Jan-Mar 06 - Fowler Holding Company

F O W L E R
A U T O
G R O U P
Jan.– Mar. 2006
Newsletter
Volume 1, Issue 1
Name the Newsletter Contest –see inside for details
People are the lifeblood of Fowler
What it’s all About 2
Salesperson of the Year 4
Health & Wellness 6
G r e e t i n g s
FROM
MIKE FOWLER
Who’s Who in the Fowler Family
CEO
As the Fowler organization begins its 33 year,
we are pleased looking back on our accomplishments over the years and eager to continue the journey, looking forward to our future growth. While 2005 presented some
challenges in the auto industry, I believe we all
know these are ever changing times and 2006
promises to be one of our best years ever.
Current negotiations to purchase property to
build the new Toyota Image USA II facility in
Norman are underway. Construction completion date is estimated to be mid-year 2007.
This will open the door for renovations to
modernize the current Toyota location, with
plans to move Honda to that facility. In addition, renovations to the Fowler Toyota Dallas
location will also be underway by the end of
2006, consistent with the Toyota Image USA
II program. We also have some new and
exciting ideas to be introduced this year, including employee recognition programs.
Congratulations to 2005’s President and Eagle
Award winners and special congratulations to
John Petrosinelli of Dallas for being Fowler’s
Chairman Award winner. I also want to thank
and congratulate all Fowler employees for
your outstanding work and dedication. You
are what make this organization a success.
Thank you.
rd
By Laura M. Moxley, SPHR
The Fowler organization comprises a corporate office
(pictured above), an auto detail and accessory shop, and six automobile dealerships across Oklahoma, Texas, and Colorado. With almost
500 employees operating franchises for Toyota, Scion, Honda, Mitsubishi, Chevrolet and Dodge, Fowler’s success can be traced back to
1973 when the first auto dealership was purchased in downtown Norman, Oklahoma, but the legacy of Fowler began years before that
with a boy named Billy.
Born in Waxahachie, Texas, February 22, 1931, Billy was one
of three children born to Willie and Loraine Fowler. Growing up,
Billy learned his work ethic young. At age ten, he worked beside his
father in the cotton fields before his family moved to Corsicana, Texas
in 1942, after the invasion of Pearl Harbor. At age eleven, he secured
a job at a local supermarket working from 4-8pm after school and 710am on Saturdays. Billy had this job through high school and it
promised him a bright future. However, what Billy’s employers saw
in him would prove to be the very drive and determination that would
keep pushing him forward to pursue more ambitious dreams.
In 1957, Billy entered the car business as a salesperson in Dallas, Texas and before long, he set his sights on owning his own dealership. His enthusiasm for a ripe and growing industry
helped to establish Billy in the marketplace and, in 1965, he
moved his family to Oklahoma to take a sales management
position. In 1973, Billy’s dreams began taking shape. After
(Continued on page 5)
Page 2
What it’s all about
Fowler’s newsletter is a communication tool to keep everyone in the company informed and up to date on what is happening at all the locations. It will begin by being distributed on a quarterly basis and may be moved to a monthly basis
in the future. Each newsletter will give you helpful information to use in your daily decision making on benefits, etc.
Five, ten, and twenty year anniversaries will be recognized according to anniversary dates in the “You’re Appreciated”
section. Fowler has also provided a way to recognize co-workers who have caught your attention by doing something
extraordinary, with the “Pat on the Back” section. An email address has been set up so you can anonymously recognize
co-workers (news@fowlerauto.com); you will need to include the location, the employee’s name, and the act that caught
your attention. Fowler will keep you updated on recent industry news, salesperson of the month status, and manufacturer/dealer recognition. In addition, this newsletter will list announcements and upcoming events for your location
and/or company wide. This is a tool for you, the employee. If you have suggestions, ideas, co-workers to recognize,
announcements at your location, want to know more about something, etc. email us at news@fowlerauto.com.
CONTEST
A PAT ON THE BACK
And you thought no one would notice… Guess what, someone did!!
That’s right, someone has noticed you going above and beyond
and wanted to let everyone know it meant something!
Jamie Coats, Toyota-Norman
We need to name our newsletter and need
your help. Tap into your CREATIVE side! If
your name idea is chosen, you will receive a
$50 Visa gift card to use anywhere Visa is
accepted!
* Walk Around Contest District Winner!
Alan Young, Toyota-Dallas
* Placed second in the Walk Around Contest!
Jennifer Scott, Fowler Dodge
What are you waiting for? Email your ideas
to us: news@fowlerauto.com
* Thanks Jen for all your hard work, it is greatly
appreciated.
Entry Deadline: March 15, 2006
Clarence weeks, ed Ervin, Donnie
stephens, john petrosinelli, & roland
No entries will be accepted after this dead- crenshaw, Company-Wide
line. So hurry!
* Thanks for volunteering your time and efforts to
complete the job assessment testing.
M ANUFACTURER
RE COGN IT ION
Laura Moxley & Nichole Hood, FHC
FOWLER DODGE
Fowler Dodge Parts Department nationally recognized for having the highest increase in sales over
the prior year for 2005.
