Davis enjoys his many years with Findlay group

For the past 23 years, Derrick Davis has been the go-to guy for Findlay Automotive Group. After journeying to Las Vegas from Clayton, La., in 1989, he was hired as a lot porter at Findlay Oldsmobile on Boulder Highway.

Now the detail manager at Findlay Kia, 5325 W. Sahara Ave., the 51-year-old Davis has never even thought about going to work for anyone else since being hired by then-Findlay Oldsmobile General Manager Rich Abajian, who is now part-owner and general manager at Findlay Toyota.

"I went to Findlay Oldsmobile one morning for my interview with Rich and I started working the next day," said Davis, who is considered a key component in the preparation of both new and used vehicles at Findlay Kia. "I had been working somewhere else and when the company said I had to work without a vacation, I headed for Findlay Oldsmobile - and the rest is history."

The car business is nothing less than challenging and Davis loves the industry, as evidenced by how many years he has served in it.

"I was painting houses before I came out West," Davis said. "I was working in Tennessee, Louisiana and Mississippi. My brother, Wayne Davis, got me a plane ticket to paint his house in Vegas. I had already known the city because I had come out here after graduation from high school in 1980.

"Even with a down economy, there is plenty of opportunity in Las Vegas if you're willing to get out and beat the pavement. I have been working since I was 13 years old, when I used to work in the rice fields driving tractor."

Davis said he doesn't even know how to apply for unemployment benefits.

"I'm just happy to be working. Findlay Automotive Group is the best company in the state to work for, too. I look forward to coming to work every single day. I work six days a week."

Davis is among an elite group of employees with Findlay who have worked for the company for more than 20 years.

"They treat me very well," he said.

Davis said he cannot help but admire the company that has survived good and bad times.

"Findlay was building dealerships even during the tough times," Davis said.

Findlay Kia Fixed Operations Director Bob Williams said it's hard to find employees as loyal as Davis.

"He is a longtime, dedicated employee and a personal friend," said Williams, who has been with Findlay Automotive Group for 35 years. "Anytime there is a need of any kind in this dealership, Derrick is there to help."

Findlay Kia is headed by General Manager Byron Klemaske. The dealership is part of Findlay Automotive Group, which was founded more than 50 years ago by the late Pete Findlay, whose son, Cliff Findlay, now spearheads new and used car dealerships in Nevada, Arizona, Utah and Idaho.

For further information on the Findlay dealerships, visit www.findlayauto.com; Findlay Kia can be reached at 252-9000 or by visiting www.findlaykia.com.