A true veteran of the industry, if you’ve been to O’Daniel CDJR you’ve probably seen him smiling. The previously owned vehicle manager, Dave Carroll (or “DC” as his friends call him), is always quick to help, and a breeze to talk to. This month marks twenty-five years for Dave and the O’Daniel Automotive Group, so we caught up with him to review the highlights of the past quarter century.
Naturally, Dave’s learned a thing or two over the years. This year particularly, he embraced “the advancement of technology, and the means of how customers are shopping for new or pre-owned vehicles exclusively online.” Before working for the O’Daniel’s, Dave did five years with Collins Olds for a total of thirty years in the car industry. “Over the course of the past three decades, the amount of change that has occurred is incredible. Although not all changes are ideal, the one thing I can attest to is that change is this industry. It’s always changing. If you don’t adapt, update, learn, and improve—you will not survive.”
On his passion: People pleasing is on the top of Dave’s to-do list. “Fortunately, I have a great many opportunities to interact with our amazing customers. As it’s also my favorite part of the job, I do everything possible to meet as many customers as possible. It’s all about meeting people, and making things happen.”
On his role models: “I have been blessed to be surrounded by several very high quality, honest people; from all the O’Daniel guys to all the people I have had the pleasure to work with. Actually, from all aspects of this company I have learned so many life lessons and been given all the latitude to satisfy customers. To make a positive buying experience for them and create lifelong relationships.
Jeff O’Daniel, who brought me into his organization, was who I originally aspired to impress—probably because I wanted his job as used car manager! But in all transactions, he is a great leader and a cool headed person. He would let me make a mistake, but mainly would help me learn by it. He gave me a great deal of trust and freedom with my day-to-day business, and seemed to know all the right buttons to push to motivate me.”
Advice for others? “Be honest, follow up, be organized, and realize you have the best job available with infinite opportunities and a great quality of life. Enjoy what you do and smile.”
Further inspiration for Dave has come from the Rolling Stones, namely: “You can’t always get what you want, But if you try, sometimes well you might find — You get what you need!” He loves to hunt, hike, camp, ski, and “just be outside as much as possible.” When not at work, Dave enjoys spending time with his wife and three children.
Final thoughts: “Be true and loyal to everyone that has put their trust in you—it’s the very least you can do considering they are the ones that took the chance on you. And make the best of every situation.”
Wise words to live by from a man with experience. Congratulations on 25 years with O’Daniel’s Dave, and to many more!