Veteran executives join Centennial Superstore

Three veteran automobile executives with almost 100 years in the car business collectively have been named to new positions with Centennial Superstore at 6525 Centennial Center Blvd. in the northwest valley.

Lincoln, Neb., native Scott Peters, a nine-year resident of Las Vegas, is now general sales manager of the dealership. Darrek Kroll has been named used-car and sales manager and Sal Marino is the new-car manager.

"Just the look of this dealership is fantastic," said Peters, who has 20 years in the industry. "It's a true multifaceted complex with Buick, Mazda and GMC so we have the complete package for anyone - new or used car."

Peters sees big things coming in the car business.

"Business has picked up dramatically in the last year," Peters said. "There is more customer traffic and more sales. Even more important is that the banks are now aggressive and they are providing excellent loan programs, rates and incentives."

The car business is almost addictive, Peters said.

"You are helping two sets of people when you're helping with an automobile transaction," he said. "One is helping the consumer find a car of his or her needs against a lot of competition, and also helping the salesperson make a living at the same time.

"We attempt to make a good living in this profession, but the bottom line is that we're here to help people. This is a customer service business."

Kroll's expertise will be used in two key areas.

"The used-car side of our business is not only complex, but almost scientific," said Kroll, who has been in the automobile industry for about 25 years. "First off, we must find preowned vehicles that meet today's safety standards. In the same breath, we purchase them for a price that allows a level of profit while also keeping them affordable for the consumer.

"The northwest corridor is a newer and growing part of Las Vegas and I'm proud to be here."

Marino, a Niagara Falls, N.Y., native, has lived in Las Vegas for 14 years. Of the three, he also has the most years in the car business, 49.

He remembers his first-ever car deal well.

"It was 1963 in Niagara Falls and I sold a Harrold 12 convertible made by Triumph Motor Co.," Marino recalled. "As I like to say, you have two ears and one mouth; keep your ears open and your mouth shut and the customer will help you find a vehicle for them."

Marino said he enjoys the car business.

"I enjoy the business and the people. In treating people right, they treat you right. They send their friends and their relatives. Everyone that I have met over the nearly five decades also knows that I'm a phone call away."

For more information about the dealership, visit www.superstoreautogroup.com or call 702-784-1100. General manager Tim Donnelly heads the dealership.