Jan 11
18
Patricia Esposito- Keeping Sales Fun
Toyota Sales Associate Takes A Unique Approach To Success
In 1994 Patricia Esposito walked in to West Herr to buy a Saturn. She walked out with a new career path. She enjoyed the sales process so much she joined the West Herr team as a sales associate and has been thriving ever since.
“I really enjoyed the sales process and the general atmosphere. It made me think ‘hey I could do that,” she said. “It’s truly a fun job.”
Patricia came to West Herr that day since her original car broke down. Few people could turn such a setback into a positive step, but that’s just Patricia Esposito.
Fun and positivity are part of her sales approach, and the results show up in her customer satisfaction surveys. One particular survey said that Patricia could “sell anything to anyone” and another simply said “I had a fun day buying a car.”
“My philosophy is if it’s a big expense, the customer might as well have fun with it,” she said. Patricia says one of her favorite parts of the sales process is the follow up. She even comes in on her days off for car deliveries.
Customers clearly respond to this approach. As we’re talking a man named Gary comes up to Patricia’s desk and sits down. They have coffee and talk like long time friends. Patricia has sold Gary multiple cars and may be doing so again shortly.
“I only buy my cars from her,” Gary says.
Patricia credits the West Herr culture her approach to sales. She says all the owners are willing to listen and create an atmosphere conducive to success.
“West Herr is great because they stick by their mission statement,” Patricia said. “Plus it’s also great to have the backing of multiple brands.”
In her spare time Patricia Esposito is a painter. She even painted a full wall mural while in Florida, as seen in the picture above. If you stop by her desk you’ll also notice eclectic things like an elephant figure or some bamboo sitting next to her Toyota President’s Club award.
So next time you’re near West Herr Toyota of Williamsville, stop in and say hi to Patricia. You may hear a funny story, see an interesting picture or perhaps even buy a car. No matter what, you’ll end up enjoying yourself.
Dec 10
15
Mike Walters- Auto Repair Guru
Collision Center Manager Turns Passion Into Career
Whether he is hunting a deer or fixing a car, Mike Walters always aims high.
“I wait for horns, I only hunt for an 8 or better,” Mike said about his deer hunting methods. Take that methodical approach and apply it to running an auto body shop, and you have West Herr Collision center director Mike Walters. It’s no mystery why West Herr saw auto repair profits quadruple in Mike’s first three years on the job. 
“Those were some crazy times,” Mike says with a smile. He credits West Herr with providing the atmosphere for him and his employees to achieve success.
He points out that West Herr has a high employee retention rate and praises the trust the company puts in their employees to make the right decisions.
“Our employees have a desire to make our customers happy, “he said. Mike mentions how even when Buffalo winters hit and the weather is nearly unmanageable, all of his employees make it into work. Their dedication to their jobs and each other is mirrored by Walters himself.
“I stand behind my employees 100% and would go to the ends of the earth for them,” Mike said. He says this stems from the West Herr family atmosphere and open door communication policy of the owners.
It certainly helps that Mike Walters is a car enthusiast outside of work as well. He has a 66 Pontiac GTO and 68 Ford Mustang in his home driveway as long term restoration projects. The mustang is for Carol, his wife of 28 years. He says he still has about year to a year and a half left to go.
Aside from fixing cars, Mike spends much of his free time at his cabin in Rexville, NY. He says he gets there as much as he can and hunts with his sons Joshua and Jacob. Joshua is a design engineer at Ford and Jacob is an electrical apprentice, so autos and working with their hands runs in the family.
Until retirement Mike says he’ll continue to improve the collision center the best he can. He says that current auto technology changes so quickly he and his employees must take certification classes every few months to stay up to date.
“It’s an interesting time to be in the business to say the least,” Mike said. With Mike’s systematic, hands on approach it’s no doubt he’ll be an integral West Herr moving forward.
Dec 10
13
Mike Ippolito- Full Circle
West Herr Service Manager Embraces The Community He Works In
Mike Ippolito’s life and career have come full circle. He started out staring at a 1969 Corvette at a local Chevy dealer, and is now the service manager at West Herr Chevy in Orchard Park.
“I just loved that car, I used to hang out at the dealership just to see it,” he said. Mike said this was a major inspiration for working in the auto industry. 
Mike Ippolito also helps improve the industry outside of work. He is on the BOCES advisory board and provides input on students and lesson plans to help create better auto service workers. He says he sees the results at work.
“These kids just get it, and it’s great to feel like you have an impact,” Mike said.
Mike Ippolito is also a community man. He lives in the Village of Orchard Park with his wife of 33 years, Sue. He often sees West Herr customers at the grocery store or local events and chats with them on friendly terms.
“I love this village and the people in it,” he said, “It’s a true community.”
Mike says it’s easy to embrace the community spirit and provide quality customer service with the backing of an organization like West Herr.
“West Herr does it right, they do everything with integrity,” Mike said. “They don’t just think about one sale; they look to create a lifelong customer.”
Mike says that even after setbacks, West Herr is always thinking about the next opportunity. He credits the organization for progressiveness and mentions how West Herr is embracing new media such as Facebook, Twitter and E-Commerce.
“This company certainly sees the future and it’s always rewarding to see your company moving forward,” he said.
Like West Herr, Mike says his goal is to constantly tweak his processes and improve an already reputable service department.
“As a manager you want to create a philosophy and culture then see it in action,” Mike said.
With people like Mike Ippolito on board, West Herr has been able to create a culture of integrity and respect. It’s no doubt with people training under Mike, this philosophy will continue well into the future.
Nov 10
9
John Macey- Opportunity Maven
West Herr Director Sees Success With Every Possibility
John “Mace” Macey is a consummate optimist. He’s risen to the position Variable Operations Director at West Herr and still sees a possibility for success in every opportunity.
