Perhaps you recognize him from his email sign offs: "Selling the metal, livin' the dream,” or previously: "Don’t talk to strangers” (because we’re all friends here!). Either way, it's time to celebrate Craig Ruskaup's 25 year anniversary with O'Daniel CDJR. One of the sales managers and a Jeep aficionado, Craig carved out a few minutes to share some secrets to his 25 years of success in the car industry.
Craig began his career as a salesperson before climbing his way to sales manager and admits, "When I started, I didn't necessarily care about the team. Personally, I just wanted to be the best." After a quarter of a century in the business, Craig has changed his tune—he's definitely a team player these days. It's a group effort when making customers feel completely comfortable with their choice of car, and Craig makes sure to create a laid-back, pressure-free environment for everyone. "We work at the customer's pace."
What brought Ruskaup into the car industry? Craig's wife and her family used to own a dealership in Van Wert, Ohio, and the dependable environment of the retail world left a lasting mark. Before eventually finding his way to the O’Daniel's, Craig worked alongside his father in the family jewelry store, Ruskaup's Jewelry. Though his wife's family dealership certainly planted the seed, there's more to why Craig decided to stay in the car industry—it was the people. Doug Taylor, John Garcia, and Greg O'Daniel are among the many who influenced Craig's passion for a career in sales. He speaks fondly of Greg O'Daniel and says, "Greg is a very smart, hard worker and started from the ground floor before working his way to owner. He leads by example."
Any words of wisdom? "My own secret to success is my personal drive to be number one. Whether it's playing foosball with my daughters or corn hole with my friends, it's my goal in the auto industry, and in life, to be the best I can be."
In his spare time, Craig enjoys spending time with his family and friends at Lake James. When asked what's next for Craig, he says, "I'm pretty happy with this career and my team; I think this is it.”
If it's alright with you, it's more than alright with us, Ruskaup. Happy 25th!
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People