West Herr Service Manager Terry Wyant is a gardener in his spare time. He enjoys watching things grow from a vision and with the proper care, into the final product. Luckily for West Herr, Terry applies that philosophy at work.
“It’s a great feeling to watch something grow into the vision you had in your head,” he said. Terry started as a mechanic at Kmart, climbing the ranks to district manager at Penske before eventually joining West Herr as a service manager.
Service Manager Terry Wyant at West Herr
Not only does he know how to grow his own career, but he’s helped others on their respective paths as well. He points to Craig Muni, Quick Lane Manager at Ford of Amherst. Terry first met Craig at Kmart when Craig was just 18 and starting his first job. Years later, Craig is not only a manager but a proud parent, husband and homeowner.
“I love watching peoples’ careers and lives flourish,” Terry said.
Terry credits West Herr’s open door communication policy as part of the reason he’s seen so much growth in his time with the company. He points to West Herr’s high retention rate as proof.
“The owners are not only accessible but are willing to listen to ideas and suggestions,” Terry said, “It’s comforting to know they’re always looking to improve and grow.”
He believes West Herr treats employees like family and creates a sound environment for them and their families. Terry has even brought his children to the annual Gus Macker tournament that West Herr sponsors.
“They put a lot of emphasis on employee happiness,” Terry said. Happy employees will, in turn, lead to satisfied customers. “You always try to create an environment suitable to deliver service at West Herr standards.”
Terry lives in Pendleton with his wife and three children. Aside from gardening and spending time with his family, he enjoys researching information on stocks and investing. If his investment skills are as honed as his service management skills, Terry will have a nice retirement ahead of him. Until then, however, West Herr is thrilled to have such a selfless employee on the team.
Jul 10
14
Getting In Tune With Ray Ammerman
West Herr Jaguar Manager Works With A Song In His Heart
Visit West Herr Jaguar and you just might hear someone break out into song. That’s general manager Ray Ammerman, and for him singing is just an average day at the office.
“I just want people to enjoy the sales process and have fun, ” he said. Ray not only creates an enjoyable atmosphere, he knows how to sell cars too.
Ray Ammerman started with West Herr 15 years ago at the Ford of Hamburg location. After just one year he was asked to fill in at the Jaguar store. He was told “don’t worry about selling cars.” He sold 6 in his first week.
Ray Ammerman doing what he does best: entertaining
Nationally, very few dealers ever win Jaguar’s prestigious customer service award, “The Pride of Jaguar.” Since Ray took over as GM, West Herr Jaguar has received the Pride of Jaguar award 8 times. One conversation with any of his coworkers reveals the impact he’s made.
“Ray taught me the car business, but in the meantime, I learned that it is possible to enjoy your work,” said Jennifer Black, General Manager Assistant at West Herr Jaguar. “He always greets his customers with a smile on his face.”
Ray Ammerman credits West Herr for giving him the freedom to grow and operate his own way. At one point he was writing copy for West Herr radio ads and doing the voiceover work. He loves that he was given the opportunity to learn all aspects of the business.
He also says West Herr knows how to treat their employees, citing company picnics as an example. At one picnic Ray even won the “West Herr Idol.” talent contest.
“Everyone had fun and me personally, I was on cloud nine,” Ray said. “It truly made you feel like you were part of a family.”
Ray also performs at the Lancaster Opera House and is involved with interactive dinner theatre at multiple locations. He has performed at the Upstate New York Transplant Services (UNYTS) annual “Transformations benefit” two years in a row and has been invited back this year. He promises a lively set this year.
“At my shows as long as the people have a spinal column, they’ll be dancing,” he said.
Ray has been married to his wife Kim for 9 years and has a 14 year old son named Tyler. When asked what he’d like to accomplish personally he says he’s happy where he is.
“I don’t play the lottery because I don’t see how things could get any better,” he said.
Posted in Buffalo jobs Car dealer Employees Employment by .
Accountant Thinking Long-Term with West Herr
West Herr accountant Joyce Noel is a lifelong learner. She has a successful career track, a loving family and a dedicated fitness regimen. Yet she has still to conquer one thing: ice skating.
“It’s been three years but I’m still hugging the boards,” Joyce said, “I can walk in heels but I still can’t ice skate.”
When she’s not hugging the boards, Joyce Noel is the main accountant for West Herr’s most historic location, Ford of Hamburg. She oversees store’s day to day flow, a craft she’s been perfecting for a decade with West Herr. She says her time in the auto industry has been consistently interesting.
“My day is never boring,” Joyce said, “everyday is fast-paced and fun.”
Joyce Noel at the West Herr Corporate Office in Blasdell
Joyce credits West Herr for their dedication to their employees. She was particularly moved when the group threw a surprise baby shower for her before the birth of her son Tyler. They also helped celebrate her daughter Grace’s birth.