“When people say something can’t be done I look past that. I ask why and I just don’t stop,” he said. He says the thrill of a plan turning into success is why he loves what he does. John’s main job is to advise store managers and other employees on new opportunities and refining processes.
“They say if you like what you do it’s not like having a job, and that’s exactly how I feel,” he said. “I enjoy coming to work every day.”
John, a lifelong Buffalo native, started working at a factory and eventually got the opportunity to sell cars. He came to West Herr 1989 as a store General Manager and then moved up to director. He says keeping his roots in mind helps him gain perspective on where he is now.
“I’ve never forgotten where I’ve come from,” John said.
One of the most important lessons John has learned in his journey is to lead from the front. He recalls a time at Saturn of Clarence when instead of just instructing employees how to wash cars; he got down on the pavement and showed them how.
“It’s important to lead by example,” he said, “and it’s not my style to ask someone to do something I wouldn’t do myself.”
He credits West Herr for providing an atmosphere where he can manage his way. John says West Herr does not micromanage, they trust their employees to complete tasks properly, which has lead to sustained success.
“No one is standing over your shoulder here, and that’s an atmosphere where people can thrive,” he said.
John Macey has 5 grandchildren and spends much of his free time with them. He says he hopes to eventually retire, live comfortably and continue watching his grandchildren grow.
He has a son, Jack, who works for West Herr Kustom Korner and his son-in-law Steve Kowalczewski is also employed by the Auto Group. With people in the John Macey mold at West Herr, they are in line for continued growth and success.
Oct 10
26
Kerry Finach- Selling What She Loves
West Herr Subaru Employee Drives The Product She Sells
Kerry Finach isn’t shy about helping customers, but photos are a different story.
“We’re not doing the whole camera thing,” she says when asked about a photo to go along with the article.
She then spots a customer enter the showroom. She greets the customer and within minutes they’re conversing as good friends do. Enthusiasm and a friendly attitude are part of why Kerry Finach has enjoyed 17 years of success at West Herr. 
“It’s easy and fun doing your job with the West Herr reputation behind you,” said Kerry Finach, a recipient of the Subaru Summit Peak Performance sales award.
She also credits West Herr’s open door communication policy for creating a comfortable work atmosphere. She says that despite significant growth, the door to an owner’s office is always open to talk.
Kerry Finach’s success also stems from a genuine sales approach; she is personally connected to the brand she sells. Finach proudly drives a Subaru Forester and understands the loyalty customers have to the brand.
“Subaru makes a great car and their customers just love the brand,” she says. Kerry Finach sees that brand allegiance first hand. She has seen customers go through their life phases and still come back to West Herr Subaru.
“I’ve sold people cars and then years later they come in with their kids, it’s just a great thing to see,” she said. Being a family person herself, Kerry Finach displays an empathy that all consumers desire in their sales representatives.
With her attitude and approach, Kerry Finach is sure to enjoy long term success and see a few more phases of life come through West Herr.
Posted in Buffalo jobs Car dealer Employees Employment by .
Ford Expert and West Herr Vet Brings Wealth Of Life Experience
Even when posing for a quick photograph, Bob Trembath lets you know a lot about himself.
“Make sure you get my bike in this one,” Trembath said as he points to the framed picture of a motorcycle next to his desk. 
Bob Trembath is a veteran sales consultant at West Herr Ford in Hamburg by day and a motorcycle enthusiast pretty much any other time. In fact, enthusiast might be putting it lightly.
“On my next day off I’ll probably bike over 300 miles.” Trembath said. “I once biked 1027 miles in one day.” He is the proud owner of 2 Harley motorcycles.
Trembath’s enthusiasm isn’t limited to his personal hobbies. One look around his office reveals model cars and numerous car sales awards. Once Bob Trembath is into something, it’s clear he goes full throttle.
“Simply put, I just love cars and motorcycles. It’s been that way since I was old enough to talk,” Trembath said.
His love for cars has translated into an exemplary career at West Herr. He has sold and delivered 300 cars in a year 9 years straight, impressive for any sales associate. However, his finest achievement happened in March 1999.
That month, Trembath delivered 62 cars, a West Herr record for an individual sales consultant. The previous record holder? President Scott Bieler.
“Somehow, the planets just aligned for me that month,” Trembath said. When discussing the achievment, he speaks without a hint of boasting. He’s simply passionate about the car business.
Trembath started at West Herr at the Ford Hamburg body shop in 1978. He eventually moved into selling cars and hasn’t looked back in 32 years. He even brought his son, Robert Jr., into the West Herr family. Robert Jr. is currently a sales consultant at West Herr Toyota in Orchard Park.
“West Herr really is the best place to work,” Trembath said. “Trying to be a good person is one thing, but working for a company that actually promotes that is amazing.”
Trembath also credits the West Herr family for helping him through a difficult time in his life. In 2006 Trembath was diagnosed with colon cancer and went to Roswell Park for treatment.
During his recovery, he received up to get well over 300 Get Well cards, so much that the mail carrier personally knocked on his door and to deliver them.
“The mail carrier said he had never seen someone get so many cards in his life,” Trembath said. He says a majority came from West Herr employees, some that he had never even met.
“They really do care about you at West Herr, I can’t emphasize that enough,” Trembath said.
He has been cancer free for just over 3 years now and says he’s never felt better. He looks to eventually retire and spend time on his motorcycle with his wife Debbie.
“God willing, I will travel cross country on my bike. That is my dream,” Trembath said.
When that time comes, look for Trembath on the open roads. Until then he will cement his West Herr legacy that should inspire new and current employees alike.
Posted in Buffalo jobs Car dealer by .
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.