Just a few quick notes.

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Whenever we sell a New Toyota, Philip always likes to thank the person or family 'personally'. He knows that you have a choice of where to spend your hard earned money and he won't take you or your business for granted, just because we are in the same part of the state. Such is the case recently, when a very happy Sequoia owner quickly responded with the following e-mail...

From: LChilxxxxx@aol.com [mailto:LChilxxxxx@aol.com]
Sent: Thursday, January 12, 2012 7:20 PM
To: philip_tarver@lakecharlestoyota.com
Subject: Re: Sales Followup

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One of our customers recently sent a personal note to Philip.

The content of the note expressed the feelings of a genuinely happy customer!

Here is a copy of that letter and card:

 

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Another Happy Customer!

You know there comes a time in every Salesperson's career that meeting new people, helping them through the shopping, selection and buying process and then delivering a new vehicle, is worth more than just a paycheck.  Such was the case recently, when a New Customer came into our showroom.

This customer, who would prefer to remain anonymous, had just recently lost her husband. Combine the trauma of instantly becoming a single mom of several children and then trying to juggle all of the duties normally shared by a couple, and you can begin to understand the very unenviable position of one of our latest customers.

It took several trips to the Dealership and even a few good cries but eventually one of our Senior Salespersons worked to earn her trust and was able to help her select a vehicle that fit her needs and more importantly, fit into her new budget. She was comforted knowing that she now had a dealership where she could bring all of her vehicle issues and trust that Lake Charles Toyota would treat her exactly as our Mission Statement says we will: "Like an honored guest in our own home."

Being able to make her and most of our customers feel welcome and comfortable has become a familiar theme here at Lake Charles Toyota. Just as our new customer and friend now realizes, Lake Charles Toyota is a place that you can be comfortable with and a business that is truly happy that you came to know us. After all, our slogan, "Where we know you by your name.", comes from the heart.

We would like to thank each and every one of you for allowing us the opportunity to 'earn' your business. The coffee is always on, so come by anytime.

Thanks,

The Staff of Lake Charles Toyota

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Its here! Its here!

No, no. Not the new all-electric Prius, John's brand spanking new grandson....All 8lbs 15oz of him. Brody Alexander came in this world the ole fashion way and although I wasn't there to hear it, Dave said Jessica was screaming like a banshee! What? My little Diva fussing about a little pain?

Seems some other lady had the Anethesiagts Anistheezeologyst antytheasoligst.  ehhh...guy with the knockout gas a little busy. Something about a C- Section all ready in progress, down the hall.  Anyway, that guy never showed, so Jessica birthed the future Hall of Fame Fullback Au-Naturel.....NO DRUGS...!  Owouch.....thats gonna leave a mark.  ; )

Bam Bam is what Dave said he would call him but Isaac said he will stick with calling him, 'Ocho'. Ocho is what Isaac has been calling the newbie in-utero.

So I says to 4 year old Isaac... 'Hey Isaac, what does Ocho mean?'  Without skipping a beat, he replied, 'Grand daaaad. Don't you know? Thats my favorite Spanish number?'

Yeah. I new that.

 

Later,

 

John

3/5/2011

 

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You know that look on your boss's face when he asks you if you are doing anything next weekend? That is generally my cue to bark about having to power wash my mother-in-law's house but this time I was not quick enough......so I will be working in Philip's place this coming Saturday. That question never really means, 'We are going skiing, why don't you come with us?'. You'd think I would learn by now.........

Skiing? Thats what DeWanna, Philip, the Boys and friends are doing this Mardi Gras week. When you own your own business there really is never a "good" time to take a vacation but sometimes you just have to make the time!  This year the gaggle of Tarvers et al have trekked to Utah to get in some skiing and relaxation (however, if you've ever seen Philip do anything in sports, then you know it is never relaxing!!)

Go get 'em guys.....Break a leg!   ehhhh.....maybe not the best time to use that line  : )

 

Later,

 

John

 

3/3/2011

 

 

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It's WEDDING WEEK here at the Dealership!

Well, actually there is nothing for us to do. Katie and her Mom have just about wrapped up all of the details and everything is a 'go' for a primetime, Tarver-Shamberger connection this weekend. Philip acts like its just another day, but, as a father of a bride, I can tell you without hesitation that your child's wedding day is at the same time, one of the happiest and yet most stressful days of your life.

The Tarver's long ago accepted 'Dr Katie' (this is what DeWanna calls her) into their lives and they are very excited.

But wait there's more! Corey, anticipating the 'empty nest syndrome', has also added to his side of the clan. His 28 year roommate will be leaving him this week, so he recently went out and got another one. Joey has not the best manners and rumor has it that he chews with his mouth open.... but he is as cute as the dickens. Joey, an Alaskan wolfhound, is now about 3 months old and has really taken to Sam (Corey's Collie). They play well together and even help each other when digging an escape hole under the fence.....If their escapes weren't so aggravating it'd really be kind of cute. Ahh, such is parenthood.

