Meet Lauren Wilson Reeves of Wilson Kia NextGen Dealer Spotlight Lauren Wilson Reeves is carrying on her family legacy as a third-generation dealer. Her grandfather, Howard Wilson, owned Howard Wilson Chrysler Jeep. Her father, Doug Wilson, learned the art of the business working with Howard. When Howard passed away, Doug made the decision to go out on his own, and he formed Wilson Auto Group. That was 36 years ago. Today, Wilson Auto Group has earned every major customer satisfaction award from the manufacturer and keeps raising the bar. Wilson Kia is no exception. With Lauren as general manager, the dealership has thousands of five-star reviews and even more happy customers. We recently had the chance to sit down with Lauren and learn more about her career journey, goals for the future and her involvement with MADA. The following are excerpts from our conversation. What makes Wilson Kia unique? Wilson Kia is unique because we are one of the few automobile dealers that are a family business, not a corporate store. You get what you see at Wilson Kia. I am at the store every day, and my door is always open! I take a very active role in the dealership and make a point to get to know our customers personally. I love being able to talk to them and help them with their transportation needs. At Wilson Kia, our slogan is “Buy Happy, it’s the Wilson Way!” and we truly want every customer to feel like they are family to us and that their experience was as easy as just talking to a friend. Did you always want to join the family business? Initially, I had no interest in being in the car business, but was always a sales girl at heart. Throughout college, and before I went into the car business full-time, I had a clothing boutique and sold items on eBay for income. My dad approached me and asked me to come into the family business, and I agreed and truly cannot ever see myself doing anything other than being in the car business. What positions have you held in the company? Have you had any specialized training or education? I have held every position in the company. I started out selling cars and worked my way up from there. My dad wanted to teach me all facets of the business, so I spent at least six months in each department until I accomplished the goal he set for me. I am an NCM Dealer Academy graduate and have attended Assurant Finance and Insurance Training, which has helped me to build upon what my dad taught me. I also have a bachelor’s degree in business. Have you had any mentors, and what did you learn from them? My biggest mentor is my dad. He is a brilliant businessman. He taught me everything I know about the car business. The lessons that stick out above all else are valuing people and following processes. 16
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