Michael “Mike” Caccioppo has been in the automotive industry for the past 32 years. What started as a way to make some cash turned into a lifelong passion.
“I graduated college with an accounting and finance degree. I went to work for an accounting firm for a year, and I didn't like it,” said Caccioppo. “I took some time off to travel, and my buddy talked me into selling cars for the summer. That's how I got into the business.”
Working as a salesman, Caccioppo began to make his way up the ladder. After a year, he had become a finance manager, and he continued rising through his career until he attained his current rank of general manager (GM).
As a GM, Caccioppo is responsible for making sure his store runs smoothly. This can involve practical matters such as employee training and ethical matters like making sure customers are getting what they need. Caccioppo strives for every customer experience at his store to be a positive one.
“Customer experience is the number one thing because that's how you get repeat business,” he said. “That's how you get referrals, which is a lifeline to your business.”
Caccioppo joined the team at Patriot INFINITI of Merrillville this February as the GM, and he’s bringing all of his experience to the dealership. While he’s been in the car business for over three decades, the INFINITI ticket is new to him. That means there’s plenty of new knowledge to immerse himself in.
“I came from a Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM background, so I’m learning more about the INFINITI buyer, their demographics, and things like that,” Caccioppo said.
On top of the new ticket, Caccioppo is also getting more connected to Northwest Indiana. He’s spent the last 24 years working at a dealership in Chicago, and he’s seeing the difference between the two markets.
“I like the area. We're in a good area. There's a lot of other dealers. There's a lot of business,” he said. “I really enjoy the people I've worked with in the area and the customers. It's been a good experience so far.”
Caccioppo’s coworkers at Patriot INFINITI have been integral to him getting himself grounded. Everyone has been helpful. This gives Caccioppo hope that Patriot INFINITI can have a team as closely bonded as the dealership he worked at previously. Forming bonds on the team is Caccioppo’s favorite thing about working at a dealership.
“What I enjoy most about work is the people I work with and watching them grow and succeed,” he said. “At the last place I was at, I hired guys when they were 16 years old. They were porters and salesmen, and now they’re managers. I watched them grow up, get married, have kids, buy a house. That’s the most satisfying part for me – watching my coworkers succeed and become prosperous.”
For Caccioppo though, that prosperity doesn’t belong just to his coworkers. Even though he’s only been at Patriot INFINITI for a month, the dealership is already seeing results from changes he’s made to improve the dealership’s practice.
“There are always things that need to get taken care of and fixed and repaired,” he said. “The things I need to get done, the things we've changed, the things we've implemented – everybody has been very receptive, and they’ve seen results. For example, we have more used car inventory than we've ever had.“
Caccioppo knows that none of his success would have been possible without the support of his coworkers and the customers. In particular, Owner Shawn Kohli’s trust in all of his employees to know how best to do their jobs makes Caccioppo feel appreciated.
“The things I've noticed the most about the store are that we have really quality people working here and that the owner, Shawn, is a wonderful honor to work for,” Caccioppo said. “He has complete confidence in the people he hires to do their job, and he’s different from any other owner I've known, met, or worked for in this business. It's refreshing and lets us do what we’re talented at and accomplish what needs to get done.”
When he’s not at the dealership, Caccioppo likes to get in a round of golf. He also has a daughter who he spends as much time as he can with. She’s an athlete, so he gets plenty of opportunities to attend her volleyball games and track meets.
If you’re interested in meeting Caccioppo, checking out what’s in stock at Patriot INFINITI of Merrillville, or finding your next vehicle, visit the dealership at 1794 West 81st Avenue, E U.S. Hwy 30, Merrillville, IN, or online at infinitimerrillville.com
