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testimonials

4/28/09 by John R. Blackerby II, CPhD, DD
 
Let me start by saying that a quick count by my wife and I brings up 23 new car purchases since we were married almost 36 years ago. The one just facilitated by Daytona Dodge and Paul Santangelo is far and away the best of them all.
 
Here is why. For the last couple of months, we have been talking about the need to move into a new vehicle to accommodate my mobility handicap (I need a scooter for any distance) and the fact that we raise Neapolitan Mastiff dogs to show. Those are the Harry Potter dogs that go over two hundred pounds at maturity. We have four we travel with. As you can imagine, we need some space.
 
I did an extensive internet search that initially focused on extended cargo vans by GM and Ford. As you can imagine, it was hard to get enthused. Even if we ordered one exactly as we wanted, it left a lot to be desired. Frankly, ordering a vehicle with conditions as they are now did not seem wise. And certainly no one seemed to have an extended van in stock, much less with the right features.
 
We had the desire to purchase and the means, but not the vehicle. Then we met a woman at a dog show in Georgia who had a Dodge Sprinter. I should explain that there is no Dodge dealer near us who has that franchise, so I was not familiar with them. She had four Great Pyrenees she traveled with in a Sprinter 2500 170" WB Extended Model with High Roof. She had built a platform in the back with storage underneath and mounted four of the giant class dog crates on top (the size we have to use) and still had room for gear and amazingly, a full sized mattress. Even with that, it was not close to crowded.
 
This was what we had to have! But how were we to find one, with no dealers even close, we might have given up. Well, that could have happened if Daytona Dodge did not have Paul Santangelo handling internet sales so extraordinarily well.
 
I used the Dodge corporate web site to determine exactly what I needed, what I wanted, and what might be nice to have in a Sprinter. I explored what dealers were offering and their prices for them in Florida and Georgia. My wife Ginger and I discussed dollars and distance, and Sunday afternoon I sat down on my front porch with my laptop and went of AOL and Autotrader.com. I sent out eight inquiries to dealerships offering Sprinters in an area I was willing to drive to (up to four hours) and sat back to wait. I figured I would hear from various people over the next week.
 
I was on the porch with my computer and a cold drink, and about 25 minutes later I got one of those automated responses that tells me that someone will get back to me about my request. All that did was tell me that particular dealership received the request and no one thought it was worth a phone call. Frankly, I assumed it was a given that all the dealerships would get the request. I was telling my wife that I found the wording of the auto-reply off-putting, when the phone rang. It was Paul.
 
Okay, now I ask you to realize that I liked that I had the quick response, but after all, it was Sunday afternoon,. I was chilling out on the porch with my wife and eight big dogs, and I really did not want the usual car sales lines. I have been buying cars with cash for a while, and it amazes me how excruciating and time consuming it typically is. I never understand that. To me, if you have the vehicle, we settle on the trade-in allowance (if there is a trade-in) and the price of the new vehicle. I give you the trade-in and a check. We fill out some stock forms and you give me the keys and my new ride. It seems simple. It never is.
 
Until now...
 
It went like this. Paul made a very good initial impression and asked me what I was looking for. I told him what I had to have and what would be nice. He looked at the stock on his computer, said he had a candidate, and wanted to make a eyeball inspection to confirm it was in stock, and he would call me back. Five minutes later, he was back and emailed me the information about the vehicle. Okay, Daytona Dodge had one that was what I wanted. Now to the trade-in.
 
I had done my internet work on that and had my expectations where I thought they were reasonable. Paul and I discussed that. He went to discuss it with the sales manager and called me back in a few minutes. One more exchange and call back by Paul and we were agreed.
 
The price negotiation on the new Sprinter took the same swift course. What with my asking for time to discuss it with my wife, and her actually delaying us at one point because she went out on back a couple of acres to see what one of the dogs were up to (She could not understand why I was vexed. No one before had prepared us for how fast this was going.) We were now not quite and hour and fifteen minutes from my initial email inquiries, and less than 45 minutes from Paul's first call. It was almost breath-takingly fast.
 
Paul gave me a sales price. I balked a bit. It really was just a bit more than I wanted to go. He asked me what it would take to close the deal and I told him, with the caution that mine was a real number and not a meet me half way one. I want to say here that this really was not a negotiating tactic. There was a price point that just was set in my head when it came to writing a check. His number was too much. After all, this was my first contact. I could shop further with no pain to me at this point. But this salesman knew exactly how to nail down the deal.
 
He asked me if I was really ready to do the deal if he could meet my number. Not in an hour... not in day... but if Daytona Dodge met my number.
 
I answered with some feeble thing about thinking about it for a day. The man is good. He read me right at every step. He said something like, "You told me this was about the right Sprinter, the right trade in allowance, and the right price. If I meet every one of those, will you close this deal?"
 
Oh, he had me there. I had to say yes.
 
