The Syracuse Auto Dealers Association is proud to announce this year’s sales awards winners. They are a diverse group of professionals who work in Central New York auto dealerships.
- Chris Brown of Crest Acura has made his mark in 16 months at the dealership. He sold 151 high-end vehicles since joining the staff in July of 2016. His manager writes, “he is dedicated every day to achieving excellence, whether it be sales results, customer satisfaction or general assistance with just about anything.” Outside the business, he writes gospel songs, has produced two albums and is a father of six.
- John M. Cristantielli of Romano Chrysler Jeep is a 30-year veteran of the dealership, having first started in the wash bay. For 27 years, he has sold vehicles and has been salesperson of the month well over 100 times. His manager states, “His customers are the most loyal that I have ever seen in my 40 years in the business.”
- Lori Sears of Burdick Kia is a two-year veteran of the dealership and sold 143 vehicles during the past 12 months. A mentor for new product specialists, she guides new sales associates through company onboarding and orientation. Not only does she work at a high level in the dealership, she also takes care of both her elderly parents and serves as a home health aide once a week for a couple suffering from dementia.
- Steve Shallcross of East Syracuse Chevrolet is a 5 ½-year veteran of the dealership having sold 220 new and used vehicles over the past 12 months. Since joining the dealership he has been salesperson of the month 33 times and has consistently sold 20 plus vehicles every month. Marketing himself at Cicero-North Syracuse sports events and various fundraisers, he gains a great percentage of business from referrals.
- A seven-year veteran of the dealership, Patrick Sullivan of Burdick Toyota has sold 190 vehicles over the past 12 months. According to his manager, “he leads by example on a daily basis. The key to his success is his personal work ethic. Plus he is eager to assist new sales personnel with learning the ropes.” One of his best write-ups came from a customer who said, “the honesty and kindness I was shown has kept me coming back to the dealership.”
- Stephen Whitacre of Koerner Ford has only five months of experience in automotive sales. However, his extensive sales experience enabled him to jump into the business like someone with decades of experience.” In his first full month on the sales floor, he sold 20 cars and a total of 72 units in four months. He has been salesperson of the month three out of four months since June and began receiving referrals immediately.
Rookies
- Sean Abbott of Bill Rapp Superstore helped pay for his college education by purchasing cheap cars on Craigslist and fixing them up for resale. He started as a sales consultant just 11 months ago after leaving a position as a sales executive in New York City. From his first day on the job, he has exhibited an extraordinary level of professionalism often arriving at 7 a.m. to greet service customers and to organize his day. As a result, he is on pace to deliver 150 vehicles this year. Always more than willing to help his co-workers, he also contributes to the success and morale of others.
- Steven Wright of Lamacchia Honda has a unique resume. He came to the dealership having worked at a hospital and as a pizza delivery person. His motivation was to change his life and as a father of three, he wanted more for his family. His manager learned immediately that he was very successful in the pizza business because he was engaging with customers. He loved talking and listening to them and finding out their likes all within two minutes. He is currently the no. 2 salesperson behind a veteran of 40 years.
Syracuse Auto Dealers congratulates all the winners. SADA represents dealers across the Central New York and has been producing the annual Syracuse Auto Expo since 1908.
Each rep took home a $1,000 check and a plaque to honor their achievements.
