1. automotive and vehicles
2. vehicle brands
3. ford

J I M B U R K E E M PLOY E E U PDAT E • A PR I L 20 0 9
GREAT SALES &
CUSTOMER SERVICE
To my friends at the Jim Burke organization,
I wanted to take a moment to let you all know that I will no
longer be the acting Zone Manager for your organization.
For those of you that I did not get to say goodbye to
personally I wanted to wish you my best and let you all
know you will be in my thoughts during these difficult
economic times.
I have worked with over 30 dealerships in Southern
California and the Jim Burke organization has by far
been one of my most pleasant experiences. Getting to
know each of you on a personal level and meeting your
families at the company picnic and employee rallies
was nothing less then wonderful. You all truly work for
a wonderful company and I am grateful I was welcomed
so warmly as a part of it.
I will be moving on to my new assignment in Southern
California beginning March 9th. Even though I will miss
working with your team I am looking forward to this new
challenge and to starting a new phase of my career.
Thank you to each and everyone of your for your support,
guidance, and encouragement throughout my time with
your organization. You have all helped me to grow as a
manager with Ford Motor Company and I will always
carry around a piece of the Jim Burke Organization with
me.
There is no doubt in my mind that Ford Motor Company
will come out of the current economic situation stronger
then ever and when we do the Jim Burke organization
will be on top! Your team has been building lasting
relationships through great customer service for almost
100 years, and your customers will not soon forget it!
pays off for a parts person and service advisor.
J
im Burke Ford recently won two exclusive paid trips from Ford Motoor
Company. The management staff decided to award these trips to two
outstanding employees ­— Corey Wild, Downtown Service Drive Advisor, was
awarded a trip from the Race of Champions service sale promotion and Chris
Castillo, Wholesale Parts Sales, was awarded the trip from Ford’s Blue Diamond
Parts for a high level of sales.
Corey had a choice of six great vacation destinations and he chose the Royal
Caribbean Bahamas cruise. The trip includes an ocean view state room for four
nights and will leave from the Port of Miami. Corey was our top performing advisor
in customer viewpoint scores for 2008.
Chris was presented the Blue Diamond Elite Status award for being the top
performer in wholesale sales in the parts department. Jim Burke Ford’s parts
department finished 18th in the nation in 2008 for volume and growth. In fact,
the parts department was the top dealer in California. Chris’s trip is a trip for
two in May to the beautiful island of Maui.
We’re looking forward to hearing from these guys on their tropical experiences.
We know these two guys will represent Jim Burke Ford very well on their trips.
If you see either of these great employees, let them know what a terrific job they
are doing!
It has been my pleasure to work with all of you and I am
truly honored to now call all of you my friends.
Sincerely,
Cory Belonzi, Zone Manager
Ford Motor Company
More Notes of Thanks
• Great dealership—a flagship for Ford!
• Thank you so much. Alex was amazing as well as
everyone else at Ford. This was my precious Big Girl
Car! Thank You!
• Pete De Jesus was extremely courteous, helpful and
knowledgeable about our Ford vehicle.
B uil d in g L a st in g Re l at i o n s hi p s T hro u g h Great Cu sto m er S er v i c e S in c e 1913
Fashion Corner
Attention
Employees:
Special Book
Scholarship
Available
Do you have a student that
is graduating from High
School this year?
If so, here is some news that
might be of interest you…
We are pleased to announce
that we have book
scholarships available
to senior students of our
employees. The students
must be graduating from
High School and continuing
their education.
If you are interested
in applying, stop by
the Human Resources
Department to pick up an
application. They are due
April 10th.
Thank You!
To everyone that supported
me through a difficult time.
I am very blessed to work
for such a great company
like Jim Burke Ford. I
would like to thank all of
my generous co-workers/
friends that have donated
vacation time to me. It
has been a blessing to
have had management/
HR extend their support
without hesitation. I am
appreciative to all of you for
all your prayers, e-mails,
calls and kind words.
Again, I am truly blessed.
P.S. My son is doing very
well thanks to God and
everyone’s prayers.
