Planet Hyundai warranty manager says he loves his job

Joe Stark, 35, is one of those classic car automobile industry stories. He started out at the age of 17 working as a lot porter for a Ford dealership in Phoenix in 1996 and has risen through the ranks ever since.

Now the warranty manager for Planet Hyundai Sahara, the Bay Area native said he is addicted to the car business and has been with his current employer since 2002.

“There are never two days the same,” said Stark, who has lived in Las Vegas since 1999. “Considering how far Hyundai has advanced in the past several years, it’s fascinating how quickly the company has risen to become one of the most popular (automakers) in the world.”

Each new Hyundai comes with a 10-year, 100,000-mile power train warranty along with a five-year, 60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty.

“Along with the unbeatable warranty, the buyer receives a five-year unlimited mileage roadside warranty,” said Stark, who handled the warranty program for Planet Hyundai Sahara and Centennial Hyundai off and on for three years.

The father of three children ages 8-16, Stark enjoys his time with his family.

“My Saturdays are just for me and my kids since my wife has to work,” he said. “Being with my family rejuvenates me for the next week’s work.”

And the fast-paced lifestyle fits just fine for the Stark family.

“I really enjoy the pace in Las Vegas,” he said. “As a family, we love the local community and all it has to offer. We really don’t travel much other than to go see our family in Phoenix.”

In addition, he said he was very happy with his job.

“This company has been good to me,” he said. “I can’t imagine working for anyone else.”

Planet Hyundai Sales Manager Ernie Leon said Stark is valuable to the dealership.

“He helps us in so many ways, “said Leon, who has been with the dealership for six years. “Every time we ask him for help in such a variety of different ways beyond his primary job function, he’s right there to help with a solid skill level and a terrific, positive, can-do attitude.”

Adding to the accolades, dealership co-owner Ron Coury said about Stark, “He is our go-to guy for so many different things. There’s a guy with a great head on his shoulders, a fine problem solver and the kind of employee who is always willing to help overcome hurdles whatever they might be. Joe is just a great person to work with.”

Located at 7150 W. Sahara Ave., Planet Hyundai is part of a locally owned and operated group of dealerships that includes Planet Hyundai Used Car Super Store at 7100 W. Sahara Ave. and Centennial Hyundai at 6200 Centennial Center Blvd. in the northwestern valley.

For more information, call 702-938-1400 (Sahara), 702-483-2200 (Centennial) or visit www.planetlv.com.