Vet draws on Air Force experience for sales job

Terry Mills is an eight-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force who is a big believer in discipline.

A 13-year veteran of the car business and a four-year employee of Planet Hyundai at 7150 W. Sahara Ave., Mills is riding a wave.

"The Hyundai line has taken off in the last five years. It's amazing how the line has erupted in popularity. Hyundai is completely on fire, as evidenced by the fact that it had a 41 percent increase in sales in 2010 over 2009," said Mills, a 40-year-old native of St. Louis, who arrived in Las Vegas in September 2006.

Mills is an early riser who has a long list of customers. He was the dealership's top sales consultant in 2009 and 2010, and is also one of three certified Equus salespersons at Planet Hyundai.

"I think a lot of the success is what I learned from my mom," he said of Beverly Mills, who lives in St. Louis. "She taught me that everyone must have patience, and that's especially true in the car business. When you're selling a car to someone, you cannot push them into a deal. People appreciate a hassle-free transaction, and they will tell their friends about their car buying experience.

"The virtue of patience is win-win for everyone."

Mills also learned patience in the Air Force. A veteran of Desert Storm/Shield, his years in the service took him all over the world.

"You learn versatility in the Air Force because you're always on the run," said Mills, whose career included working as flying crew chief. "Anytime my airplane went anywhere, I flew with it. Wherever we landed, I had to clean it, refuel it, inspect it and fix any problems.

"In both cases airplanes and the Hyundai lines are quality products. I'm proud to be an Air Force veteran, and I'm proud to be selling Hyundais."

Mills said selling a car is rewarding.

"Selling a car and making people feel that they know they purchased a quality vehicle is very fulfilling," he said. "It's the same gratification that you get in the Air Force. When our plane took off, I knew that it looked good and that it was safe."

Among Mills' many customers is Jeff Yost, an air traffic control supervisor at McCarran Airport.

"I have had two business dealings with Terry," said Yost, 52, and a three-resident of Las Vegas who moved here from New York. "My first one was with my son, and Terry spent two days helping us. We eventually had to get another car, so we called Terry for help. I ended up buying a brand-new car from him. I had never had good dealings with car guys before, but Terry is a class act -- a real friend. He called after we bought the car to check on us. He's a caring kind of guy. I would not go to anyone else but Terry for a car."

Yet another customer who sings the praises of Mills is Don Marino, who has been in Las Vegas for about for about 14 years. He bought a 2009 Genesis from Mills about two years ago.

"There is no reason to go anyplace else," Marino said. "I have had dozens of vehicles over the years, and Terry is a breath of fresh air. He shoots straight and follow through. He cares about his customers, and you can tell.

Ron Coury and Don Tamburro purchased Planet Hyundai in March of 2010.

Further information regarding Planet Hyundai can be found by calling 938-1400 or visiting www.planetlv.com.