Centennial Hyundai salesman wins walk-around contest

When it comes to showing a vehicle at Centennial Hyundai, no one does it better than veteran sales consultant Rick Walker, who recently won the Greater Las Vegas walk-around competition for the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe.

Walker defeated two others in the competition among Southern Nevada entries for the honor before winning the district competition that includes Nevada, Utah, Arizona, California and New Mexico; and he will now participate in the regional competition in the next few weeks in Laguna Beach, Calif.

There is huge pride that goes into competing in the walk-around contests, which are organized events that test the salespersons product knowledge, Walker added.

“When I started with John Elway Mazda Olds Hyundai in Northglenn, Colo., in 1996, I made it my personal goal to always know at least as much if not more than my customer,” said Walker, a native of Sumter, S C. “It is vitally important that a sales consultant knows his or her product especially considering that the general public is usually very well informed before they visit a dealership.

“It’s also important that you have good listening skills,” Walker explained. “My dad told me that you have two ears and one mouth, so be sure to listen to the customer. Once you find a vehicle that fits their wants and needs, it’s easy, but you must listen.”

Walker is so knowledgeable of his product line that many of his co-workers consult with him about the Hyundai vehicles.

“I am always flattered that other sales consultants ask me about the Hyundai,” he said. “Then, too, many of my future, current and past customers still call for specific information. We live by referrals in this business and there is nothing better or more honorable than having past customers sending me customers.”

Walker is also quick to point out that the Hyundai product line has become especially impressive during the past few years. Key, though, is the fact that Hyundai continually searches for an even better vehicles each and every year. “Because of that, sales consultants must constantly study the product line,” Walker said. “It is forever changing and Hyundai is insistent that its sales consultants stay in touch with the changes.

“With the 10-year, 100,000 mile powertrain warranty along with the five year, 60,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty, I don’t have to worry about my customers when they leave the lot.”

The car business has been good to Walker primarily because he always remembers that the learning process is unending and vital.

“That’s what makes this business so much fun. Things are always changing, so you never get bored, that’s for sure.”

Centennial Hyundai is at 6200 Centennial Center Drive in the northwest valley. It is part of a locally-owned operation that also includes Planet Hyundai Sahara at 7150 W. Sahara Ave. and Planet Hyundai Used Car Superstore at 7100 W. Sahara Ave.

Further information can be found by calling 702-483-2200 (Centennial), 702-938-1400 (Sahara) or by visiting www.planetlv.com.