Meet Elaine in Our Service Department

This post is long overdue. We definitely have not forgotten to introduce Elaine to you, but because she works part time, our photographer has had a tough time capturing her smile on camera. Elaine began at West Park in 1980 as our receptionist when all accounting and book keeping was done manually and warranty was submitted using a Telex machine. She then moved to the cashier position and now she works in our service department part-time, where everything is fully computerized. When Elaine's not at work she is busy enjoying being a grandma! She said some highlights while at West Park have been the staff get-togethers, including bowling, baseball, golfing and the Goldeyes game. Elaine's favourite GM is the blue, 1967 Chevelle that Melvin used to own. It was their dating car. Now she really likes the Camaro. “I like it because it looks good, would be great for cruising, but not because it goes fast!” We don't know if the last part of her comment was because Melvin has possibly exceed her comfort level in a fast car?? For now Elaine is happy to be driving her Rendezvous. “I like it because it drives nice and it's spacious and reliable.”

All About Alec - Sales Advisor

Alec is the newest member of our sales team. He began working at West Park in October of 2009 but joined our sales team this last summer. Alec looks forward to meeting many new people and the opportunity to drive and get to know many different vehicles. One highlight that stands out in his mind is his first sale, a 2011 factory order Equinox! “And other than my first sale I would have to say another highlight was driving all the sports cars to and from the park for the show,” Alec recalls. When we asked him what his favourite vehicle is that he has owned, he laughed and said, “How do you have a favourite when it's been a van, a Mercury Villager, that was cheap and used and a '92 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Regency Elite? I mean, that thing was loaded but what young guy wants to drive an old boat? I've always wanted a 4x4 crew cab GMC in stealth grey. I'd like to use it to tow a boat.”

Meet Vic - Sales Advisor

Six years ago the West Park team decided we needed yet another Loewen family member on board and Vic joined our sales department. Finally the sales department was put on an even playing field with the service department when it came to in-house professional comedians. A battle of wits has been ongoing ever since. Judging by his cheery attitude at work every day, we believed him when he said, “The highlight of my job is coming to work every day and meeting nice customers!” His enthusiasm and dedication at West Park has earned him the status of a Four Year Member of the Sales Marketing Guild, which is based on his sales education and customer satisfaction. One of Vic's favourite vehicle suggestions is the Equinox because it is so versatile, suits all ages, is comfortable, well-built and well-designed. “Really, I have so many favourite vehicles it is hard to pick just one. I of course like the Camaro and Corvette. I also like our trucks, the Regal and our newest vehicle, the Cruze.” Vic would love to help you get into a vehicle that is just right for YOU!

A Bit About Brad - Sales Representative

Brad has been our sales representative for 4 years. Having owned over 20 vehicles thus far, he should have some good first-hand knowledge and opinions on which vehicle to drive. Brad bought his first vehicle 4 days before his 16th birthday. He and his mom went shopping for it together and they drove away with a 3 hundred dollar '63 Pontiac Strato Chief, 3-speed, 4 door. “It was a big boat... not cool! But it has fond memories, it was my dating car! At 100 000 kilometers I remember stopping the car to look at the odometer and recall the good times!” A favourite vehicle Brad has owned was his green '69 Chevelle. “I'm putting out a plea to help me find it,” Brad stated. “Laura will buy it back for me if we can locate it.” While owning the Chevelle, Brad drove a $400 clunker in the winters. Now his vehicle of choice is the Enclave in cocoa or diamond white. “I like its design and the Buick name. It is classy, stylish and gives a great ride.” Come and see Brad for advice on which vehicle option might be best for you, and remember, if you have any leads on the whereabouts of his green '69 Chevelle, Brad would love to hear from you!

