Saleswoman finds success in auto business

Monaliza Pence arrived in Ohio from the Philippines in 2005 looking for a new life.

Two years later, she was in Las Vegas attempting to capitalize on the Las Vegas economy.

Not long after arriving in Las Vegas, the energetic Pence started selling cars for Findlay Toyota and she hasn’t looked back since.

In a profession dominated by men, Pence has become one of the top sales consultants at the dealership generating 40 sales in April while recording at least 25 transactions per month in a business that often means a dedication to bell-to-bell hours.

“I really needed a job and I love Toyota,” she said.

“I’m a people person, anyway, and I love dealing with people so the job was a perfect match.

“Toyota was big in the Philippines when I was growing up and the company has always remained a respected automobile manufacturer.”

Business is expected to get even stronger at the dealership considering the flood of 2015 models that started arriving in late September.

“We’re really starting to see a good selection of 2015 models,” Pence said.

“Between the trucks, the passenger vehicles and the rest, the inventory is especially strong now.

“Toyota has really done an excellent job adding the newest technology in safety features.”

With the long hours required to be successful in the car business, Pence anticipates six days a week of 10-hour days. With Pence’s heavy concentration of Filipino customers, she has gained a family of friends in the business.

“The Filipino people help each other and they appreciate good service,” she said.

“In fact, they really appreciate a friendly manner and before you know it they even invite you to their social gatherings.”

With her massive success in the car business, Pence cannot see herself doing anything other than selling cars.

“This is my life,” she said.

“The smile on a customer’s face and seeing the satisfaction in their eyes creates a very good feeling. There are a lot of elements to cover when selling a car and when that all comes together, it’s very gratifying.

“This is very challenging. If there are no challenges, life can be boring. Findlay Toyota is like my home, and I’m very thankful to be part of the Findlay Toyota family.

Everyone is so nice.”

To relax, Pence spends her spare time with her loved ones.

“I try to help whenever I can whether it’s in the car business or with friends and family,” she said.

“My main goal in life is to help others and I feel very complete when I have done that.

“I want to be remembered as someone who always tried to help others and I think my customers see that in me.”

Dealership General Manager Rich Abajian praised Pence for her dedication.

“Mona is the best female salesperson I have ever been around,” said Abajian.

“She consistently sells 25-40 cars.”