Dennis DeGoosh Receives Rolex Watch for 25 Years of Service With Hendrick Automotive Group

Over 25 years of service is quite a milestone for Dennis DeGoosh. He traveled this past week to Charlotte, North Carolina to receive his 25th Anniversary Rolex watch from Mr. Rick Hendrick. In preparation to share this story with you, I went up North to visit with him and learn a bit more about his 25-year career with the Hendrick Automotive Group. Dennis works at our Lexus dealership located in Kansas City, Missouri. I caught up with him in the Sales Bullpen, which he affectionately has named the “Farm.”

Dennis promoted to Sales Manager in April of 2016 and primarily focuses on working one-on-one with Product Specialists and their customers to keep things moving forward in the sales process. In fact, one of the newer team members commented that today was the most he has ever heard Dennis even speak about himself, instead he chooses to help others become better and enjoys assisting them with their individual successes. Sounds like the perfect elements of a servant leader, which is Mr. Hendrick’s main objective for the company leaders in the organization.

Dennis initially shared with me he has actually been in the automotive industry for 26 years. Previously, he was in the retail lumber industry for 14 years. He decided to change careers and industries by the prompting of a couple of friends in the automotive industry. Dennis joined JKJ at the Honda Dealership in Woodbridge, VA. Ten months in, he clearly remembers meeting Mr. Hendrick and Charles Ricks (Vice Chairman at Hendrick Corp). They purchased the dealership and that is when Dennis became part of what he now describes as his "Hendrick Family." He informed me he had great successes with Honda early on and recalled his biggest month to have sold 34 cars and another in 1993 he was among the Top Ten Sales Consultants in the entire nation. Dennis also contributes his sales success was primarily due to the desire to help others. He sincerely enjoys the opportunity to meet people, develop relationships and problem-solve their situation and needs.

As stated by Dennis DeGoosh, “I do not sell people cars. I help them with a need that ultimately results in the choosing to purchase a vehicle from me.”

Continuing with his work history, Dennis transferred to Darrel Waltrip Honda Volvo in Franklin, Tennessee. This is where his family would call home. Although Dennis explained, he considers home as wherever his feet are firmly planted. He acted as the Sales Manager for the Volvo store for nine years.

He later moved to Liberty, Missouri and worked out of the Superior Volvo dealership until it closed due to the Kansas City Metro which could not sustain two Volvo dealerships. When Volvo closed their doors, he went to work for Chevy Toyota in Merriam, Kansas.

Finally, he decided he wanted to work closer to home, so he went to work for Randy Crowell when he was the GM at the Lexus dealership in the Northland. Dennis is still there and very pleased overall with his role and the people he works with.

Dennis feels extremely blessed to work for Mr. Hendrick and this organization for all these years and many locations. Every step of his career and life’s journey he has met good people who have become great friends.

Thank you Dennis for your many years of service and contributions, but also for your commitment and dedicated service to our customers!