* Thank you for your hard work designing and
establishing the newsletter (per Mike Fowler).
To recognize a fellow superstar co-worker, send an email to
news@fowlerauto.com
Just Around The Corner…
↔ Anti-Discrimination training at all locations; specific dates
to be determined.
↔ Employee Self Service (ESS) Module will be made available to
all employees: dates to be announced.
↔ Safety Committees at the Century Chevrolet and Fowler Dodge
stores scheduled to begin soon.
Let us know what’s coming up at your location; email us at news@fowlerauto.com
Page 3
We would like to take this opportunity to show our gratitude to the following employees for their
dedication to Fowler throughout the years:
Five Years
Todd Arterburn, Century Chevrolet
Rickey Burgess, Toyota Norman
Benjamin Cahill, Toyota Dallas
David Christman, Century Chevrolet
C. Jason Clark, Holding Company
Paul Cochran, Century Chevrolet
Philip Cochran, Century Chevrolet
Stacey Davis, Toyota Norman
Steven Davis, Toyota Norman
John Downs, Toyota Norman
Michael Early, Toyota Norman
James Ehrlich, Century Chevrolet
George Emerson, Honda/Mitsubishi
Christopher Evans, Century Chevrolet
Davin Fisbeck, Century Chevrolet
Beverly Fuller, Century Chevrolet
Randall Gilreath, Honda/Mitsubishi
Jerry Givens, Honda/Mitsubishi
Pat Hadavi, Holding Company
Martin Hahn, Century Chevrolet
Jhoseph Hatcher, Toyota Dallas
Scott Hays, Toyota Norman
Brenda Hedrick, Toyota Norman
Cynthia Hepner, Century Chevrolet
Chris Hutcherson, Dodge
Thomas Johner, Century Chevrolet
Randall Johnson, Century Chevrolet
Jerri Makonnen, Toyota Dallas
Marlan Manely, Century Chevrolet
W. Dallas McClary, Honda/Mitsubishi
Dean Medianero, Honda/Mitsubishi
Sandra Merkel, Century Chevrolet
Samuel Mittan, Century Chevrolet
Amy Moses, Toyota Norman
Kristy Moses, Honda/Mitsubishi
Norman Oliver, Toyota Dallas
Chris Park, Toyota Dallas
Carrie Quimby, Century Chevrolet
Darrick Ray, Honda/Mitsubishi
Kirby Rodgers, Century Chevrolet
Billy Root, Toyota Norman
Rustie Rosenfelt, Toyota Norman
Troy Segal, Century Chevrolet
Henry Siegler, Toyota Norman
John Seltzer, Toyota Dallas
John Spencer, Century Chevrolet
Philip Stoole, Century Chevrolet
Lisaann Wagonner, Honda/Mitsubishi
Ronald Wilson, Toyota Norman
Jeremy Wyckoff, Century Chevrolet
Five Years cont’
Patty Yandell, Honda/Mitsubishi
Glen Kegin, Holding Company
Ten Years
Shannon Andrews, Honda/Mitsubishi
Dennis Booth, Toyota Norman
Diane Demster, Toyota Norman
Jimmie Johnson, Toyota Dallas
Randy Klimstra, Toyota Norman
Abel Martinez, Honda/Mitsubishi
Laura M. Moxley, Holding Company
Robert Smith, Toyota Norman
Janna Smith, Toyota Norman
Keith Whitten, Holding Company
Fifteen Years
James Knuesel, Century Chevrolet
Jonnetta Noble, Century Chevrolet
Ronald Slawson, Honda/Mitsubishi
Ryan Snyder, Century Chevrolet
Stacy A. Stout, Honda/Mitsubishi
John Walter, Holding Company
R. Kent Wells, Toyota Norman
Twenty Years
*James Duncan, Toyota Norman
Mike Miller, Enviro Products
Willie Ray, Honda/Mitsubishi
Alvin Snake, Honda/Mitsubishi
Joseph Tasier, Honda/Mitsubishi
*Longest Fowler employee with 0ver 29 years!
Page 4
Fowler’s annual Sales Awards Ceremony was held in Las Vegas, Nevada January 8, 9, & 10th, 2006. Attendees included the General Managers, CEO, President, Corporate F&I Director, and Corporate Executive
Assistant in addition to a select list of Salespersons and F&I Producers from each dealership.
While visiting Las Vegas, guests stayed at Ceasar’s Palace on the “Strip”.
The CEO and President presented attendees with tickets to see Celine
Dion LIVE Saturday night in the Coliseum in Ceasar’s Palace!
The Awards Ceremony was held Monday, January 9th. Recipients received trophies, cash and other prestigious rewards.
The achievements were presented as President’s Awards, President ‘s Eagle Awards, and the
Chairman’s Award. Congratulations to the following award recipients:
The President’s Award was presented to the
top two Salespersons from each dealership for
their performance for the year 2005.