Actually, Paul said it nicer than that, but he was right. He moved me off that last hesitation, and I replied that I would shake his hand over the phone and make a deposit if he met that last criteria. He was back in two minutes.... maybe less... and we had a deal. And of course we all know that no other dealer ever had a chance to present a candidate vehicle. I have no problem with that. I got what I wanted and I am happy.
 
To sum this part up, from start to finish this deal was done with me sitting on my front porch on a Sunday afternoon with a laptop computer and a phone in no more than 45 minutes! The ice in my glass did not have time to melt. And about ten of those minutes were because of a delay created because my wife... and I add here with a perfect reasonableness based on 35 years of buying vehicles together,... wandered off and added about ten minutes to the process.
 
All that was left was the exchange of vehicles and cashier's check, but while I am early-retired she still works and was going to be out of town to Orlando with the trade-in from early Monday until Wednesday about five. Daytona is three hours from us. I told Paul we would be there Saturday about noon.
 
Well, today is Saturday and I have had the new Sprinter since Wednesday at five. You see, this amazing Paul Santangelo called me early Monday morning and asked if it would be okay if he brought it to us on Wednesday. To that I can only respond with the eloquence earned through years of education culminating a two doctorates, "Hell, yea!" And I do not really talk like that usually but it seemed the right response.
 
So here we are. All that is left is the exchange of paper and metal. I have a little trepidation caused by two things. The first is that this is too easy. The second is that it is too good to be true. Maybe when the vehicle gets here it will not be just exactly as promised. Then I may have to either settle if it is not too bad... or kiss my $2000 deposit good-bye.
 
And then up drives Paul, exactly on time. And the vehicle? It is not exactly as expected. It is better. It has some things on it that I wanted but did not expect. If I could dance, this would be where we would insert the happy dance scene.
 
Now you may be wondering why I have written such a detailed letter about this deal? It comes down to this: Paul. I hope that he gets the recognition his skill and competence and drive deserve. I also hope that something about this long tribute to him will be useful to Daytona Dodge, because I intend to be back. This is now my standard for how it should be done.
 
I have been a salesman all my life. My career culminated with me being the global head of franchise sales and service for Burger King Corporation. I have sold things for less than a dollar, and things that put checks for millions into my hands. I have been to negotiating seminars of the highest caliber, including those offered by the American Management Association held only at its headquarters in New York. I personally have negotiated with a few people whose names you would possibly recognize. I believe I know a great salesman when I meet one. Daytona Dodge has one.
 
The way that other dealerships' internet salespeople contacted me over the five days following Paul's amazing performance on Sunday... three of them after my new Sprinter was already here... tells me that your direct competition...even among the dealers your owner goes to conventions with... have missed the figurative boat. The paradigm has not shifted. It has leaped to a new spot and they are not even close to being there. Paul Santangelo and Daytona Dodge are there already. This deal happened... and none of them even had a chance... due to the extraordinary competence of Paul and the vision of a dealership to take its mission into cyberspace. I congratulate you all.
 
This has been one for the text books... one for the big seminars. It was all too good to be true, except it really happened. A great salesman sold me what I wanted from a dealership I had never seen and did it with me sitting on my porch in about 45 minutes... and I could not be more pleased with the outcome. I hope you realize by virtue of the effort extended by a man who had never heard of Paul Santangelo... until he introduced himself over the phone last Sunday... that you have an extraordinary asset in him. If there is a way he could have represented Daytona Dodge any better, I cannot think of it. Thank him again for me, and thank you for a great new vehicle purchase.
 
You know, it really is funny to think that the time I put into writing this tribute to things done right is more than the aggregate of the time I expended to get the new vehicle. You just have to be amazed!
 
Debi, I ask you to pass this on to Mr. Dye, so that Paul's excellence will get the credit he deserves. I want him to know that he has a man who represents and identifies with his name and that of his dealership so extraordinarily well.
 
With great respect and gratitude,
John R. Blackerby II, CPhD, DD
12884 County Road 137
Wellborn, FL 32094-2121
(386) 963-3553

     


 
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 12/14/08  Greg,
Thank you so much for your help in making Clints 16th birthday an extra special surprise!
The secret delivery of his new truck, big bow and all was truly the "icing on the cake".
 We'll be sure to keep you and Daytona Dodge in mind when we're again in the market for a new vehicle.
 Thanks again and Happy Holidays!

    Danielle Clymer

  Experience: Service
Name: Dave Black
Location: Pelican Bay, Daytona Beach, Florida
Talk about being a good service advisor!! You can spell "Great" the following way... "Amber" She is so knowledgeable, helpful and trustworthy. I have complete confidence in her and Daytona Dodge Chrysler. I know I am in good hands.

 
 Experience: Service
Name: Rick Trussell
Location: Holly Hill, Florida
Vehicle: 2007 Ram 1500
I have purchased 4 Ram 1500 pickup trucks from Daytona Dodge Chrysler. I have had a '97, '01, '04 and now an '07. I have had all 4 serviced here and nowhere else. Their service staff has always done their best to take care of my service needs. Two of their service advisors are the best I have ever seen. Tom and Amber treat my truck like it is their own. You leave knowing you got the best service. It is a comfort to have a dealership that I can trust.


