Brothers enjoy working together at Planet Hyundai Sahara

Brothers Jesse and Ernie Leon are living a dream working together in the car business. Both are sales managers with Planet Hyundai Sahara, 7150 W. Sahara Ave., riding the wave of a successful dealership offering one of the hottest products in the U.S. auto industry.

"Ernie got me in the business," said the younger Jesse Leon, 43. "I have been doing this for 15 years. I love dealing with customers and getting to know people. I get a lot of repeat business because once people learn to trust you they will follow you in the car business."

Jesse Leon said his older brother not only taught him the car business, but also encouraged him to create a following.

"Ernie told me when I first got into the car business that he didn't know if I could make it. He said you have to come to work ready to sell a car every day. I soon started selling almost a car a day, so I'd have to say that Ernie's advice has been invaluable," Jesse Leon said.

The big brother part remains an important element of the equation.

"We often mull over the month, how we did and how we want to improve the following month," Jesse Leon said. "It's just a matter of time before we hit the 300-car figure for the month."

Ernie Leon, a 46-year-old former electrician, said they have a common goal of keeping customers happy .

"Working together is really a cool thing," Ernie Leon said. "I came into the car business blind and found out this is my niche. I excelled and talked Jesse into entering the business. We both get a thrill out of selling the best car in the country to our customers.

"People come a long way to find Jesse and I. They feel so at ease coming into this store. This is a no-hassle environment and we make the experience a happy one. Everyone wins in the end, especially at a Hyundai dealership owned by our current owners, both of whom are locals living here in Vegas and active in our day-to-day operations ."

Ironically, both Leons were hired by fellow Planet Hyundai sales manager Owen Hebermehl at another Southern Nevada dealership 13 years ago.

"Ernie and Jesse are two of the top car guys in the business," said Hebermehl, who has been in the business for 34 years. "Their customers love them ."

Hyundai provides one of the top warranties in the country including a 10-year, 100,000-power-train warranty along with a five-year, 60,0000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. In addition, the Hyundai Assurance Program guarantees trade-in value of a Hyundai for years two through four.

Planet Hyundai has two dealerships in the valley: the West Sahara location and Planet Hyundai Centennial, 6200 Centennial Center Blvd.

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