The saleswomen of Thomas Kia of Highland are leading the way as mentors in an industry mainly dominated by men. Because of their contributions, General Manager Tom Seely recognized them with the Top Female Sales in the Region Award.
The award was given to Itxel Carlos, Kristy Czyzniejewski, and Paige Seely. The ladies say they are each other's mentors and cheerleaders.
“We are doing a pretty good job of selling cars and getting the leading scores on the board,” Carlos said. “The award was a way of them letting us know that they appreciate our effort and the amount of time that we have been there.”
Carlos has worked at Thomas Kia of Highland for almost five years. She found an opening at Thomas Kia of Highland online and was encouraged to apply for the job. When Carlos walked into the business for an interview, she noticed most of the employees were men, but a difference in gender didn't stop Carlos from getting the job.
“They gave me a chance, and now there is no turning back. I think sales is where I’m at, and there is no other career that I would rather be doing,” Carlos said. “It’s so much more than selling a car to a customer or client. It’s creating a relationship with them. They come in with different stories, and it warms your heart.”
When Carlos started working at Thomas Kia of Highland, her coworkers all treated her differently but respectably. She used the example that some of the sales representatives treated her like a sister or a granddaughter. Many of her coworkers have been with her through milestones, such as getting married and buying a house.
“They all looked out for me being the young girl there,” Carlos said. “Most of them were just honest and kind and looking out for me. This team is like a family as opposed to coworkers.”
The family-like support at the dealership has made receiving the award even more meaningful for Carlos. She feels that many times, women are overlooked as car saleswomen.
“It was nice to be reminded that we are killing it,” Carlos said. “We are putting numbers on the board, and it’s a good reminder to keep our efforts going.”
Carlos enjoys working with Czyzniejewski and Seely because of the team effort.
“We are all pushing for each other and trying to do our best,” Carlos said.
Czyzniejewski has been with Thomas Kia of Highland since January. She came from another car dealership that didn’t have as many sales representatives who were women.
“I feel our dealership, having three females, is different from other dealerships. There have been times when I was the only female, or there was only one other,” Czyzniejewski said. “Here, there is consistency.”
Before Czyzniejewski began working in car dealership sales, she was a bartender. She didn’t see herself selling cars but was hired from a job recruiting site. She appreciates Thomas Kia of Highland because they work with her schedule as a mom.
“I never saw myself doing this, but now that I’m doing it and getting better at it, I like it,” Czyzniejewski said. “I like that you are working with people, and there’s always someone to help out. You are helping them find a car that they want and within their budget.”
Czyzniejewski appreciated the award, her coworkers, and the work atmosphere at Thomas Kia of Highland.
“I think that everyone gets along, and everyone has fun,” Czyzniejewski said. “I feel like everyone helps each other out, and we are all friends.”
Seely has worked for Thomas Kia of Highland since the beginning of January. Seely joined the dealership to learn more about sales. Seely is currently attending Purdue University Northwest for business management with a minor in sales.
“I wanted more experience in sales, and Thomas Kia of Highland seemed like a great place to work,” Paige Seely said. “Plus, my dad works there, and he has a ton of experience. I wanted more of an introduction into the field.”
Seely said working at Thomas Kia of Highland has been a fantastic experience. She’s become good friends with her coworkers and enjoys going to work.
“I’ve learned a lot about myself. I’ve learned to step back and listen to the people who are experts,” Seely said. “I’ve learned to talk with people more professionally and how to carry myself with confidence.”
For more information about the award-winning sales team at Thomas Kia of Highland, visit thomaskia.com.