“They definitely make you feel like you’re part of a family,” Joyce said with a smile.
Joyce Noel knows a thing or two about family. She’s been married to her husband David for 11 years and is heavily involved with her children. Aside from little league games, Joyce and her children actively engage in recreational fitness together. It’s to the point where the students are now outdoing their teacher.
“Recently I ran a quarter mile with my daughter and she got ahead of me, I had to keep up!” Joyce said with pride.
Joyce speaks with pride about her career as well. She credits West Herr with being a company that is not only engaged with the community, but forward thinking as well. She describes West Herr’s general plans as progressive.
“You can’t stay the same, you have to change with the times and West Herr knows that,” Joyce said.
As with many West Herr employees, Joyce Noel has been an integral part of the implementing the changes she praises. She hopes to continue on that path and finish her career with West Herr.
“I just want to be a valuable asset to the team,” she said. With employees thinking like Joyce Noel, it’s no wonder West Herr is one of the best places to work in Buffalo.
Car Enthusiast Brings Passion To The Work Place
Customer Service Representative Brian Parker describes his approach to work as “go with the flow.” That flow has taken him from a lot attendant to a management position* within nine years, so clearly he’s doing something right.
“I plan on being here for awhile, West Herr is more than just a job,” he said.
Brian was an assistant body shop manager at Toyota of Williamsville before moving to the Nissan store in Hamburg to work in customer service.
Since he lives in Hamburg the drive is easier, but you won’t ever hear him complain about things like commute time. He’s more concerned with giving customers the best possible experience at West Herr, regardless of location.
Brian Parker takes a quick break from providing quality customer service
“The key to my job is keeping customers informed every step of the way,” he said, “It makes things so much easier.” Brian’s job is to work with customers and insurance claims throughout the repair process. With his experience in the body shop, Brian can guide customers through repairs worry-free.
Despite his love for cars in general, he says he prefers the office work to body shop work.
“It’s a lot cleaner and healthier for sure,” he said. Brian says he still loves to work on his own car and attend car shows in his spare time. He has two children with his wife Erin but still manages to find time to bike, golf and go camping.
Erin is a former West Herr employee and her mother is still with the company. It was through Erin and her mom that Brian got his first job with West Herr and he hasn’t looked back since.
“It just seems like West Herr knows how to hire people, I’ve gotten along with just about everyone I’ve worked with,” he said. Brian has been with the company 9 years and says it hasn’t even felt close to that. He also applauds the open communication process at West Herr.
“From the President on down, you feel like you can talk to anyone here,” he said.
Parker also recalls a time when West Herr truly touched his personal life. After the birth of his son, Josh, he received personalized memorabilia and clothing from the company. He says “I’ll remember that forever.”
Brian Parker is very happy with his family life and career wise he aims to move into an upper management position with West Herr. Brian’s values of integrity and empathy will continue to serve him well on his path to success.
West Herr Employee Keeps Customer Satisfaction High
Walk into West Herr Chevrolet in Orchard Park and you’ll see a thin man in glasses running around the service department. That is Team Service Manager Dennis Guzdek, and to him serving customers is more than just a job, it’s a passion.
Dennis Guzdek taking a quick break from helping customers at West Herr Chevrolet in Orchard Park
“I just really get into it. I love making sure customers are happy,” Dennis said. He mentions how he studies Customer Service Index (CSI) scores intensely and looks for ways to improve.
Guzdek has taken the “learn on the job” approach to his time at West Herr. He said he was never a car enthusiast but has since become one. He started in 1996 as a lot attendant and worked his way up to his current position. At one point Dennis was splitting up his shifts between two different dealerships.
He even chose to continue working at West Herr over attending college.
“I’d say that was one of the best decisions of my life,” he said.
What’s kept Dennis Guzdek at West Herr is the way they treat their employees. He credits the company with their loyalty and commitment to all their employees.
“They’ll help you professionally, but what makes them different is that they’ll help you in your personal life too,” Dennis said. “They really do treat employees like family.”
Dennis speaks with contagious enthusiasm about his job. Ask him about his personal life and he’s a man of few words, purely out of humility and nothing more.
He currently lives in a newly purchased house with his fiancée Jennifer. They will wed on June 25th. He said most of his spare time involves working on his house, trying to make a better home for his current and future family. His selfless attitude seen at work carries over to his personal life.
“I used to be into motorcycles but ever since I got engaged I stopped riding them,” he says referring to safety concerns.
Dennis Guzdek says he aims to continue his ascension through West Herr ranks and eventually join upper management. With his dedication, tenacity and passion, that shouldn’t be a problem.
