Meet Our Salesmen - Joe Garriga

Joe Garriga, or "Joe G" as he goes by, is one of our newest salesmen! Passionate about golf, cars, and motorcycles, he has had no issue fitting into the car business. Check out how Joe's hobbies and career have always revolved around automobiles in our interview.

So, to start off, why are you a car salesman? What got you into the business?
I was selling cars since I was in high school and I just continued on. Always been a car career, or a car person really is what I would call it.

Any cars you've sold that stand out? 
A 1967 Corvette. It was actually mine and I sold it myself. Has to have been my favorite.

You've been doing this for decades, but what makes Eddie Mercer Automotive different to you from the rest of the dealerships?
We have all the tools we need to help the customers in a fast and efficient way. Plus, it's always good to know that management cares about you.

And your least favorite thing about being a salesman?
Hours.

*Laughs* You find time for pastimes though, right?
Yeah. Golf. Just a lifelong passion of mine. Classic cars too. Oh, and motorcycles. Just a car person like I said.

You've been a car salesman all this time. Is this what you wanted to be when you grew up?
I didn't ever want to be one thing when I grew up, really. It changed so much. It always involved cars though. I can tell you one thing, actually, I just never got the chance: an automobile designer.

Have you ever had a disaster on the job?
Oh, it was a while back, I think in 1980. I had a car sold. The customer was on the way to pick it up and then another car came out of nowhere and slammed into it.

What makes you different? Why should people come see you?
I treat people fairly. I'm a seller, yeah, but I'm always happy. I'll try to get you a fair deal. I want my customers to walk away happy with their purchase and most of them too.

Here's Joe selling a Tacoma to Donald!

Ready to work with Joe on your next vehicle purchase? Give him a call at 850-479-2272 and make sure to ask for "Joe G"!

Meet Our Salesmen: Austin Messer

Austin Messer has been at Eddie Mercer Automotive since January 2015. Instantly successful, Austin has had no problem growing his customer base through our programs here as well as online through his social media business pages. He's truly dedicated to his work and changing peoples' perception on the "generic car salesman."

So, Austin, why are you a car salesman?
Completely by chance. I had been in bank sales and not wholly satisfied with my job. I had been sort of looking for a new position when my car needed to be fixed. While in the waiting room, I opened the newspaper and right there was an ad for "Automotive Sales - No Experience Necessary." I went in for the interview and was offered the job on the spot.

Have you found a favorite car that you've sold since you started working car sales then?
An Audi RS 4 Quattro. It's a performance sedan with AWD and extremely rare in the United States. The gentleman was kicking tires and from Colorado. He ended up driving it all the way back there!

What about the best car you've owned?
The one I have right now: a 1983 Datsun 280ZX. It's unique but that's also an issue because if you see it on the road, you know it's me.

You started here in January. So far, what's your favorite part about working at Eddie Mercer Automotive?
Probably has to be the opportunity to sell one of the nicest collections of pre-owned vehicles in the area.

And your least favorite part about being a salesman?
The Stigma. The stigma of being a car salesman. You can meet people who would be the sweetest person outside the dealership, but due to their past experiences at the big box stores or just the perception of my job, they come in looking for a fight. Everyone wants a fair deal and I want to give them a fair deal too! If they don't get a price or a car they're happy with, they're less likely to come back to see me. That definitely has to be my least favorite part of this job: overcoming the stigma of being a car salesman.

Here's Colin picking up his Kia Soul from Austin!

So you're a car salesman now... but what did you want to be when you grew up?
A marine biologist. Then I took college biology courses and decided I didn't want to be a marine biologist anymore. My step dad was an investor and every night after dinner I would sit and watch him check his portfolio. That got me a bit passionate about that and I still am really interested in investing.

Have you ever had a disaster on the job? Here or anywhere else?
At another store, I was mentoring a new salesman and it was just one thing after another. In that short time, he managed to wreck a car, get a 30k Corvette stolen, and get detained by the military police. Didn't happen to me exactly, but it was still a disaster.

Getting back to selling cars here; why should people come see you?
A. I have the nicest pre-owned vehicles. B. Fast, fair, friendly, fun service. And C... pause there is no c. A and B speak for themselves.

You're big on using Social Media to sell cars, but what are your actual feelings about using it?
I'm probably the only 24 year old who prefers talking to people face to face or over the phone rather than on social media. But at the same time, I completely understand that buyers are plugged in. They'd much rather search for their cars online. It has become so important that it can't be ignored. So I am on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. I even offer an online buying service through them.

Anything you'd like to add?
Share my Facebook page! You can also reach me at 850-529-1102. I like to tell my clients: even when I'm not here, I'm still working.

