There’s teamwork and then there’s the extraordinary teamwork found at Patriot INFINITI of Merrillville. For a dealership that’s had less than a year to find its footing, Patriot INFINITI of Merrillville is already finding opportunities to go above and beyond for its customers and community.
Finance Manager Rick Garcia is no stranger to the world of dealerships and financial services. With over 40 years' experience in the field, Garcia is well-versed in dealing with all sorts of financial needs, and he says that the rest of the departments at Patriot INFINITI of Merrillville have similarly skilled professionals ready to assist customers every step of the way.
“It's going to be a process for us to make it where we need to be long term, but we have a great team behind the mission. We’re all qualified and all the different departments that we have from sales managers to task managers to financing are all working really well so far,” Garcia said.
Owner Shawn Kohli has worked to cultivate a culture of care for his employees and customers. It’s what originally drew Garcia to accepting a position at Patriot INFINITI of Merrillville, and it’s what’s made the dealership so successful in such a short period of time.
“It's just how we are as a team. The respect we have for each other is more like family than like coworkers. We all know what we’re here to do and that's why we all get along,” Garcia said.
Patriot’s finance department specializes in establishing a sustainable and affordable way to purchase a new or used vehicle – regardless of credit score. Customers with subprime credit scores receive the same treatment as customers with stellar scores, and the Patriot INFINITI of Merrillville team prides itself on being able to find a vehicle for every budget and situation.
“It doesn't matter what their background is or what kind of credit someone might have. We're here to do the best we can to fulfill what they're looking for. We treat every customer like we treat our own family. We always try to make sure that they are comfortable with us,” Garcia said.
Accommodations can also be made for individuals including immigrants with temporary social security numbers and other circumstances that may otherwise hinder them from buying a car. While there are more steps in the process of getting these individuals approved and set up with their cars, Garcia says it is worth every minute.
"There are a lot of hoops to jump through to do that, but we tell the customer exactly what we need from them and create a budget that’s comfortable for them with the car they want,” Garcia said.
At the end of the day, Patriot INFINITI of Merrillville’s mission is always centered around customer satisfaction, and the team will do whatever it takes to make sure its customers walk away with the vehicle they need.
“We're here to fulfill their dreams, their wants, and their needs. You have to make them feel comfortable. When they walk into our dealership, we want them to feel like they're just walking into their own home,” Garcia said.
Whether it’s a brand-new luxury or a well-loved grocery getter, Patriot INFINITI of Merrillville has the right vehicles for your needs.
“If you want to drive a car or you want good service, come and talk to us. We're here to satisfy you and to do the best we can to fulfill your dreams of a new or used car,” Garcia said.
To learn more about Patriot INFINITI of Merrillville, visit infinitimerrillville.com.