Jessica Adams
Accounts Payables
2
Dressing for success doesn’t
have to mean boring
W
ith the economy on a downward turn and our pocketbook shrinking, we need ideas that will
help carry us through these rough times. As we continue to strive for excellence within
ourselves, how we project ourselves, especially through our appearance, could
help keep us lifted mentally and make a difference in how we express ourselves in
the workplace.
Dressing for success doesn’t have to mean boring business suits or white collared
shirts, how you feel when you put on that splash of color and how you
coordinate your wardrobe definitely speaks louder than words.
Next time you are out shopping, keep in mind what you already have
in your closet and think how you can enhance your wardrobe by just
adding a new belt to an old dress or a piece
of jewelry that can be the focal point of
your outfit, a new pair of shoes or maybe a
new haircut. Your clothes don’t always
Leticia Castro,
Skirt - $17.99
speak for you, but how you
Accounting Clerk,
Forever 21
with new hair style accessorize does.
Shirt - $9.99
Always have a focal point, believe me that
Forever 21
will enhance any outfit-new or old. If it’s your
Sweater - $19.99
shoes that stand out, it won’t matter
Target
what outfit you have on.
Shoes - $49.99
With the spring & summer months
Amazon.com
around the corner, use your better
Necklace - $6.99
judgement when deciding on your
Forever 21
workplace attire. Always keep the
Flower - Homemade,
Kyle Galaz,
maybe about $1
company’s dress code policy in mind
Downtown Used
Nicole Martinez,
Vehicle Sales
BDC Coordinator
while shopping.
Shop
It!
Save the date for the Jim Burke Company Picnic
“It’s a Fiesta!”
Thursday, June 4th from 5:30 to 10 p.m. • at the Kern River Golf Course Picnic Area
HR with
Who is this Biker? Call
your guess!
Here are a few hints:
• Bought her first bike 41 years ago!
• Her Mom was a Harley Sweetheart Club Biker
• She can ride with the best—traveling 375 miles a day
The article in last month’s Sparkplug titled, “Who is this Rock Star?”, caused
several employees to call in and guess. The first employee to guess it correctly was
Augie Reyes from Sales. The first employee to guess who wanted the free guitar
lesson was Jesse Suarez from New Car Detail. The correct answer and rock star is
Kyle Galaz, Used Vehicle Sales at Oak Street.
If you have a picture that we could use for an upcoming newsletter, please submit
those to HR. Thanks for having so much fun with this!
Bandolero keeps goal in sight
J
oe Tamez began his career with Jim Burke Ford as a Used Car
Salesperson on July 12, 1990. He is consistently in the running as one
of the Top Dogs (Top 5 salespeople for the year). In 1992 Joe earned
the honors as Top Used Car Salesperson three months in a row, a record
he has always worked hard to beat. On the last day of January 2009 Joe
was tied with Raul Medina (another outstanding used car salesperson)
for the monthly honor. Joe Tamez had earned the honor for the last three
months of 2008. He needed one more deal to beat his 1992 record. Twenty
minutes after closing time Joe wrapped up his final deal with a customer
that he had been working with earlier in the week. Seeing how close he
was to a new record Joe called his customer back in, they made the deal,
and Joe took home the honors of Used Car Salesperson for the 4th month
in a row! Joe has his sights on Steve Witt and the Salesperson of the Year
title for 2009. Good luck Joe, Steve says you’re gonna need it!
Natalie Gaona, Celebrity Chef
E
very winter for the CASA bake sale, as well as the occasional
birthday, downtown Jim Burke Ford employees are
fortunate enough to taste the cakes brought by Natalie
Gaona. But did you know that Natalie’s true skill is not as a
baker, but actually as a cake decorator?
For the past five years Natalie has spent nights and weekends working
as a cake decorator for various weddings and special events. And although
she never saw herself as a “baker”, she began decorating cakes to share with
friends and family as well. According to Natalie, the most unique cake she
has done was for Chad Manning’s sister’s wedding, which involved several
layers! Yet her most challenging cake designs are those that require her
to re-create a picture or specific design with frosting. Natalie mentions
that this has been accomplished with mixed success.