Meet our Salesmen: Bill Wells

Bill Wells started with us on April 1^st, 2012 and has been with us the second longest! The first things you notice about Bill are his mustache and his many “Billisms.” Some of them include “I've been wrong at least twice in my life and if you don't believe me, you can ask both my ex-wives”, “Love you, mean it, see you, bye”, and “You're not getting a free trip to Taih-eee-tiiii”. Bill joined the Navy when he was 17 and retired in 1994. A real character, he can make just about anyone laugh.

You can reach Bill at 850-479-2272!

Why are you a car salesman?

Really? Well... I like people, honestly.

Any favorite car you've ever sold?

I'm not really much of a car guy, but the 2005 Tunderchicken (Thunderbird). Not because of the car exactly, but the customer was a lot of fun. Flew in from Oklahoma to get it.

What's your favorite thing about working at Eddie Mercer Automotive?

That we're family oriented (I added that everyone has said that just about and he looks over his shoulder hoping Anthony, our manager, is listening) How about, Anthony pays me better than the rest of them and gives me free food.

And your least favorite part of being a salesman?

The disappointment of telling someone “no”. Not my disappointment, but seeing their disappointment that they can't get the car they want.

Any pastimes?

Oh geeze. I don't know. Drinking? laughs Hanging out with the grandbabies and fishing with the boys. Huntin too.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

A Soldier. Why? I was brought up on all those war movies and thought it was cool. I picked Navy because the Army recruiter wasn't there when I went in and the Navy recruiter was. So he won.

Why should people come see you?

If people want a different experience than working with a “car salesman”. If they want to talk to a car counselor and get advice, that would be me. I'm not going to try to jam them into a car, especially one they don't want. I wouldn't put anyone in a car I wouldn't sell to my family.

You're always on the defensive about it; Any reason you're an Auburn fan?

I come from a house divided. Half of the family is Alabama and the other half, Florida. I figured rooting for Auburn would be the best way to get everyone mad. But first and foremost, I'm an SEC fan.

Meet Our Salesmen: Jeremy Sprayberry

Jeremy Sprayberry has been with Eddie Mercer Automotive for two years come December! Originally from Alabama, he's lived in several places including Chicago and Colorado. Settling in Pensacola, he has three children, Austin, Samantha, and Titus, and is happily married to his wife, Kim. Jeremy leads our Fantasy Football league and is also passionate about his son playing football.

You can reach Jeremy at 850-341-8326 and be sure to like his Facebook page!

So, why are you a car salesman?

I thought about it for six years before I actually became one, thinking "Hey, I could do that". My wife said I should, but every time, I chickened out. Then I hurt my back on a different job and went down to get a sales job. I was offered a job on the spot.

What's your favorite car you've sold?

A 1975 Massey Ferguson Tractor. I know it's not a car, but it was the coolest thing in the world. I didn't even know how to start it. If I had to pick a car, the Lotus is up there. The guy was cool and we had a lot of banter before he bought it.

What's the best thing about working here?

Freedom to be myself, honestly.

And your least favorite part about being a salesman?

The prejudice by some customers who think I want to hurt or take advantage of them.

Paul: Stigma of being a car salesman

Why should people come see you?

I'm honest and have a straightforward approach. I don't beat around the bush. I try to make it easier to buy a car like that.

What do you do in your free time?

Family time, sports, and video games. Those are my go-to's.

Favorite car you've owned?

1995 Pontiac Firebird, metallic green. What's there not to like about that? It's a Firebird.

What's with all the elephants on the desk?

Good luck and Roll Tide! It started off with one elephant and then suddenly I had all these pieces of flair. Everyone would give me elephants.

Anything you wanted to add or say?

I am who I am. I'm not different anywhere you find me. I'm the same here as if we hung out, met at the supermarket, or anywhere. I am who I am. I'm Popeye.

Meet Our Salesmen: Sandy McMurphy

Sandy McMurphy is the newest salesman to Eddie Mercer Automotive. He started back in December of 2013. Originally from Mobile, he moved to Pensacola to be closer to the beach. He knew being a car salesman was for him because he loves meeting new people and their families. (He wanted me to add that he is good looking.)

If you'd like to talk to Sandy, please give him a call at 850-479-2272. And make sure to ask for Sandy. That's S-A-N-D-Y, Sandy, just like the beach!

Why are you a car salesman?

I absolutely love meeting people. I make friends everyday and it's really just great to meet everyone and their families.

What was your favorite car that you've sold?

It's always the most recent car. The last one was a 2006 Toyota 4Runner to Betsy. She was just lovely to work with and I really got to know her.

What's your favorite part of working at Eddie Mercer Automotive?

Definitely the family atmosphere.

Michael was a return customer. He picked out a Soul this time!

Have you ever had a disaster on the job?

(He holds up his left hand and is missing an index finger) My whole hand was caught in a table saw, but they couldn't save this one finger. I was being stupid.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

Emperor. I wanted to be in charge.

