Ex-carpenter finds new home at Planet Hyundai

David Shakely is a 54-year-old career finish carpenter who discovered that his trade had dried up in March 2009.

Now a sales consultant at Planet Hyundai Centennial, 6200 Centennial Center Blvd., you might say that the native of Redlands, Calif., has retooled his life.

"I really like this," said Shakely, whose brother, Skip, is the general manager of the dealership. "Hyundai is the best automobile in the industry right now, so I could not ask for a better product to sell."

Interestingly, the construction industry and the car business both require strong people skills, so that part of the change was easier, although Shakely really didn't realize the extent of it when the economy sent thousands of construction workers into the street.

"In each case, you're trying to fix peoples problems," Shakely said. "In fact, houses and automobiles are considered the two most expensive moves in someone's life. You want people to make the right decision in both cases so they count on you to lead them through the process and fix any problem that might occur along the way."

Shakely's first car deal came last October when a couple visited the dealership looking for a Hyundai Tucson SUV. Shakely already had been trained by the dealership with regards to sales techniques and he also had been certified about the Hyundai product.

"The buyer was so happy that when we finished the first deal, he looked at me and said, 'Now, can you do that same thing for me on a second car?' I know that a sales consultant's first car deal generates a huge rush, but I also know first-hand that two-in-a-row is absolutely unbelievable. There is no better feeling in knowing that you have helped a client make a huge decision so much so that they double their order."

Shakely is such a believer in the Hyundai product that he bought a 2010 Hyundai Elantra for his daughter.

"The price was right for her, and the warranty is the best in the industry. Our daughter still lives in Redlands, and we no longer have to worry about her getting from one place to another. Also key for my wife and I was the incredible fuel efficiency that Hyundais provide. Hyundai stands behind its vehicles, and I can truly be excited about the product."

Shakely made the right move, and he has customer testimonials as proof, along with the fact that he was also named Salesman of the Month for April.

"As soon as we pulled on the lot, Dave saw how upset I was and just wanted to help," the customer wrote in an Internet review after a bad experience at another dealership. "Dave made everything (from the past) disappear. They had me in a new car that night, and it was exactly what I wanted. I'm in love with my 2012 Hyundai Hatchback Accent."

Shakely also feels good about the fact that his brother runs the dealership.

"I didn't know a thing about the car business when I started," Shakely said. "Skip was a huge help, and it's been really nice to have someone in the family who understands the car business like he does."

Another dealership under the Planet umbrella is at 7150 W. Sahara Ave.

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