Although Natalie has been known to tell people that “birthdays are special, and everyone
deserves a cake”, ironically she herself doesn’t like them! Given the choice Natalie will always
go for a slice of pie, and her favorite kind is pumpkin. Be sure to say hi to Natalie and ask about
her latest creation next time you are near Certified Leasing!
Casa Graduation
C
asa held their 43rd graduation class of Kern
County on Monday, March 9th. Volunteers
completed 36 hours of training to become
court appointed special advocates. Topics
include:
• Working with public agencies
• Child and adolescent development
• Family systems
• Dynamics of abuse and neglect
• Working with the court and child
welfare systems
• Case monitoring and court report
writing
• Information gathering and role playing
• Cultural awareness and communication
skills
• Community resources
Mad Mike’s
Quick
Pork
Ribs
Ingredients:
•
•
•
•
•
Garlic Salt
Pepper
Rack Of Pork Ribs
Barbecue Sauce Of Your Choice
Honey
Putting It Together:
• Cut rack of ribs in 4ths and boil
in water for approximately 20
minutes. Add garlic salt and
pepper while boiling.
• Set each quarter of ribs on the
barbecue grill & brown each side.
Brush on your barbecue sauce
on each side of the ribs.
• Before removing your ribs from
the grill brush on honey to both
sides of your ribs.
• Bubble the honey by using a blow
torch!!
Enjoy!!!
Submitted by:
Mike Foster
Technician
Downtown, Main Shop
About 2700 children are currently in
dependency in Kern County, meaning they
have been abused, neglected or abandoned.
This is where the Casa volunteer steps in and
becomes their voice and advocate.
Jim Burke Ford Lincoln Mercury was given
donor recognition for the money contributed
through parking passes, denim days,
burrito and dessert sales.
Representing Jim Burke Ford at the
ecent were Natalie Gaona, Victoria De
La Cruz and Jessica Adams, who were
instrumental in organizing the food and
bake sales.
It was a touching
ceremony and an honor to
have been recognized.
3
April
ember
Ford Leaving Chrysler, GM in Its Rearview
By Jean Halliday, Advertising Age
Mark Your
Calendars!
Birthdays
Amalia Matienzo................ 4/2
Jose Ruiz........................... 4/3
Javier Pena ....................... 4/3
Joe Hay...............................4/4
Bonafacio Saucedo........... 4/7
Damon Blanton.................. 4/7
Luis Marroquin.................. 4/9
Shorty Harris....................4/11
Jeremy Reyes...................4/11
William Scott....................4/12
David Banda.....................4/12
Don Summers..................4/12
Kayleigh Lenke.................4/14
Mike Brennan...................4/15
Dan Hay............................4/16
Veronica Sanchez.............4/17
Mark Waybright................4/17
Mike Gurrola.....................4/17
Gil Sernas.........................4/18
Oscar Perea......................4/18
Jonathan Scott................ 4/21
Maria Paine..................... 4/21
Christy Garza................... 4/21
Andres Ramirez................4/24
Barry Hopfe..................... 4/26
Anna Trybul..................... 4/26
Stephen Smith................. 4/27
Hector Castillo................. 4/29
Bethany Routt.................. 4/30
Anniversaries
4/1 Fernando Castro.....7 yrs
4/2 Aaron Carrillo.........2 yrs
4/2 Jesus Garcia...........2 yrs
4/3 Arnulfo Alfaro..........3 yrs
4/4 Tom Moser..............4 yrs
4/4 William Scott..........3 yrs
4/10Rob Burke...............3 yrs
4/11Stan Loewen...........3 yrs
4/14David Glover......... 14 yrs
4/14Emilio Duran...........6 yrs
4/14Bonnie Bentley........5 yrs
4/14Sal Ramos...............5 yrs
4/15David Villanueva... 24 yrs
4/17Rob Boyd................9 yrs
4/17Gerardo Sanchez.....1 yrs
4/22Don Summers.......27 yrs
4/23Ronda Kline.............2 yrs
4/23Justin Isaac.............1 yrs
4/24Ronnie Riggs...........9 yrs
4/27Louis Ortega......... 14 yrs
4/28Gabriel Garcia.......20 yrs
4/28Joel Salazar............1 yrs
4/30Bob McDermott......2 yrs
Suddenly, the wind is at Ford’s back. Maybe it’s the rising quality of its cars. Maybe it’s the
halo surrounding Ford for passing up federal funds being devoured by its Detroit rivals. Or it
could simply be Ford’s focus on building image in its marketing while others flog incentives. But
for whatever reason, America seems to have decided that Ford is a better idea after all.