Lots About Lyn - Business Office Manager

Lyn joined our West Park team with 20 years of financial expertise under his belt in July of 2009. He transitioned very comfortably into his new role as our Business Office Manager. Lyn said, “I enjoy the variety in my job and the people I work with here. I also like the amount of tools I have to help put people into vehicles at a payment they can afford.” Lyn recalls a “highlight” while working at West Park, okay, maybe not a highlight but certainly one of those moments he won't soon forget. “I liked the way our row of Corvettes looked all lined up in the front of West Park. But what a sight it must have been when guys in their, shirts, ties and dress shoes were out there moving them inside for the winter and we were getting the Vettes stuck on the flat, bare parking lot.” Where is the camera when you needed one? One vehicle Lyn really likes is the Enclave. “It is luxurious, smooth and quiet and fits 7 people. We have 6 in our family and it is very comfortable.” When Lyn “grows up” he says he'd like a black CTS V. His favourite 4-wheeled vehicle was his first he ever owned, a '67 Ford Mustang (I can't believe we are mentioning that on our site), which he restored. However, Lyn's all time favourite, top-the-charts, doesn't get better than this vehicle is, as he put it, “Anything on 2 wheels and LOUD!”

Meet Myra - Cashier

Myra joined our accounting and customer service team as Cashier in August of this year. After many years of working at financial institutions she said, “This is so different from where I had been and I'm enjoying the change, all of it. The customers and staff have all been welcoming and patient.” Myra says one of the highlights of her job is, “When I hit “0” at the end of the day!”


Now, to conclude this staff profile, we'd like to help a guy out and drop a hint to Myra's husband for a birthday idea... Myra told us she thought she'd look pretty spiffy (actual statement may have been embellished slightly) in a true red Solstice convertible. We agree and we're pretty sure we can help you pull off that surprise!
 

The Voice on the Telephone - Meet our Receptionist, Carissa

Carissa was in search of a receptionist position and found her way to West Park in June of 2010. I'm guessing it's because she grew up with a dad who managed a tire shop, that Carrisa knows how to install her own winter tires. Impressive! Even with winter tires, though, she commented that she would really prefer a truck for driving in the snow. Carissa's favourite vehicle is a Camaro and when asked what colour she'd like it in, she laughed, “Colour? Who cares, I'd HAVE a Camaro!”

Meet our Junior Accountant, Elisabeth

Meet our Junior Accountant, Elisabeth.

Elisabeth came straight from college to begin her career at West Park in April 2009, as our Receptionist. In June of this year, Elisabeth received a promotion and began taking on more accounting responsibilities. She's one of those people that wears many different hats and wears each one well! Elisabeth knows the ins and outs of anything related to our new and used vehicle inventory. Her favourite GM is the Camaro in yellow, but her practical choice is a Chevy Malibu. “I like them because they are practical but still fast and fun!” Elisabeth remarked.

Meet Roxanne - MTS Connect Store Manager

Roxanne joined our team as the MTS Connect Store Manager in mid August of this year. She has had many years of management and customer service experience at Burke's in Morris, which was owned by her family. Roxanne said it was time to try something different and give herself a new challenge. She commented, “I think my 'deer in headlights' look has finally gone away as I've become more familiar with everything that MTS Connect has to offer! I enjoy interacting with the many people that come into our store and the variety of tasks in my job.” Although she doesn't consider herself a die-hard techy, she said, “I love my Blackberry Storm. I could never go back to a regular cel phone. If I can figure it out, anyone can. It's really easy to use.” Other than the popular data devices, such as the HTS Android and Blackberries, Roxanne was impressed with the Military Grade phones. “Those phones are tough. You can do almost anything to them and they will keep going. It's a great phone for construction workers or anybody else who might put their phone through a lot of abuse.” Come and meet Roxanne at our MTS Connect store. She has strong people skills and is a real pleasure to have on staff!

Meet Richard - Parts Consultant

And now for Richard's comeback to Chris's comment:

You may recall the “endearing” comment made by Chris, our parts consultant, about his partner in crime, Richard. This is Richard:

 
Upon hearing Chris's comment, Richard put on his nicest, most sincere look and with a hint of sarcasm in his voice replied, “The highlight of my job is working with Wieler. Working with Wieler is always a fun time and an adventure!” (We'll translate that to mean, Richard also enjoys the people he works with and our 2 parts consultants certainly keep our parts department fun and interesting!) Richard also said he enjoys the opportunity to meet many new people through his work. Richard began working at West Park this year but had also worked a stint at West Park a few years earlier. He chuckled, “I missed it so much I came back!” When asked what his favourite GM vehicle would be, he replied, “The Camaro, but everybody says that, so I'm going to say (pausing to think...) an '81 Chevette, 4 on the floor. Those things just keep going and the fun times never end!” And as you've probably guessed by now the fun times never end when Richard is around!

