Mazda serves wide range of lifestyles

Doug Schmitz has been around the car business for more than 30 years, and he is convinced that the Mazda line is as good as any car in the business.

"I have been turning wrenches since 1975," said Schmitz, a 50-year-old native of Omaha, Neb., who now works as a service adviser for Centennial Mazda at 6525 Centennial Center Blvd. in the northwest valley. "The Mazda is built with good quality, and they use a lot of research to make certain that the quality remains at a high level.

"In fact, if the engineers of Mazda are concerned at all about a particular product line, they will send someone all the way from Japan to make sure everything is OK. When it comes to quality, nobody works harder than Mazda."

While the friendly and outgoing Schmitz could work at just about any car dealership in the country, he chose Mazda.

"I chose Mazda because of their commitment to quality," said Schmitz, who moved to Las Vegas in 2004. "Mazda has really stepped up its performance and complemented that with an incredibly quiet vehicle."

Schmitz said buyers of the Mazda include a wide range.

"The Mazda2 is geared to the younger market," Schmitz said. "It's an entry-level car, but it's also a very well-built vehicle meeting the needs of younger people. Then, too, we also have the Mazda3, which is geared to a slightly older market. It is built for handling and performance. The car is built for an automobile enthusiast, but you'll also see little old ladies driving them at the same time."

Schmitz said the Mazda6 is a full-sized car that provides comfort, space and is marketed to older clientele. Then the CX7 and CX9 crossover models are popular with families on the run.
"However, with every model Mazda has, we have very happy buyers. In most cases, the people who see me in the service department are looking for basic service maintenance. I can't think of a serious issue with the Mazda, as long as people take care of them."

Schmitz, who started working in a gas station in Omaha, said the demise of the gas station has created an even bigger reason for car owners to make an effort to take care of their vehicles.

"If you take care of your vehicle, it will take care of you," Schmitz said.

Schmitz said his clientele consists of a wide age range and professions.

"I see just about every possible profession represented in this job," said Schmitz. "We see everyone from soccer moms to doctors and lawyers. There is no limit to the professions that are served by Mazda."

Schmitz works 12 hours a day, five days a week and every other Saturday.

"I love to golf and also like to play video games," Schmitz said. "I really like Angel Park in Las Vegas. The game of golf is good for my soul, and it relaxes me."

Centennial Buick-GMC-Mazda Service Director Bill Buckley praised Schmitz.

"Doug is a Mazda-certified service adviser who has excellent customer-service skills," Buckley said. "He is always at or near the top in customer service CSI, and he is a dedicated employee who cares about both the dealership and the customers."

Centennial Mazda is part of the Super Store Auto Group which has five dealerships in Southern Nevada.

For more information about Centennial Mazda call 784-1100 or visit www.centennialmazda.com.