May 10
19
Barbara Hammond- Rolling With Change
After Market Associate Has Grown Personally and Professionally With West Herr
18 years ago, Barbara Hammond started as a temporary greeter with West Herr. Today, she works in the accounting department at the corporate office. When asked why temporary turned into long term, she sums it up simply yet effectively.
Barbara Hammon at the West Herr Corporate Offices in Blasdell, NY
“If there’s one thing I’ve learned in life, it’s that everything is subject to change,” she said. Barbara also says she values these changes and where they have taken her.
“There are just so many different opportunities in this company, I really like the flexibility and variety,” she said.
Barbara Hammond has lived that variety first hand. She started at the West Herr Saturn of Orchard Park store as a greeter. She then moved on to become the first greeter ever at Ford of Hamburg.
She went full time in 1993 and then moved on to work in leasing, financing and eventually to her current position. Barbara is an aftermarket associate who deals with payment plans and financing statements on a daily basis.
“My time at West Herr has certainly taught me how to adjust,” she said.
She says that West Herr’s family atmosphere and care for their employees have kept her here so long. She credits the owners with making employees feel cared for and “like people, not a number.” She also praised the company’s communication and feedback process.
“When you’re told you’re doing a good job, it just makes you want to do a better one,’ she said. “You always feel like you’re in the loop at West Herr.”
Outside of work, Barbara Hammond lives the family values that West Herr promotes. She has been married to her husband Tom for 34 years and has three children. She is particularly excited about the wedding of her oldest daughter, Melissa, coming up in October. She’s heavily involved with her church and is an avid gardener. All in all she says she’s happy with her life and will continue to focus on her career.
“My philosophy is to always be busy,” she said of her work. With people like Barbara Hammond in key positions, it’s clear why West Herr has grown from one dealership into a thriving, community oriented enterprise.
May 10
18
Gerald Sikora- Auto Industry Veteran
Parts Associate Offers Expertise And Giving Spirit
Gerald “Gerry” Sikora’s office isn’t decorated like most people’s. His daily surroundings include racks of tires and car parts. In the spirit of a true autoworker, his desk is homemade.
“I put this desk together myself. It works just fine,” Gerry said with understated pride.
Gerald Sikora at work
Gerald Gerry makes it clear his happiness comes from the simple things in life. For most of his life he has volunteered as an Auxiliary firefighter with the Buffalo Fire Department. he said he’s has been called to major fires in the city hundreds of times, many during the night. Not once did it affect his work.
“People ask me why I do it,” Gerry said. “But I love it. You get the satisfaction of helping people and some excitement.” Gerry also worked on the Salvation Army canteen truck which provides rehab to firefighters and emergency personnel during major fires and other incidents.
Another reason behind his volunteer work is the love for the city of Buffalo. He owns a home in the East Lovejoy district and has lived in the city for his entire life.
“I just love to do my part to make the city what it is today,” Gerry said.
This is what makes Gerald Gerry such a fitting West Herr employee. Gerry has been with West Herr for 15 years at the Saturn of Clarence parts department in numerous positions. He has over 40 years of experience in the auto industry including time as an autobody repair technician. He says one of his favorite things about West Herr is their dedication to Western New York.
“They’ve made a commitment to grow in Western New York,” Gerry said.
Gerry is especially impressed by West Herr’s charity work and how personally involed the owners and vice presidents are. What he particularly likes is how they rarely publicize their involvement and their actions are for all the right reasons.
“There’s an old phrase ‘run silent, run deep.’ That’s how West Herr operates with their charity work,” Gerry said.
Gerry spends his remaining free time with his wife of 40 years, Carol. He has three children and six grandchildren. When asked about his hobbies the answer revolves around his family.
As for the future Gerry says, “one day at a time…either way there’s always something to do with the grandkids,” he said smiling. Whatever he chooes to do, Gerald Sikora’s giving nature will be sure to inspire those around him.
Posted in Buffalo jobs Car dealer Car repair Employees Employment by .
Energetic Employee Loving Life At West Herr
In a company of 1100 employees, you need problem solvers. Warranty administrator Cathy Miskey is just that.
“Every day my job is like solving a puzzle,” Cathy said. “I love how much investigation I do on a daily basis.”
Catherine Miskey’s job is to handle warranty claims and make sure payments go through as smoothly as possible. It goes without saying that the money collector is vital to any business. The role has her often running the gamut of emotions.
“We just got paid on a claim from November and I was dancing in my office,” Cathy said. Based on her lively disposition, it’s clear she was not exaggerating in the least.
Cathy Miskey’s love for her work stems from the job itself but also the West Herr family. She worked at the West Herr Chevrolet of Orchard Park building when it was still Daniel Chevrolet. She admits she was nervous when West Herr bought the building, but in the long run it worked out.
