Part of the O’Daniel Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram team since 2012 and recently awarded Saleswoman of the Year (not for the first time), Roberta Parkison will treat you like family and put you at ease during the entire car buying experience. “I am here for customers before, during, and after the sale,” she admits, “I listen and help people find the vehicle that fits their needs and their budget in such a way that they never feel taken advantage of.” She is exactly the kind, trustworthy woman you’d hope to find working at a dealership, and fits right in with the family owned O’Daniel Automotive Group. As this month marks her five year anniversary, we caught up with her to review the past half decade.
These days, people do extensive research online before even entering a dealership, arriving with a pretty good idea of what they are looking for in a vehicle. Roberta is aware of this trend, and understands the importance of marketing and branding herself in the current market. “I spend each day working with the people in my CRM (Customer Relationship Management), doing whatever I can to keep my name in front of them. I try and do as much networking and off-site promotion as possible,” she told us.
A true people person, Roberta was in real estate before landing at O’Daniel’s. She enjoys the car industry because it allows her to be in control of her income, and all the hard work pays off. In fact, her strongest assets are her work ethic and the fact that she really does care about other people, keeping their best interests in mind. “I always try to listen to each customer and find out what their needs are, rather than just pushing them into something that may not fit their lifestyle, or their budget.”
In the car industry, every day is different and full of new individuals. “It is awesome to work with people who are buying their fifth Jeep, down to the person who is purchasing their first car,” she said. The repeat customers particularly stick out to Roberta, however, especially when people come back to purchase their second or third time from her. “I love when people call or come in and tell me I am their car person and they wouldn’t think of going elsewhere.”
What about influencers in the field? “Craig Ruskaup [O’Daniel CDJR manager] has been my biggest influencer. He hired me with very little experience and has always been my champion! He works hard to make all of us successful. He is tough on me when I need it and encourages me when I don’t think I’ll ever sell another vehicle. Craig is always trying to think of ways to make us all better."
A big fan of travel, Roberta was able to go to Hawaii last year … for work, crossing off a big item on her bucket list. She also enjoys spoiling her grandkids and setting an example for them that hard work pays off.
Born and raised in the area, Roberta has enjoyed seeing the city grow again. “We now have many of the same options as the larger cities, but in five minutes we can be out in the country looking at a field of horses. Fort Wayne is a great city full of endless opportunity for anyone who is willing to work for it!”
Congratulations on five years with O’Daniel’s, Roberta! And to many more!
These days, people do extensive research online before even entering a dealership, arriving with a pretty good idea of what they are looking for in a vehicle. Roberta is aware of this trend, and understands the importance of marketing and branding herself in the current market. “I spend each day working with the people in my CRM (Customer Relationship Management), doing whatever I can to keep my name in front of them. I try and do as much networking and off-site promotion as possible,” she told us.
A true people person, Roberta was in real estate before landing at O’Daniel’s. She enjoys the car industry because it allows her to be in control of her income, and all the hard work pays off. In fact, her strongest assets are her work ethic and the fact that she really does care about other people, keeping their best interests in mind. “I always try to listen to each customer and find out what their needs are, rather than just pushing them into something that may not fit their lifestyle, or their budget.”
In the car industry, every day is different and full of new individuals. “It is awesome to work with people who are buying their fifth Jeep, down to the person who is purchasing their first car,” she said. The repeat customers particularly stick out to Roberta, however, especially when people come back to purchase their second or third time from her. “I love when people call or come in and tell me I am their car person and they wouldn’t think of going elsewhere.”
What about influencers in the field? “Craig Ruskaup [O’Daniel CDJR manager] has been my biggest influencer. He hired me with very little experience and has always been my champion! He works hard to make all of us successful. He is tough on me when I need it and encourages me when I don’t think I’ll ever sell another vehicle. Craig is always trying to think of ways to make us all better."
A big fan of travel, Roberta was able to go to Hawaii last year … for work, crossing off a big item on her bucket list. She also enjoys spoiling her grandkids and setting an example for them that hard work pays off.
Born and raised in the area, Roberta has enjoyed seeing the city grow again. “We now have many of the same options as the larger cities, but in five minutes we can be out in the country looking at a field of horses. Fort Wayne is a great city full of endless opportunity for anyone who is willing to work for it!”
Congratulations on five years with O’Daniel’s, Roberta! And to many more!