Reliable Motors

Kyle Stevenson is a great example of how someone can start at a car dealership and work their way into more career options.

Kyle has worked for Reliable Motors for about 20 years, and transitioned from positions in parts, to service, to sales.

“When I started at Reliable Motors, I worked for five years in the parts department, and then moved to service to try that side of the counter, and was there for eight years.”

Kyle says working in the service department takes a certain personality when bringing good and not so good news to the customer about repairs needed. “It takes empathy and compassion. Spending time in the shop with the technicians and knowing how they fix the vehicles is instrumental, and helps me today, because I know the vehicles well.

“When I was first asked to move to a Sales and Leasing Consultant job, I talked it through with my family first. This job pays commission only. The question was, do I trust that I wouldn’t get into the situation of not getting a pay cheque from time to time?

“I was nervous coming into this role. However, a few of my customers from the service department bought vehicles from me, so that was very encouraging.

“Once I got that first sale, it just kept flowing. Also, because of the support I get from all the staff, I never missed a pay cheque and I have never regretted taking this job.”

About the staff

About 30 staff work with this company. Some job titles:

• Sales, Business, Marketing, Parts, Service, Office, and Fleet Managers
• Sales and Leasing Consultant
• Accounting
• Parts Advisor
• Service Advisor
• Appointment Coordinator
• Warranty Administrator
• Automotive Technicians
• Mechanic
• Lot Manager
• Shuttle Driver

Difficult positions to fill

Staff turnover is low, and some staff have been there since the day the business opened.

Kyle says Mechanics tend to move around to other shops because they are in such demand. “We have some great Mechanics here, but they are getting harder to recruit. We have a nice pool of experienced mechanics and younger ones coming in who need mentoring.”

Wages and benefits Reliable Motors offer health benefits and other incentives.  Kyle has a company vehicle.

“This is a very misunderstood industry,” says Kyle. “Opportunities are incredible, there is room for advancement, and the pay scale is good. You have to start at the beginning, and as your knowledge grows, so does your income.”

“Extensive training is provided through online videos, and in person in Truro and Moncton,” says Kyle.

Future plans

“This is a great place to work and I am in no rush to move into another job with the company, but I know there are other options in sales or business management.”

–Originally published November 2, 2019