“I remember being terrified, but the day West Herr bought Daniel Chevrolet turned out to be one of the best days of my life,” she said. “I have no plans on leaving West Herr.”
Cathy says West Herr works hard to maintain a family atmosphere by only hiring dedicated people. Loyalty to the company naturally follows.
“If you work hard, they will always find a spot for you,” she says. “West Herr truly is a family.”
Cathy Miskey’s personal life ties into her love for piecing things together. She does garment work such as sewing quilts. She also recently discovered Geocashing, which essentially is a scavenger hunt powered through the internet. However, the true source of her happiness is though is her family. She has two sons with her husband of 39 years, Frank.
“I live in a nice house, my family is healthy and I love my job, what else can I ask for in life?” she said with a smile. With that outlook, Catherine Miskey will be dancing again sometime soon.
Posted in Uncategorized by .
Hamburg Technician Proves Hard Work and Commitment Lead to Success
Dennis Albrecht can give a lesson on loyalty. He’s worked 12 years as a technician at West Herr Ford in Hamburg and has been Ford loyal since he was old enough to drive.
“They’ve just always been a forthright company, I’ll never buy another brand,” Albrecht said. He said his father was a lifelong Ford customer as well. Brand loyalty at that level is a rarity in the era of smart phones and internet shopping.
Dennis Albrecht working on a truck at West Herr Ford in Hamburg
Albrecht’s dedication to Ford is matched only by his dedication to West Herr. He currently lives in Perrysburg, NY and makes the 25 mile plus commute to Hamburg everyday. He has no complaints about the distance, and has nothing but positive things to say about his time at West Herr.
“It’s amazing what this company does for you that they don’t have to do,” Albrecht said. He mentions material gestures like gift cards, but more importantly the general spirit of teamwork and open communication.
“If you work here, you can’t just be concerned about your own paycheck,” he said. “Tunnel vision doesn’t work at this company.”
Albrecht specifically mentions the efforts of the partners and owners. He recalls a time where he ran into Vice President John Wabick at Wegmans and Wabick made it a point to ask about his life and family. He said the same of President Scott Bieler.
“Scott Bieler knows your name even if you aren’t wearing a nametag,” Albrecht said. “For such a large amount of employees, this company is surprisingly close knit.
When asked about a particular anecdote that sums up his West Herr experience, Albrecht simply smiles and replies “too many to count…but they’re all good ones.”
Dennis Albrecht lives like he works, with his hands. Currently, he spends most of his time outside of work renovating his house. He sees it as a long term project for him and his wife of 4 years, Kathie.
Aside from renovation, Albrecht travels to see his children. When he does have time to relax, he likes to take in a NASCAR race or something from the Discovery or History channel. At the moment, Albrecht is content.
“Right now, everything’s working for me,” Albrecht said. West Herr can say the same about his service.
Apr 10
26
Ralph May: Parts Specialist
West Herr Veteran Talks Family, Cooking and Life
The new showroom at West Herr Toyota in Williamsville is already impressive, but parts specialist Ralph May has a radical suggestion.
“Why not put a diner in there? Come in, get your car fixed, get some breakfast,” he said. “I’d be happy to cook for the West Herr diner.”
While you may not see Ralph in a chef’s hat anytime soon, you will see him putting in long hours as a parts specialist in Toyota Williamsville. 25 years ago, Ralph started out sweeping floors at the West Herr body shop in Hamburg. He is now a veteran parts specialist with parts management experience.
Ralph May at West Herr Toyota in Williamsville
“The best part is I’ve gotten to move around and see new things in my career,” Ralph said. “At West Herr, there’s always an opportunity to move forward.”
He specifically mentions his time working with President Scott Bieler and Vice President John Wabick. He notes how they took time to work with every employee and show them the West Herr way.
“They taught me the true value of taking care of customers.” Ralph said.
He also lauds West Herr’s general attitude towards their employees. He notes that “a happy employee will in turn make happy customers.”
When talking to Ralph May about his life and hobbies, the conversation topics shift from his lack of a cell phone or email account to the music of Frank Zappa with ease. May enjoys playing poker, both online and with friends. He’s also an avid Buffalo sports fan.
“I love my Bills and my Sabres, for sure,” he said.
Ralph is married to his wife Nancy and has three step-children and three grandchildren. He spends most of his time traveling to see them; in a few weeks he is traveling to Dillsburg, PA to attend the annual Picklefest with Nancy, his step son and two of their grandchildren.
When asked what’s left for him to accomplish, he said he hopes to get back into Parts Management at some point, and keep on finding new challenges.
“My story is far from being done,” he said. Maybe the story involves being West Herr’s first official cook.