Chris - Parts Consultant

Chris is one of our Parts Consultants. For 8 years now, West Park's walls have echoed with his contagious laugh! Chris likes it that his job is always different and new, “The variety keeps things interesting.” Within ear shot of Richard (our other parts consultant), Chris also said a highlight of his job was babysitting Richard every day. We'll translate that to mean that Chris enjoys the people he works with! (Stay tuned to hear Richard's comeback on that one!) The first vehicle Chris ever owned was a 1976 4-door Nova. “It was my first car and it was awesome! What didn't that car get used for?!” Chris recalled with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. “I also like the '67 Chevelle and '69 GTO Pontiac. Both have a very nice body style. I'd like those for my toys and then an extended or crew cab truck as my practical vehicle. When I have a million dollars I'd like it to be a Duramax.” (Chris, we recommend you go talk to our sales department about a Duramax... It may be more within reach than you are imagining!)

Info on Isaak - Technician

Isaak is another of our technicians. When asked what he liked most about his work, Isaak said, “I like working on the engines, that's what I do the most. I also like the people I work with.” In Isaak's two and a half years at West Park, a highlight for Isaak was when he had to replace a front cover and oil pump on a fire truck. “I had never done it before,” Isaak recalled, “but it all went smoothly and I completed the job in under ½ the allotted time. I like it when jobs turn out like that!” If it's anything mechanical, Isaak will find a way to do it and do it efficiently. Isaak's favourite GM is the Camaro in white with black stripes but he'd like an Equinox for his family.

Meet the Other Ed, Ed G. - Technician

Ed G. enjoys being a technician because it is the kind of job where in the 12 years he's worked here, no 2 days are alike, there isn't a set routine and you are always learning something new. One of the highlights of his job is when the shop gets new computers. “Having a new one always helps to get the jobs done faster and easier.” Ed's specialty is the ever changing, never easy world of vehicle electronics and wiring. He sorts through more miles of wire in a year than many techs do in a lifetime and has installed approximately 500 of the Manitoba Public Insurance Immobilizers. “Another highlight”, Ed says with his contagious smile and a mischievous twinkle in his eye, “is the people I get to work with. They are really fun guys and the spontaneous snowball fights and water fights that have erupted are good memories. And, everyone knows its not over until Terry wins... EVERY TIME!” Ed's favourite GM vehicle is a yellow Corvette but he would also love to own a big truck. Ed said, “As for vehicles I've owned, I don't really have a favourite so far. I'm hoping my favourite will be the one I just bought!”

John R. - Technician

John R. is another one of our technicians who has worked at West Park for a long time. He said, “My career start date was carved into a tablet with a hammer and chisel. It was back in the day when cars came in black and had Model T written on the side!” Okay... really, it was in 1979, one year after finishing high school. In his 30 some years of working at West Park, John has obviously seen technicians come and go. He says he has lots of fun memories of his many colleagues and really misses them when they leave. A highlight for John as a technician is the opportunity to work on many local hot rods and classic cars, which is largely due to having the Legends Car Club in our town. He comments, “It's always a thrill to do a wheel alignment or some other work on these vehicles.” John has seen many changes take place in the shop itself. One highlight is when he got the Front End Machine. It simplified an otherwise more tedious job that required measuring and reading degrees using levels and tape measures. The biggest evolutions John has witnessed in the shop are the advancements in electronics, both in the tools being used and the vehicles themselves. “There is always something changing and something new to learn.” When asked what his favourite vehicle was, John asked, “Two-wheeled or four? Because I really like the '77 Harley that I've custom built with an 88 cubic inch stroker. Maybe not the most practical, but that's my toy! For a favourite practical 4-wheeler I like the Buick Enclave because it is roomy, handles well, it is fun and versatile with 2 wheel drive/all wheel drive options. I must say though, I'm still really happy with my Grand Prix. It is powerful, fun and good on fuel.” If John were to add another toy to his collection, he'd like a Supercharged Cadi or Vette.

