My old man has been in the motor trade longer than I have been alive there was never going to be another career path for me. After working in Mcdonalds from the age of 15 and putting in 11 years there and working up to store management I knew I had to take the jump if I wanted to follow in the footsteps of my hero and change my life for the better so I hung up my apron. Pops wanted me nowhere near the motor trade but after begging he put me in touch with a valeting company (hardest physical job I have ever had) I was through the door! 9 months in I was asked by one of the sales managers if I fancied having a go, yes was the answer (probably gave it up too easy) I was in! I was crap too, money was bad because of it! Nervous, shy, not able to be dishonest if I tried. But I knew more about the cars and where they were than any of the old boys and I worked hard. After being told time and again I didn't have what it took and taking home some shocking pay packets I still kept with it and once again opportunity came knocking! How do you fancy selling vans and driving a pick up truck as your demo? Again no holding back yes please! Smaller team no pressure, no superstars and customers who talked like me (broken English cockney twang) This was the best move I ever made from the start it was slow had to teach myself on the most part, taking what I could from the old boy in the back office, money was still rubbish but I was driving a Ranger! After a succession of bad managers I was left on my own but I was starting to smash vans out left right and centre and finally gave my boss no choice but to give me the managers job! Hartwell put a lot of faith in me and hopefully I have given back that ten fold. From a little office in the corner of the showroom with a small pitch outside on my own with an old boy on fleet, my department is now the biggest and highest contributing in the dealership I have a team of 6 sales executives, 1 Commercial Showroom Manager and 3 drivers.