Weisbrod enjoys every day at Acura of Las Vegas

Mary Weisbrod is a survivor of the car business. At 65, the Acura of Las Vegas senior sales and leasing consultant has been selling cars for 25 years.

"I started selling cars in Arizona in 1987," said Weisbrod, who has lived in Las Vegas since 2001. "I didn't know what to expect at the time, but it's a fun business because I'm not tied to a desk and paperwork. I get to meet many interesting people and have learned how to make a living from it. I like making something big happen for people. Purchasing a car is the second biggest purchase only behind buying a house."

There is a special thrill to selling a car, she said.

"People can go anywhere and spend thousands of dollars," she said. "But they will come here because we provide great service both during and after the sale. And when people buy a car from me, they get me for the life of the car, too."

While she is admittedly addicted to the car business, Weisbrod also takes time for her own meditation.

"I love to cook," she said. "I really enjoy shopping at ethnic markets and putting together a meal that reflects that country's style while also sharing that meal with family and friends."

The car business isn't easy for anyone and it takes a level of dedication, she added. A former art student in Paris, Weisbrod has an interesting philosophy about the car business.

"You have to be able to read between the lines," she said. "People have a fear of loss when visiting a car dealership and you have to listen to their needs and wants while also structuring their deal around their needs."

Weisbrod has countless cards and letters thanking her for her help. One customer, retired insurance executive Dorothy Powell of Las Vegas, stopped by the dealership just to say hello recently.

"I have two Acuras," Powell said . "Mary listens to my needs and the features that you want or don't want in a car. She is very well-versed no matter what car she is selling ."

Powell plans to give one of her Acuras to a family member before visiting Weisbrod again.

Mike Baldwin, a corporate executive with an electrical manufacturing company, has purchased 10 cars from Weisbrod during the past nine years.

"I come back to Mary because she knows her product and she is very fair during negotiations," Baldwin said. "She is good at following up after the sale to make sure you're happy. I have bought all the luxury cars and she has been the most attentive and honest automobile sales person that I have ever dealt with."

Sales consultant Louie Doblado praises his fellow employee.

"Mary is truly amazing," said Doblado, a 22-year veteran of Acura. "She can run circles around many people half her age and she knows the car business as good as anyone I know."

Acura of Las Vegas, 7000 W. Sahara Ave., is part of the Super Store Auto Group which has five stores in Southern Nevada . The dealership is led by General Manager Tim Donnelly.

For more information, call 367-7000 or visit www.lasvegasacura.com.