Dealers' Choice - Media Communication Group

Rod East VolkswagenCelebrates40-Year AnniversaryThe following is an excerpt from the 40th Anniversary Celebration by Gus Henderson, the General Managerat Rod East Volkswagen in San Antonio, Texas.Merriman King - General Manager Sales Operation Southern Region VWOA, BrianBastable - Sales Operations Manager Area 31 VWOA; Rod East, Gus HendersonWe have all come together to honor Rod East and his 40 years as a Volkswagen dealer.It has been my privilege to have worked alongside Rod for 10 of those years.Rod has touched many lives in many different ways. I know that has been the casewith me. I could not have asked for a better mentor - not only in business, but in life.Time and time again, customers tell me stories about their personal experience withRod East. It may be about them, their parents, or even grandparents. Customers tell methat this will be their 15th, no 18th, some even 20th Volkswagen that has been purchasedfrom Rod East over the years. We have customers that travel as far as four hours away, justto get their VW serviced. When Rod is asked about his key to success he always says thefollowing. “I found a job I love to do, at a place that I love to do it, and alongside peopleI love to do it with.” That is Rod East, and that is the reason his list of accomplishmentsas a dealer and as a person runs a mile long. We have the greatest employees and customersa business could ask for. This is all because of the culture Rod started back in 1970,when he first opened these doors as a Volkswagen dealer. Rod takes a personal interest ineach of his employees and every customer he comes in contact with. Rod has given backto his community and to the automobile industry with countless hours of service throughSAADA and TADA, along with many years of work with the Volkswagen Dealer Council.Rod is an active member of Coker United Methodist Church, a devoted family manand husband of 53 years, and just recently celebrated his 80th birthday. To me, Rod Eastepitomizes what it means to be successful in business and in life. n26