Jared Priestner and Paul MacKenzie
There’s something to be said about Paul MacKenzie’s persistence in his life despite many challenges — including being raised by a father who physically couldn’t work, growing up in government-assisted housing, and various job setbacks — until he found success as a car salesman eight years ago.
The 34-year-old works for Southdown Hyundai in Edmonton. He is one of only 20 Hyundai Master certified sales consultants in Canada, having completed various courses emphasizing exceptional customer experience, deep product knowledge and refined sales process. He is the only one that has that distinction in Alberta and only three in western Canada.
“It’s pretty cool,” MacKenzie told Canadian auto dealer. “I kind of get to puff out my chest when I say it. It’s something to have on your resume, it’s more of a bragging rights thing. When customers come into my office and sit with me they see the awards that I have and (the Master) is one of them.”
Hyundai does not demand sales people take the courses, but Mackenzie thought the training would be another tool to help him succeed. In March he set a personal milestone, selling 19 cars, the most in a month in his eight-year career. He said his goal is to sell 13 a month.
“I’m not the big volume guy. I’m the consistent customer service guy,” said MacKenzie. “I take time with my customers. I’m one of the slowest guys with the process on the floor. I don’t let things fall through the cracks. I strive on the customer service side of things.”
MacKenzie tried a career as a professional boxer but lacked the sponsorship to continue. He worked at a diesel refinery but was unexpectedly laid off. If that wasn’t enough he was rear-ended at a red light by a truck driver going 60 kms. MacKenzie suffered a concussion and needed elbow surgery to repair nerve displacement. He had a few years of going through physio and doctors appointments. His wife supported him emotionally and financially. When a friend told him about a career selling cars, MacKenzie originally sloughed off the idea. But then he embraced it and absolutely loves his job.
“I get paid to talk to people and drive cars, it doesn’t get much better,” said MacKenzie. “It’s a pretty fun and easy job and has become pretty lucrative. Most people know that I found a job that I thoroughly enjoy now. I love my store and I love my staff.
“I look at the car accident as a blessing and a curse. Obviously it’s a curse because I don’t recommend anyone get in a car accident, but it gave me a little kick in the butt to switch up careers and by chance I got into something I enjoy. I deal with a lot of clients that are buying cars because of car accidents. It gives me a mindset of what they are doing. When people who have been in an accident talk to me, I don’t say ‘what do you want to buy? It’s, are you okay?’ It gives a different perspective to things.”
Jared Priestner, Chief Executive Officer of Go Auto, posted in LinkedIn about MacKenzie’s story. He found out about it when he and MacKenzie went for breakfast after Christmas. Priestner said MacKenzie’s story is “great success against all odds.”
“Paul’s attitude is why he’s no longer in government housing and also why he is one our best salesmen.”
