Sales are family affair

You might say there is a like father, like son theme at Planet Hyundai's 7150 W. Sahara Ave. location considering that one of the country's top sales consultants has been followed into the business by his son.

Tony Fisher, who was featured in the nationally acclaimed Automotive News in 2006 one year before becoming Hyundai's top sales consultant in the nation, has been joined in the car business by his son Joshua.

The younger Fisher is 18, and his father was the first to tell him that while the car business can be very challenging, it also can include an incredible level of satisfaction.

"For a sales consultant to do well in this business, you must have developed and be able to demonstrate a broad spectrum of varying individual qualities," said Tony Fisher, a former Southern California truck driver who entered the car business about 10 years ago. "First, you must be honest and have a sincere interest in helping people during what, for most people, is the second-biggest purchase of their lives. Along that line, you must also possess the dedication it takes to maintain consistency. When you're not helping someone find the ideal vehicle, you must market yourself on the phone, attending special functions, sometimes even including mingling on the golf course.

"No matter how you decide to let people know you're there for them, it all adds up to long hours. Keep a smile on your face and continue to learn about Hyundai. This business is changing constantly, and good sales consultants are always studying the fundamentals ."

Dealership General Manager Jason Tamburro said providing an opportunity for young people is vital.

"We have all had people who have given us a break," Tamburro said. "It's important for us to pay it forward to young people so they, too, can have the same chances we received. We have an excellent in-house training program and I take great pride in this aspect of our operation ."

Planet Hyundai co-owner, Ron Coury added, "Tony has been an excellent representative for our organization. He makes his customers feel welcome from the minute they step foot on our property and follows through with them well after the sale is finalized. With his dad as a mentor, I am confident Joshua will excel in this business and will make his father quite proud of his performance ."

Joshua Fisher is eager and appreciates the support of both his father and the management of Planet Hyundai. In fact, he sold his first car to the first customer he encountered.

"He is amazing," said Anita Vaccaro, who bought a 2012 Hyundai Tucson GLS. "For the first time in my life, he made the car-buying experience enjoyable. He addressed all of my concerns without any pressure and he validated my experience by understanding my needs. He was honest and patient. He never tried to sell me something I didn't need or want ."

Joshua Fisher said he loves the challenges of the car business.

"I look up to my dad and appreciate what he has accomplished," he said. "Like my dad, I enjoy speaking with people and helping them. However, there's no question there's a lot of pressure on me but I truly appreciate the opportunity. I'd like nothing more than to be able to do what my dad has done in the car business. I have many goals and one of them is to try to one day match his numbers."

Also included in the Planet Hyundai dealerships is Planet Hyundai Centennial at 6200 Centennial Center Blvd. in the northwest valley.

Hyundai vehicles come with the 10-year, 100,000-mile power train warranty along with a five-year, 60,000-mile, bumper-to-bumper warranty.

For more information, visit www.planetlv.com or call 938-1400 (Sahara) or 483-2200 (Centennial).