What was your favorite car that you've owned?

A 1976 Caprice Classic with Rally suspension. Cornering in it was awesome and it was the largest Chevy ever (He now owns a Grand Marquis, so I'm guessing he likes big cars!).

Why should people contact you?

I think I keep people's general interest in mind. I enjoy finding the right car for my customers. What I'm trying to do is change buying a car into an enjoyable event. I really just want to assist someone through the entire process.

So.. what ever happened to your show goats? Do you miss them?*

They weren't taken. They live in my apartment. I'd miss them badly though if they did go.

Sandy was heartbroken over the thought of giving his goats away

Where would you like to go from here?

I guess my goal would be to continue to enjoy my job and make friends while being successful. I'd hate for it to become a drudgery. You know, it used to be. I used to hate going into work years ago. And then I thought about why I  loved my job. It's because even if I didn't sell a car, I made a friend. I love to share in peoples' lives and be a part of it in the end. That's really what's important to me: making connections and friendships.

*Paul, another one of our salesmen featured a few months ago, thought it would be funny to put Sandy's cell phone number in the Craigslist Free section under a post titled "FREE Show Goats" and a description of how he had to part with his beloved show goats. Almost immediately, Sandy received phone calls for them and had to explain to all of the callers that he didn't have goats.

Meet Our Salesmen: Andrew "The President" Jackson

Andrew "The President" Jackson is one of the original employees at Eddie Mercer Automotive! He has a huge heart and always tries to do what is best for everyone. Andrew is also extremely loyal and is eager to please. His goal is to one day be the general manager. He loves his job and always has a story to tell. 

Check out below for his answers to our questions!

So, why are you a car salesmen?

Anthony, our general manager, made me. I used to be a detailer with him at another dealership. One day later on, I was looking for a job, and I asked Anthony about the detailing position. He said he wouldn't give me that, but he'd give me the salesman position. I said no. I worried about getting a steady paycheck. After a few days, I said what the heck and took it. I followed him here after that.

What's your favorite thing about working here then?

(Paul: Me.

Drew: Definitely not Paul)

It would have to be the family atmosphere everyone brings to the table.

What was the best car you've sold, in your opinion? And why?

A 2010 Cadillac EXT. The customers flew in from Germany for this specific car. They had it shipped to Atlanta after that. 

Andrew selling the Nissan Altima

 

What's your least favorite part of being a salesman?

Nothing exactly, but I'd have to say not selling a car. I think that goes for any salesman though.

Have you ever had a disaster on the job?

Probably the belts. I've had quite a few belts break while I'm here. One day I was talking to a customer, and the belt buckle just flew off! Also, splitting my pants several times. But that's a good luck charm. Whenever I split them, I sell a car right after.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

(Andrew saw our manager, Anthony, walk in) Anthony! (Anthony rolled his eyes and I repeated the question, laughing). I think a FWC officer.

What is your favorite car that you've owned?

The one I have now: a 2010 Cadillac CTS.

Why should people come see you?

Why not?

Since we did the "Minions on a Shelf" during Christmas last year, why Minions on your desk, exactly?

They're so fluffy! Well, who doesn't want a minion? They're funny.

He's also a huge Seminoles fan

Do you have any specific goals or anything else you wanted to add?

I just want to do and be the best I can.

Meet our Salesmen: Paul Smith

Paul started with us back in late 2013. He's very straight forward; I knew going into the questions that some of his answers would be very short and sweet. I had to prod him a bit to get a little more out of him at some points. Paul really gets along with everyone and never gets down. His biggest dream is to own land and be rich. Our mechanic, Gary, came up with a great nickname for him: Lincoln. It fits him perfectly.

Why are you a car salesman?

Money.

...And?

Money. *Nods*

What's your favorite thing about working at Eddie Mercer Automotive?

Money.... But I really do like it here. I get along with everyone and you'd have to drag me out of here if you ever wanted me to leave.

And your least favorite part?

Working with Jeremy. That guy... Don't even get me started.

What's your favorite car you've sold?

Land Rover LR3.

Why?

The customer was amazing and it was just a fun deal.

Have you ever had a disaster on the job? Here or anywhere else?

Actually, no.

(Jeremy: That means it's coming.)

What is your favorite pastime?

Guns and video games, definitely.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

Rich. Can I say rich? Yeah, rich.

Paul selling the Dodge Dart

Favorite car you've owned?

1996 Gold Ford Taurus, my first car. Definitely my Taurus. Though I love Toyota now.

Why should people contact you?

I like meeting clients and making connections. We can help each other out and I want to make a deal that you'll remember so you'll send your friends my way.

What's with the pathetic plant on your desk?

It was given to me on my first week by a salesman that used to work here, Sean. I feel obligated to take care of it now.