Clarence Weeks, Toyota Norman
Octavio Mendoza, Toyota Dallas
Roger Garrison, Toyota Norman
David Hardy, Honda/Mitsubishi
Donnie Stephens, Dodge
Josh Schultz, Century Chevrolet
Richard Schubach, Dodge
Louis Parris, Honda/Mitsubishi
Marion Cole, Century Chevrolet
The President’s Eagle Award was presented to the F&I Producers who received the most monthly Eagle Awards given at
their dealership for the year 2005.
David Barrow, Toyota Dallas
Devin McCay, Century Chevrolet
Robert Smith, Toyota Norman
David Jones, Honda/Mitsubishi
Rocky Gibson, Dodge
The Chairman’s Award was presented to the top Salesperson dealership-wide for superior overall performance for the year 2005.
The 2005 Salesperson of the Year, receiving the Chairman’s Award, comes to us from Toyota—Dallas.
*Salespersons, see your GM/GSM and F&I Producers, see your F&I Director /FHC F&I Director for details (criteria) on these awards.
Page 5
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rating that exceeds even that of the legendary 1966 Street HEMI.
Find this article at
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
~ Fowler Honda has a new arrival! Congrats to Abel
SALESPERSON OF THE MONTH STATS
~ Congratulations to Jamie Turner for obtaining the
promotion from Toyota-Norman’s GSM to Honda/
Mitsubishi’s GM!
October ‘05
Martinez’s new baby!
~ A warm welcome to Fowler Honda’s new Service
Manager, Jim Goolsby.
~ Previously at Fowler Holding Company, Mick Bradley is the new GM for Toyota-Dallas.
~ Please help us welcome the newest addition to
Fowler Holding Company, Jonathan
Fowler.
(4TH QUARTER)
Clarence Weeks, Toyota-Norman
November ‘05
John Petrosinelli, Toyota-Dallas
December ‘05
Clarence Weeks, Toyota-Norman
*Salespersons see your GSM/GM for sales criteria.
Have an announcement to make, email us at news@fowlerauto.com .
(Continued from page 1)
securing a loan from his banker brother-in-law, and positioning himself as a Toyota
Automobile Dealer, Billy purchased a Toyota dealership in downtown Norman.
He operated the Toyota franchise in two locations before building its current site
on Interstate 35 in July of 1981.
Over the years, Billy developed several business enterprises, which still keep him
very busy. As an active member and humanitarian of the community, Billy has served on
several boards and held many leadership roles. Today, Billy E. Fowler maintains an office
at the corporation, headquartered in Norman, Oklahoma. Billy is less active in Fowler
Holding Company’s management of auto dealerships but remains very active with his
other business interests.
In the beginning— (top) 1st location,
(bottom) 2nd location
Of Billy’s three sons, Michael and David joined their father in the auto business. Later, son-in-law Donald
Griffin would also enter the family business. Billy’s son, David, is the General Manager of Century 1 Chevrolet, Inc.
in Denver, Colorado and son-in-law Don Griffin is President of the corporation, overseeing the entire operations of
the dealerships. Son Michael, whose current leadership role is CEO, joined the family business in 1973 and over the
past 33 years has been instrumental in guiding
the Fowler enterprise through the peaks and valleys of a growing company, establishing itself as a
recognized industry leader.
3rd & Current Toyota Location—1981
(stay tuned for more on the story of Fowler…)
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
Fowler Auto Group
PAID
PERMIT #295
NORMAN, OK
Primary Business Address
2721 NW 36th Avenue
Norman, OK 73072
Phone: 405-573-9909
Fax: 405-573-9939
E-mail: news@fowlerauto.com
People are the lifeblood
of Fowler.
“Meeting people halfway is the most significant trip we can take.
We don’t work for each other...we work with
each other.”
www.successories.com
You’re Health Care Dollar
As health care costs continue to rise, it is increasingly more
important for you to take an active role in decisions
about your health, the care you receive, and your health
plan. Here are some tips to help you stretch your health
care dollar.
care to avoid unnecessary visits to the emergency room.
Dr.’s Office
* Ask your provider if an over-the-counter medication would
be appropriate for your condition. If not, ask if you can take
the generic version of any name brand drug prescribed.
* Make a list of your questions, symptoms, or concerns
before seeing your doctor and be sure to ask your doctor
questions.
* Keep track of any EOBs you receive and compare them
to the invoices you receive.
At the Hospital
* Find out in advance, if possible, how much of the costs
you will be responsible for.
* Check with your health plan about its reasonable and
customary rates for the procedure and ensure your physician will accept these rates.
* Know the difference between urgent and emergency
Pharmacy
* Medications work more effectively when you follow your
physician’s instructions carefully.
Health Plan
* Submit claims on time, know the time limit for submitting
claims, and keep copies of your claims, bills, receipts and copayments.
* Get an itemized bill for any hospital stay, ensuring the bill
reflects the care you received.
Stay healthy
* Eat a healthy diet, manage your weight, be physically active,
and avoid smoking.
Zywave, Inc. (2004)
A Spanish version of the newsletter is available upon request. Please send your requests, including name and address, to news@fowlerauto.com.