 
 Experience: Sales, Salesman - Greg Laubert
Name: Marian Huey
Location: Holly Hill, Florida
Vehicle: 2008 Town and Country
Excellent service with Greg. This is my second van and I enjoy every trip with it. No small question is ignored. The free car washes are great! Appointments are honored on time. Altogether, it has been an enjoyable experience to purchase and service a van from Daytona Dodge Chrysler.


 
 Experience: Sales
Name: Thomas Hickey
Location: Palm Coast, Florida
Vehicle: Chrysler Town and Country
My experiences with Daytona Dodge Chrysler have been awesome! The sales staff has always had ready answers for my questions. The service department is efficient and customer friendly. Daytona Dodge Chrysler is a warm, homey places. When I walk through the doors, I feel like an important person. Love the free car washes!


 
Experience: Sales, Salesman - Matt Bauries
Name: John Plamondon
Vehicle: 2007 Chrysler 300C
My experience with Daytona Dodge Chrysler and my salesperson, Matt Bauries, in my new car purchase of a 2007 Chrysler 300, on a scale of 1 to 10, was a 10! Matt made our purchase a very pleasant experience and, with the help of John Dawson, the new car manager, it was a very pleasurable moment.

 
Experience: BDC and Sales, Debi Outwater & Greg Laubert
Name: Jeri Bandell - Century 21 Sundance
Vehicle: 2007 PT Cruiser
Last August I was looking for a small, sporty vehicle to pull behind my RV. I went to 4 other local dealers and none of them could help me out. Then I remembered Debi Outwater who works in Business Development at Daytona Dodge Chrysler. I called her and she put me with Greg Laubert. Greg found exactly what I was looking for. He went the extra mile making sure the car was cool before I got in, cleaned and gassed up. In my business there is no better form of advertising than word of mouth. I tell everyone that mentions they are looking for a vehicle to call Debi and ask for Greg.

 
Experience: Sales, Salesman, Chad Ward
Name: Rony Baenziger
Location: Palm Coast, FL
Vehicle: Dodge Magnum R/T
Because of a promotion invitation, I visited Daytona Dodge Chrysler. My current car, a Mustang Cobra Convertible, was not providing enough room for my anymore and I found a very helpful sales rep in Chad Ward. He showed me around and helped me pick an optimal car for my needs. Matt Wilson, sales manager, and Chad made me a good offer and I bought a Dodge Magnum R/T. I can recommend this dealership and have only had a pleasant customer experience with all the staff from sales, back office, marketing and service. Thank you.

 
Experience: Sales, Salesman, Greg Laubert
Name: Michelle Waddell
Location: Port Orange, Florida
Vehicle: 2006 Ford Expedition
I came in to just look at possibilities for our next family vehicle. Greg, my salesman, was very helpful and not pushy. After finding out my needs, he showed me 3 cars that met my criteria by size and price. Thanks, Daytona Dodge Chrysler, for making our car buying fast easy and friendly. P.S. I LOVE the free car washes!!
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Email from another satisfied Daytona Dodge Chrysler Customer!
Date: 1/24/09
Name: Anita Mccurdy
Location: Port Orange, Florida
Just a note to let you know that we had a great experience shopping with Daytona Dodge. Tim was excellent with his help with us. He answered all our question and didn't pressure us like some salesman do. Thank you Tim very much. As you know we are repeat customers and next time we are in the need of a car we'll be back. Hopefully that will not be for awhile.Thank you Daytona Dodge for you excellent service.


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Letter from satisfied Customers of a New Town & Country!

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Letter from a satisfied customer of a Dodge Stratus!

To Randy and all Daytona Dodge Employees,
 
Thank you for creating an enjoyable car buying experience for me.
 
I had a need for a reasonably new, reasonably priced used car with a reasonable number of miles on it, and one which I anticipated would be low maintenance for my daughter who lives in New York, and give her several years of dependable transportation. I shopped your website and found a 2004 Dodge Stratus listed, and it seemed to be a good candidate for just such a car. I called Friday evening and spoke with John (Cheraton?) who was very accommodating, and arranged for me to come in the next day (Saturday) to see the car.
 
When I got there, John was busy with another customer, so Mike Cannizzaro showed the car to me and took the car out for me for a test drive. I was very pleased with the drive and knew the car was exactly what I wanted for Laura, my daughter. At this point Matthew stepped in to negotiate the deal. We quickly arrived at a price that was satisfactory to me and the deal was done.
 
All through this process, your employees made me feel like they genuinely wanted my business--and not just my money--and it truly was one of the best car-buying experiences I've ever had... and I've bought a lot of cars in the last 42 years.
 
Thanks to all who were part of this deal - especially John, Mike, and Matthew. Please be assured I will recommend Daytona Dodge to anyone shopping for a car.
 
Best wishes,
Herb Klug
Palm Coast, FL