The Summer

Pre-Owned Sales Manager
Tim Van Dyke looks back on
25 years in the business with
Brian Jessel and opens up about
his mentor, Bernie Jessel.
1982 to 1984 Lot Boy
1984 to 1986 Wholesale
1986 to 1989 Sales Consultant
1989 to 1995 Sales Consultant / Assistant Sales Manager
1995 to 1998 Sales Manager (Land Rover of Langley)
1998 to May 2007 Pre-Owned Sales Manager
June 2007 to Current Director of Pre-Owned Operations
Q: You’ve been with Brian Jessel BMW for 25 years now—
that’s an amazing length of time. How old were you when
you started?
A: Believe it or not, I was 17 when I started to work here, back in 1982.
I was really just a kid!
Q: Was working with cars your dream at that age?
A: To be honest, I had no idea what I wanted from life at that point. I
suppose I had thought I could have gone into trucking or construction;
who knew I would eventually build my entire career here?
Q: So, how did they put that kid to work on his first day?
A: Well, the Service Manager of Brian’s Toyota dealership was the
person who interviewed me and gave me the job. He put me to work
as a Lot Boy, detailing cars, putting on undercoating and rust treatment.
You could truly say I started in this business right on the ground floor.
Q: What role did Bernie Jessel play in your career, as you
grew up in the business?
A: Bernie Jessel really was like a granddad to me. He took me under his
wing, so to speak, from 1986 to 1988, teaching me about the world of
automotive wholesaling. I learned so much from him, and it was one
of the best times of my life.
Q: From Bernie to Brian—how would you best describe Brian
Jessel? If he wasn’t listening, of course!
A: I can honestly say that Brian’s an amazing individual; his drive to be
the number one BMW dealer in Canada, year after year, is what keeps
all of us going at such an intense pace.
Brian is always thinking: whether it’s about adding property or new
positions to the dealership, you just never know what he’s going to
come up with. He truly is someone whose lead you want to follow.
Q: How has the industry changed, since you first started in the
business?
A: It really has changed in more ways than you can imagine. Cars today
are so technologically advanced, you simply can’t toss the owner the
keys and say “enjoy your BMW!” Today a good salesperson really needs
to spend two to three hours with the customer on delivery, so they feel
knowledgeable and comfortable with the sophisticated vehicle they
have just purchased.
Nowadays too, salespeople have to take a course and be licensed to
sell vehicles; that is something we never had in the past. What hasn’t
changed is that our business remains about customer service. Ourfocus
is still on keeping customers happy and maintaining a long, happy
relationship with them.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
A: I really enjoy the everyday dealings I have with new and long-term
customers. Going to work is more like going to my second home; we
have a great time every day, and I think that’s key.
Q: So how would you describe your stress level, then?
A: Well, on a scale of one to five, with five being the highest, I’m a definite
“one.” I think stress is something we bring on ourselves, really. Sure,
sometimes we all get overloaded or overwhelmed; that’s when you
know to call timeout, take a breather and regroup. Then you review the
situation and carry on. My philosophy is that everything can be worked
out, it just takes time.
Q: How do you think your staff would best describe your
personality?
QUARTER CENTURION CLUB!
A: Well, I guess this is an opportunity to toot my own horn! I would hope
they see me as an easygoing guy, one who laughs alot, gets along with
people, makes the right decisions and is always there for them.
By Tim Van Dyke
Director of Pre-Owned Operations
Q: Tell us about your family. Any kids?
A: My family is awesome: my wife Lisa and I have been married for
twenty years. There have been many times when I didn’t think we could
do certain things, financially and otherwise; and like a great partner she
would say, “Yes we can!” I wouldn’t dare say no to her, and things always
worked out. I look back at the support Lisa had given me and I’m truly
thankful.
We have two kids: Steven is sixteen and just started driving—my grey
hair should come in alot faster now—and Brittany is twelve and loves
shopping, especially when Mom and Dad are paying. They are both
great kids. I guess you could say I have the million dollar family.
Q: In your spare time, where can we find you?
A: Well, I love the outdoor life. Hunting, fishing, camping, even yard work,
I love being outdoors.
Q: What was the last book you read?
A: Honestly, the last book I read seriously would be the Canadian Black
Book which is my wholesale guidebook. I read it every day: I like staying
focused on my work.
Q: And if someone was to cook you your favourite meal,
you’d order…?”
A: Even though my stomach tries to tell me not to, I love spicy food. I
can’t seem to get enough!
brianJESSEL SUMMER 2007 89