Findlay Chevrolet manager learned quickly to adapt

Jamaal McCoy was named general manager of the Findlay Automotive Group in April.

A former all-star college and arena pro-football player, McCoy has all of the qualities necessary to be successful in the car business.

"I saw an ad in the Las Vegas Review-Journal saying that I could make $80,000 a year selling cars," McCoy said. "I went down and applied for a sales position and started selling cars. I was intimidated until I talked to my first customer. At that point, you realize that you're dealing with common people and you just talk with them."

McCoy said he was overjoyed to be named general manager.

"I was ready," he said. "I have always been a GM guy. My dad is a GM guy who has driven nothing but Chevys. The quality is night and day compared to the past, and GM's recovery has been absolutely phenomenal, especially in the past three years."

The dealership, situated off the Las Vegas Beltway between Jones and Rainbow boulevards, has done very well since opening in December 2006.

McCoy said the dealership's hottest selling model has been the Cruze, a small fuel-efficient vehicle. The Equinox sport utility vehicle has also done well, along with the Malibu, one of GM's oldest models.

McCoy said his goal is to continue what was started by Justin Findlay, the former general manager who opened the dealership.

"My goal is to continue what Justin started and build on the foundation that Justin started," he said. "I am very fortunate to learn and be mentored by Justin. I could not have been put in a better position considering that he has been successful for so long and his success started at an early age. When you look at Justin's management team, he surrounds himself with successful people and he's a great leader.

"I also want to thank (Audi Henderson General Manager) Jim Diguilio, (Findlay Volkswagen General Manager) Jim Krumme; Findlay executives and friends who taught me the fundamentals of the business; along with Chief Financial Officer Tyler Corder and owner Cliff Findlay.

Findlay, a fifth-generation Nevadan, praised McCoy after naming him to the general manager position.

"I have worked with Jamaal for the last nine years, so I have experienced first hand his commitment and dedication to the Findlay Auto Group," Findlay said. "His leadership in a variety of positions at both Findlay Volkswagen and Findlay Chevrolet has resulted in exceptional results. I'm very excited for Jamaal and Findlay Chevrolet because I know that he will excel in his new position as general manager."

Findlay Automotive Group was founded 50 years ago by the late Pete Findlay. The company currently has dealerships in Nevada, Arizona, Idaho and Utah.