An Introduction to Salih - Technician

Salih moved to Canada and joined our reconditioning department only 3 years ago. Before that he briefly lived in Egypt but is originally from Sudan. While here, Salih has been launched into a very steep learning curve. He is learning to live and work in an environment where he says that everything is “100 percent different” from Africa, including a new language! Salih laughed, “Communication problems can make funny stuff happen at work every day! The guys I work with in the shop are very fun, too. Every day I come to work excited and I leave excited. I love it that every day I am still learning something new.” Salih's positive attitude toward his work shows in his finished product. He thrives on detailing vehicles, especially when he can turn something that looks a little old and dirty into something that looks like new again. Salih exclaimed, “I hate dirt, in and on vehicles, and try to get rid of every last piece of it!” When asked to name his favourite vehicle he said, “The yellow Corvette convertible, but my new Chevy Uplander is very good for my family!”

Michelle Wiebe, CGA Hired

We are pleased to announce that we have hired Michelle Wiebe, CGA, to assume the accounting responsibilities currently handled by Linda. Michelle is a long time employee of accounting firm Gislason Targownik Peters, most recently as manager of their Altona branch office. Michelle began working at West Park this week. Some of you will remember Michelle being at West Park under the YIP program during her time at W C Miller Collegiate.  Please welcome Michelle Wiebe to the West Park team should you happen to see her.

Tidbits on Terry - Technician

Terry keeps things lively in the shop.  He puts a positive spin on almost any situation and is known for his perseverance. Terry began his career at West Park in April of 1994.  At the time he was working beside his father, Henry, another technician in our shop.  One and a half years later,  exactly 15 years ago today, Terry received the tragic news that his father had passed away in a car accident.  Terry counts those 1 and a half years of working with his father a total blessing and privilege.   The staff working with Henry at that time remember him as a gentle, soft-spoken guy.  He was one of those genuinely nice people who was well-liked by all. Henry was one of the best heavy duty truck technicians in southern Manitoba who was always willing to put in the extra hours to get a customer on the road, especially during beet season. We still miss his smiles and good, clean (sometimes practical) jokes!


When Terry was asked what his favourite practical GM vehicle is, he replied with seriousness in his face, "A Camaro...(pause for laughter from bystanders)...  What are you laughing for?" he asked.  "It's got 4 seats.  My wife would even agree with me!  My son thinks we should drive a Bumble Bee."  For Terry's impractical vehicle he'd like to own the Corvette he found in a Corvette magazine as a kid.  It's a '69 Corvette L88 in black with a 427 all-aluminum engine.  Terry still has the picture stashed away in his Corvette magazine collection. 

A moment that Terry remembers vividly at West Park is standing in the doorway of the garage watching a huge lightning storm when suddenly a tree across the parking lot was struck.  The light hurt the eyes and when the thunder struck, everyone jumped 3-4 feet off the floor.  All batteries were charged, cars and people!

What's Up With Willy - Technician

In 2008 Willy along with his wife and children made the big move from Germany to Canada and he began working at West Park as a technician shortly there after. Willy was taken aback by the size of everything in a Canadian shop compared to those in Germany. Willy stated,  “The engines and the trucks I work on here are all so much bigger. Everything is different. That's the best part of my job. I'm always learning and everything is new and exciting. With GM I've had to learn a new computer system and while learning all of these new things I'm also learning a new language!”. Willy’s cheerful ways helped him fit right in with the rest of the technicians at West Park, even before he had a full grasp of English.

Meet Edward - Technician

Edward joined our staff as a technician in March of 2006.  He moved here from the Philippines, where he also worked in the automotive field.  Working at a GM dealer in Canada has been a completely different experience than what Edward was used to back home.  He is currently enrolled in the GM Automotive Service Educational Program (ASEP), alternating between work and school, and says the part of his job that he enjoys the most is that he is always learning something new.  "It's been a challenge but fun," Edward commented.  Edward has put some creativity into the paint job on his current car but in his dreams he pictures himself driving a Camaro just like Bumble Bee from Transformers.

Kelly - Technician

Have you seen the snazzy blue and white '70 Chevelle SS cruising through town?  Maybe, but only if the weather conditions were just right, because this is Kelly's "sugar car"!  If he were to also own a new sports car, Kelly would tearing up the roads in a red Z06 Corvette, "because they're fast, of course!"  In the almost 20 years that Kelly has worked at West Park, a project that sticks out in his mind as a highlight is when he worked on a '55 Chevy that was restored and hot-rodded.  Kelly installed a high-stall torque converter for faster launch.  You can always tell when Kelly is working because you can hear his cheerful laugh across the shop.  He knows how to have fun while getting the job done!