Through January, Ford Motor Co.’s retail-market share had risen for four consecutive months
for the first time in 14 years, and that share was coming from General Motors and Chrysler.
New data from CNW Market Research show that 19% of consumers who planned to buy a
GM passenger car in January or February instead bought a Ford, Lincoln or Mercury. Some
15% of people who set out to buy a Chrysler or Dodge car in January instead switched to one
of Ford’s brands. “Times like these can provide opportunities for us to distance ourselves
for the long term,” said Ford’s Ken Czubay, VP-sales and marketing. “We are doing fine from
a conquest standpoint.”
Indeed, in the first two months of the year, the number of qualified buyers who planned
to buy a Ford jumped 16% from 2008, CNW said. Qualified buyers who intended to buy GM
fell 12% and Chrysler 33%.
That’s a remarkable feat for Ford, considering that until three years ago. “To be able to
grow even a little bit of share in such a tough market is an accomplishment,” said Cameron
McNaughton, president of auto consultant TreeFarm Partners. Ford “is doing a terrific
job.”
More impressive is that Ford has moved up in America’s estimation even though it has not
touted in marketing the fact that it hasn’t accepted a government handout. Ford said it never
really considered doing so, figuring its limited funding is better spent on brand building.
But another reason may be it simply doesn’t need to. CNW President Art Spinella said 93%
of Americans already know Ford is not now dependent on government funds, while 95% of
consumers polled by his company know GM and Chrysler are on the dole.
“For Ford right now, the right way to handle this is to stick to their knitting,” said one
top industry creative with knowledge of auto accounts. “They should say the positive things
about the quality of Ford products, as they’ve made huge strides, and their products are
much, much better than ever before.”
Ford also felt the brunt of the industry’s worst sales in 40 years. Ford, Lincoln and Mercury’s
U.S. sales plunged 48% to 96,044 units vs. February 2008. And though Ford’s retail share
had climbed for four months, in February its retail share fell one point to 11.5%, which it
attributed to an industry-wide drop in full-size pickup sales, a category it dominates.
But if consumers were going to buy a truck, they were likely to think Ford. CNW data show
that 32.6% of Americans who intended to buy a GM truck in January or February instead
chose a Ford Motor product. Ford had the highest conquest rates from GM among the six
biggest car companies and was tops for winning over consumers who initially intended to
buy a Chrysler truck.
With its newfound strength, Ford has also regained its ad swagger. The company is
displaying a strong tone of confidence in its launch ads for the second-generation Ford Fusion
midsize gas-powered sedan and first Fusion Hybrid. Ford’s Matt Van Dyke, director-marketing
communications, said the multimedia blitz, which includes four months of TV advertising
that broke last week, targets the so-called “upper purchase funnel” of people who aren’t in
the market for a vehicle.
That strategy is the opposite of the one GM, Chrysler and other automakers in the
crumbling new-vehicle market have been using, which is to heavily aim at people lower in
the funnel, or closer to purchase.
Ford’s approach will allow it to build brand equity and demonstrate that when Americans
are ready to buy, there will be a Ford in their future. Mr. McNaughton said he likes the
straightforwardness of Fusion’s launch TV spots, which highlight fuel efficiency and the vehicle’s
Sync technology. “People don’t want dancing girls; they want facts and information.”