A popular and trusted member of staff at a leading South West motors business is celebrating a milestone, with a long service award.
Newton Abbott Volkswagen sales executive David Lay celebrates 10 years with the company this month.
“There can’t be many better places to work than Newton Abbott Volkswagen,” said David, aged 36.
“We have the most welcoming and friendly atmosphere and our customers are probably the happiest. Ten years has absolutely flown by and I can’t think of anywhere I’d rather be.”
Although from a sales background, David hasn’t always been in the motor trade. A former pupil at Plymstock School in Plymouth, he spent seven years working for fashion outlet River Island – which is where he met wife Julie.
A variety of jobs followed, including call centre shift work and retail work, but it was a chance encounter and throwaway comment when Julie bought a new car that took him to Murray; the salesman Matt was an old school friend and David chanced to say ‘I wouldn’t mind working here’.
A good word was put in, followed by a personal call from Kevin Murray, brand manager at Newton Abbot and Managing Director of family run motors business the Murray Group. The rest, as they say, is history.
David joined the dealership as a trainee salesman in April 2004. He then became sales controller and from 2008-12 was Sales Manager, a clear promotion that recognised his hard work and commitment to the brand, but that took him away from what he loved – his customers.
“As sales manager I took the site as far as I could, but the role was impacting on my family life,” said David. “So I took a step back and returned to sales – and I couldn’t be happier.”
Kevin Murray said: “I’d just like to put on record my personal congratulations to David and how delighted I am to see him clock up 10 years with the Murray Group.
“He is quite a special member of the team and I know his customers feel the same – once they’ve been sold a car by David, no other salesman will do, ever!”
Proof of this lies in customers spread far and wide across the country – Birmingham, Andover and even France, who return again and again.
“They’re not just customers to me,” said David, “they’re friends. They call in to see me to say hi, and I ring them to see how they are.”
With a £650,000 expansion and refurbishment on the cards for Newton Abbot Volkswagen this summer, David says the future is bright.
“I’m very much looking forward to the work this summer, and being able to give my customers an even bigger and better Volkswagen experience. Here’s to the next 10 years.”
Murray Volkswagen offers new and approved used cars for sale as well as a comprehensive aftercare service. To find out more visit www.murray-group.co.uk/volkswagen or call Newton Abbot Volkswagen on 01626 202 205.