Well, I gotta go buy some gallon size ziplock bags.... Between the Reheasal Dinner at DeWanna's and the Reception at The Brickhouse, there ought to be some really great leftovers!

See ya!

John

10/18/2010

 

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Well, we can no longer say, 'You think its hot now... wait til August!'

Well, Its August and boy is it hot! I think our sales team prays for rain everyday....hoping maybe to get a reprieve from one of what Rob Robin calls, 'Mother nature's giant air conditioners'.

But despite the heat, customers continue to amaze us and stream into the Lake Area Dealership looking for their next great Toyota. Certified Pre-Owned vehicles are rolling out of here at a tremendous pace, mainly because of the incredible VALUE that they present. And don't forget about the awesome incentives and rebates that Toyota is offering... making already sweet deals taste that much sweeter.

Couple of quick personal notes: Bob Rogers and his wife are smiling a little bigger these days. Their son Cole has returned from an overseas assignment with the military. If you have kids then you know how difficult it is to see your children in harms way, no matter how old they are. Welcome home Cole and thanks for all you and your fellow soldiers do and have done to make this a better world.

And we welcome a newcomer to the LCT family.....ok not quite a newcomer yet, but John's daughter, Jessica, and son-in-law Dave, will be preparing for the stork to arrive sometime in January. This will be the big bird's third stop to Center Street. The as yet un-named Minton will be joining 3 year old Isaac and 1 year old Zoe on Grand-dad's shopping list for next Christmas!

Counting the days til football season begins,

John,

See ya!

08/10/10

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Yeah!

Eric and Dr. Katie closed on their new home!

The keys were handed to them and now the hard part begins...counting the days til the first note is due. Welcome to the neighborhood you guys!

07/10/10

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And in a related story... Eric has been saving for quite some time and he and Katy are in the process of building a brand new house in which to start their married life together. It is going up quickly....The biggest question around the Dealership is, 'Who is going to cut the grass?'

Right now the odds are split...but my vote says it'll be Katy's dad, Jim. He just doesn't know it yet!!!

From a dad of the bride point of view, I can tell you that we are always looking for an excuse to visit our married daughters and who can refuse a free grass cutting job!?

 

04/22/10

 

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Hi Guys!

Things are hopping here at Lake Charles Toyota!

If you know the Tarvers then you know that they have twin sons, Eric and Corey. Well, Eric popped the question to Ms Katy Shamberger, daughter of Jim and Wanda, and she responded with a thunderous YES! Actually a bunch of us were hiding out at the not so secret question popping location, and we got to watch as the drama unfolded.

It was very cool to see them at such an important moment in their lives. What you see in this photo is Philip grinning from ear to ear as he was spying on them through the garage window.  : )

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Kenny Guillory and his service guys are working their tails off, getting all of the recall appointments taken care of. They are trying to do a bunch of their work after hours so that folks can get in and out as soon as possible, but even with a yeoman's effort, some are still having to wait for a couple of hours just for an oil change, Again, our customers are just incredible! Your patience and understanding is a testament to the relationships that can be built when everyone communicates effectively and trusts each other. Oh yeah, the chocolate chip cookies brought in by one of their regular customers were a big hit......thanks!

Bobby Plumb has just celebrated his 5th year in our sales department. Bobby has said over and over that selling Toyotas is his career and that he will be with us til he retires. (He's already retired from the TUNDRA softball team...don't worry Bobby, I don't think you can pull a hamstring on a demo drive : )

Brian LeDay's youth basketball team is tearing 'em up again this year. 'Coach' has most of players back from last year and if his coaching doesn't get in the way they should make a pretty good run at the Championship this year. (Sorry Brian....Thats just what I heard from one of the parents HA!)

Will there be a bowling Team this year sponsored by Lake Charles Toyota? Rusty Strodderd has joined Philip at the New Dealership in Sulphur so we will have to wait and see if anyone picks up the reigns and holds things together.

ONE LAST THING! Lake Charles Toyota is sponsoring 'Friday Night Baseball' cookouts again this at the McNeese Baseball Diamond. The first event is coming up soon. Call the Dealership at 478-3511 and speak with Bob Rodgers and he can fill you in on all of the details (and maybe come up with a couple of free passes). 

By the way. Did anyone notice how many Saints fans there are in Lake Charles now? DeWanna made some Saints t-shirts available in the gift shop but they sold out, just from employee sales, before the public could get to them. Can you blame us? Our shirts from our gift shop were half the price of anywhere else in town!

Thanks again for being our customers.

Come by anytime.....the coffee is always on!