By Cristhian Montero
When you think “service" what do you think about? Customers? Technology? Leads? We caught up with John Irwin to review his past five years of service with the O’Daniel Automotive Group. John, a certified parts advisor for Audi of America and Porsche Cars North America, works in the service department at O’Daniel Porsche Audi, Fort Wayne. John shared with us his workflow in the service industry, his passion, and more—read on.
On his workflow: "I would describe my workflow as fast, organized, and accurate. I strive to make sure I always give customers the correct answers the first time; and I also try and make sure our department does everything possible to get customers back on the road quickly.”
It isn’t all about sending people on their way, however, it’s about providing information.
On his passion: "What really gets me excited and geared up in the morning, apart from coffee, is that there’s always something new and exciting is coming out. I love keeping up with the latest technologies and parts information from Audi and Porsche. I like to keep up with these two things as best as I can, so that I can inform customers if and when they inquire about them.”
Being passionate about his job has also been a bonus to his career.
"I think my secret to success to staying up to date with the latest automotive news. This includes new models that come out, and new technologies that push the automotive industry forward. In my free time, I’m usually found watching or reading car reviews from the brands we sell—and don’t sell. I believe that having a passion for our industry helps with communicating to our customers at times. Anyone one making a purchase on a new or used Audi or Porsche is an automotive enthusiast. I believe that being a big enthusiast myself, it helps me become more personable with customers; thus giving them a better experience at O’Daniel’s."
On his role model: "My father has influenced me the most in my life and career. He has climbed the corporate ladder for Norfolk Southern for years, and is now an assistant VP of the company. He has shown me how to work hard, be respectful to others, and always strive to be the best that you can be in anything you do.”
This leads into John’s best job characteristics:
"I believe my strongest asset is my work ethic, and my ambition to gain more knowledge whenever possible. I’m always up for a challenge with anything I do in life."
On his past: "During my years at Carroll High School, I never did well in normal academic classes (English, math, science, etc.), I did very well in hands-on classes such as small engines, welding, wood shop, and video news production. When I graduated in 2007 I looked at my grades and knew I needed to do something with my life that involved my hands. I moved to Cleveland, Ohio and proceeded to get an Automotive Technologies diploma from Ohio Technical College in 2009. From there I started working at Goodyear in New Haven, Indiana as a service advisor/manager and ultimately moved to O’Daniel Motor Sales in January of 2012 as a parts advisor. I loved and still love learning about automotive every day.
What’s next for me? I’m currently enrolled at Indiana Wesleyan University, via online classes, in pursuit of a Bachelor of Computer Science with a focus software development and a minor in German. My end goal is to work for Audi or Porsche and be part of the vehicle development process."
In his free time, John likes to play hockey, relax with his girlfriend, and watch videos of anything computer or automotive related.
We appreciate your time John. Thank you for your five years with O’Daniel's, and to many more!
On his workflow: "I would describe my workflow as fast, organized, and accurate. I strive to make sure I always give customers the correct answers the first time; and I also try and make sure our department does everything possible to get customers back on the road quickly.”
It isn’t all about sending people on their way, however, it’s about providing information.
On his passion: "What really gets me excited and geared up in the morning, apart from coffee, is that there’s always something new and exciting is coming out. I love keeping up with the latest technologies and parts information from Audi and Porsche. I like to keep up with these two things as best as I can, so that I can inform customers if and when they inquire about them.”
Being passionate about his job has also been a bonus to his career.
"I think my secret to success to staying up to date with the latest automotive news. This includes new models that come out, and new technologies that push the automotive industry forward. In my free time, I’m usually found watching or reading car reviews from the brands we sell—and don’t sell. I believe that having a passion for our industry helps with communicating to our customers at times. Anyone one making a purchase on a new or used Audi or Porsche is an automotive enthusiast. I believe that being a big enthusiast myself, it helps me become more personable with customers; thus giving them a better experience at O’Daniel’s."
On his role model: "My father has influenced me the most in my life and career. He has climbed the corporate ladder for Norfolk Southern for years, and is now an assistant VP of the company. He has shown me how to work hard, be respectful to others, and always strive to be the best that you can be in anything you do.”
This leads into John’s best job characteristics:
"I believe my strongest asset is my work ethic, and my ambition to gain more knowledge whenever possible. I’m always up for a challenge with anything I do in life."
On his past: "During my years at Carroll High School, I never did well in normal academic classes (English, math, science, etc.), I did very well in hands-on classes such as small engines, welding, wood shop, and video news production. When I graduated in 2007 I looked at my grades and knew I needed to do something with my life that involved my hands. I moved to Cleveland, Ohio and proceeded to get an Automotive Technologies diploma from Ohio Technical College in 2009. From there I started working at Goodyear in New Haven, Indiana as a service advisor/manager and ultimately moved to O’Daniel Motor Sales in January of 2012 as a parts advisor. I loved and still love learning about automotive every day.
What’s next for me? I’m currently enrolled at Indiana Wesleyan University, via online classes, in pursuit of a Bachelor of Computer Science with a focus software development and a minor in German. My end goal is to work for Audi or Porsche and be part of the vehicle development process."
In his free time, John likes to play hockey, relax with his girlfriend, and watch videos of anything computer or automotive related.
We appreciate your time John. Thank you for your five years with O’Daniel's, and to many more!