Auto sales question... (Jacksonville, Tampa, Orlando: property tax, to live, shop)

[kt_mom]

My husband is a GSM at a multi line dealer. We live in a small/medium town in the mid Atlantic region. We are looking to possibly relocate and Florida is our first choice. I spent a lot of time there as a kid with family in Merritt Island. I've always wanted to live there. I would like to be in Orlando but we would consider the Jacksonville area or Tampa as well.

My husband and I have both looked all over the internet for positions in those areas. He has contacted a couple of places he found online in the last few days but we haven't heard much. I know it is difficult to get a management position from the outside usually. I know at his store they always promote from within.

Anyway, if anyone has any advice or reccomendations they would be greatly appreciated. My husband has over ten years experience in the same dealership with 8 of those years in management. He's currently a GSM but has held F&I and secondary and both used and new car management positions. He is excellent at what he does and would be a great asset to any dealership. He would like to find something as a sales manager or GSM but would consider F&I at the right dealership. Reputation in the community is also important to him.

[apanda]

There was just a Coggin fair not too long ago, (2 wks ago or so), my husband went for a Tag & Title position, but I know they needed a GSM for one of their locations. They held the fair at the Pontiac off Atlantic Blvd & Southside Blvd., he may want to see if they have any more openings

[kt_mom]

Thanks for the reply. What is Coggin? Is that a dealership name/chain? Do you have any contact information for them? I would love to send his resume to them if they are looking for a GSM.

[apanda]

Yes, they are a local dealer ship chain. They actually span down to central Fl as of recently as well.

Here you go! Coggin Automotive Group: Used Cars, Used Trucks, New Car Dealer; Jacksonville, Orlando, Ft Pierce, St Augustine, Kissimmee, Deland, Florida

[kt_mom]

Thanks! I'll have to get my husband to send in his resume.

[riveree]

That's a great lead from Apanda , be sure to give Apanda a positive post rep point (click bottom of Apanda's post or use scales on upper right) .

It's probably just going to take some time. Florida has been hit hard from a few different angles - the recession, Florida's housing decline and a statewide property tax reduction that has impacted city budgets.

All of these factors have a trickle down effect and people aren't shopping as much these days, certainly not for cars. Jax has fared better with the housing decline than some other Florida cities, I can't imagine how bad the impact is being felt elsewhere .

On the positive side, Jacksonville's port is the point of entry for many/most of the cars destined for the US market, so that's an advantage I would think. We have a lot of car dealerships and a lot of used car dealerships (like Auto Direct - a GMAC used car dealership, etc.).

Businesses in Jax tend to take their sweet time in getting back to people about jobs, so don't fret if it takes a while to hear from them too .

[JagFan27]

Originally Posted by riveree

That's a great lead from Apanda , be sure to give Apanda a positive post rep point (click bottom of Apanda's post or use scales on upper right) .

I always forget about this.

[cellson]

Call O'Steen VW and talk to the GM there...he's a great guy a native of Jax and will help if he can! Good luck!

[kt_mom]

Thanks! I'll pass that on to my husband. It's a really tough business to get a management job from the outisde in. Especially when you're looking in towns that 10-13 hours away.

[FLPL75]

kt_mom
I was at my dealer today and spoke to my friend who is one of the managers there
I am not sure if they have any management positions open but my friend said to give him a call I will DM you his contact info