbmw.com | |
I grew up in a BMW family, and have been in love with these cars for as long as I can remember. I got my first chance to drive one at sixteen – as soon as I got my license. It was really my passion for the brand that led me to Otto’s.
I was born in Glen Mills, went to West Chester University, and started working here at the dealership part time in the valet service. When a position opened up in the quality control area of the service department, I decided to take it. As a liaison between the service writers, technicians, shop manager, and service manager, I developed a lot of product knowledge. And because I often found myself sitting in a customer’s car listening to them describe a problem, I also discovered I had a gift – and a real appreciation– for client interaction.
During this time, I got know our sales advisors, and started to realize I wanted to channel my enthusiasm and understanding of the brand into that part of the operation. It’s not something I would have ever predicted for myself, but from the positive feedback I’ve gotten, the wisdom of taking this position has been confirmed many times over.
I would describe myself as very personable and detail-oriented. Because I’ve been exposed to BMWs all my life, I really think I’m able to offer my clients both a technical understanding of these cars, as well as an owner’s enthusiasm on the joy they can bring.
In my free time, I like to be outdoors as much as possible. In the summer, that means surfing at the beach, and in the winter, snowboarding in the mountains. I also like to play tennis and golf. | | |
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| Financial Services Manager |
| John T. Skehan Jr. |
Phone: 610-399-4162
Fax: 610-399-4172
Hours: Mon 9-6, Tue Off, Wed 9-6, Thu 9-6, Fri 9-6, Sat 9-5
jskehan@ottosbmw.com | |
As Financial Services Manager, I'm responsible for making sure that our Sales department offers every client all the financial products and services that we currently provide, and does so with integrity and care.
My role is to provide every client with the widest range of purchasing and leasing options, as well as access to all of the value-added services that BMW and our vendors offer. We achieve the "Otto's" level of quality experience for our clients when their needs are kept foremost in all of our transactions.
The process of selecting an automobile can be relaxed, even light-hearted, or it can be as intense as you'd like. In the end, it also needs to be a financially satisfying experience. Count on it. | |
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| Financial Services Assistant |
| Nichole Horan |
Phone: 610-399-6801
Fax: 610-399-4691
Hours: Mon 12-8, Tue 12-8, Wed 11-8, Thu 12-8, Fri Off, Sat 9-5
nhoran@ottosbmw.com | |
This position is a nice fit for me in that it involves two things I really enjoy: working with people and working with numbers.
My role is to present our customers with a range of easy-to-understand leasing and financing scenarios, and assist them as they choose the one which best fits their financial situation. I’m here to advise them, answer any questions, and then work with the lending institutions to finalize the transaction. I also handle warranties and other aftermarket products.
My education and work experience have proved very helpful in this position. I majored in marketing at West Chester University, and learned a lot about sales and the other key ingredients in a successful business. In my senior year, I was selected for an internship position at a multi-location Mercedes-Benz franchise, where I became their Internet sales coordinator. It was a great opportunity to turn theory into practice, and it confirmed for me that working with people is something I really enjoy.
Customers tell me they appreciate my congenial, non-intimidating style. I really think that’s a function of both my personality and youthfulness. I’m a happy person and very outgoing, and in my role as an advisor, will always do what I can to make sure everyone walks away with a smile.
When I’m not here at the dealership, I like to spend time with my friends in West Chester, many of whom I met in college. I also like to go home on the weekends to visit my family in Montgomeryville, and still enjoy joining them on their annual vacation. | | | |
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