December was tough, as one of our own, Chris Blackmon passed away. Chris worked in sales and had been with Adventure Subaru for a couple of years. His smile was infectious, the sound of his laugh was unforgettable, and his presence is so missed around here. This week, the spotlight is dedicated to him.
Some kind words from his coworkers:
-"Chris was maybe the only person I have ever known that would literally take the shirt off his own back to help a friend or even a stranger out. So selfless, easy-going, and just overall a great friend and coworker. Days just won't be the same without his big smile and overly positive energy filling every room."
-"Chris was such a welcoming and caring person. His bright smile and loving personality were infectious and he will be very missed. I'm glad I was able to meet him."
-"He was always outgoing, he would give everyone a high-five when he walked in the door. I remember walking with him to the new building and he went out of his way to talk to EVERYONE in the building. I was amazed at how many people he knew and how they loved him. His customers loved him because of his outgoing personality etc. I could go on...  We miss him a lot."
-"Chris was a consummate professional who always strived to be the best at what he did, while at the same time always showing a smile. His laugh was unmistakable, as was his ability to make those around him laugh with him. His presence will be sorely missed by everyone here."
-"Chris was one of the most genuinely nice people I have ever met.  He had a beautiful smile and a great sense of humor.  I got to sit with him up front by the windows and we nicknamed ourselves the "window lickers"...and every time I saw him, we would greet each other with 'Hello Window Licker!'  I am going to miss the sound of his laugh.  He always had a kind, friendly, warm and welcoming energy around him.  He will be missed."
We miss you, Chris.

Chris works in sales in the pre-owned department and has been with Adventure since the spring of 2019.
Chris consistently receives high remarks from his coworkers, but also, his customers.
Some kind words from his coworkers:
"Customer service exemplified! A great attitude and always ensuring customers feel welcomed and important."
"Detail-oriented. Customer-friendly and respectable. Trustworthy and embodies the values of the love promise. "
And, from his customers:
"...What sealed the deal for us was the excellent customer service - really, a better description would be 'customer love,' in keeping with Subaru's mantra. After we expressed interest in the car on Cars.com, Chris with Adventure Subaru was quick to get in touch. He went the extra mile and sent a personalized video (using my name) as he walked around the Ascent, showing me its features and saying how much he loved his own Ascent. Wow! That got me. I got back in touch with him and to say I was very interested but expressed slight concern that it had spent some of its life in Connecticut with the road salts. Chris then, without prompting or hesitation, took and sent me another video of the underside of the Ascent in which he, while lying on the ground, explained that it looked great and also that it was a Certified Pre-Owned, so it was thoroughly checked out for issues. Above and beyond! Needless to say, we decided to buy the Ascent, and the customer service never diminished, even after we had committed to the process and couldn't back out. Chris and JT (one of the business managers) quickly responded to all my texts and calls, and there were LOTS, firstly because I had never bought such a new car before, and secondly because we live in Mississippi. Even though I was a 'needy' buyer, full of questions and in need of hand-holding throughout the process, Chris and the other staff there accommodated my needs without ever making me feel like a bother. Also, Chris made the process of buying a car from out of state (which is not a stress-free task) as easy as possible - I might even say it was fun because, in addition to being super helpful, he's also just a really genuine, warm, enjoyable person." 

Congratulations to the first Love Promise Spotlight of the week winner for 2022, Lawrence Blackburn, aka Bush!
Bush has been with Adventure Subaru since 2008 and works in Detail. He's a crucial part of the team and we're glad he's here.
Some kind words from his coworkers that nominated him:
-"Works hard, team player, gets the job done."
-"His tenure says a lot about his dedication to Subaru. He has a team mentality, is loyal, and overall does a great job. You know Bush will get the job done."
-"Bush always says hello, is super helpful and you know when you ask him to help you, consider it done."
Congratulations, Bush! We appreciate you!

Congratulations to this week's Love Promise Spotlight, Jesus Araujo!
Jesus is a Lube Tech and is a relative newcomer to Adventure Subaru. In his short time here, he's already exhibited a hard work ethic and encompasses the values of the Subaru Love Promise! He started off as a Lube Tech apprentice and has now transitioned into a full-time Lube Tech.
Some kind words from his coworkers that nominated him:
"Comes to work on time and is ready to work. Proud of the progress he has made in learning a new job."
"Started off as a lube tech apprentice. He's doing great work, catching on, and really has a desire to be here and work hard!"
Congratulations, Jesus!

Elmer is a member of the sales team, specializing in Pre-Owned vehicles. He's been with Adventure since 2015 and is a great example of someone who exemplifies the values of the Subaru Love Promise.
Some kind words from his coworkers, who nominated him:
"A fun-loving guy who always pushes himself to do better, and he's still always willing to lend a hand when asked."
"He is great with his customers, he's always super helpful, and he goes out of his way to help with our Spanish-speaking customers. I know he's helped me a ton over the years. He's funny and kind and attentive."
"Elmer comes to work each day with a smile and a positive attitude. He's a vital member of the team!" 

Congratulations to this week's Spotlight, Will Babb! Will is a Service Advisor and someone that has exemplified the values of the Subaru Love Promise.
Some kind words from his coworkers that nominated him.
"Will is kind, a good listener, and strives to always do his best, not only for his teammates but for his customers too."
"Always comes to work with a positive attitude, and helpful. He was a huge help with a customer that was stranded without a working vehicle and a camper in tow. He helped the customer every step of the way and offered reasonable solutions. He was compassionate and understanding."
And, from a Service customer Will worked with recently (summarized)
".....The dealership helped me find basic accommodations for about a week for myself and my two dogs while I was stranded. They offered emotional support while helping walk through some possible avenues to get everyone home in a safe and timely manner. The dealership did not push me to a quick resolve on my vehicle and travel trailer that was parked on their property. Adventure Subaru was very patient and worked with me, helping me find the best solution. I can tell you this much, my experience came with love and care provided by all the staff. I will try to keep buying vehicles from them and whenever feasible, have them do maintenance and repairs on my vehicles. They are a God's send and doing God's work! Thank you to everyone at the dealership.  I will definitely be keeping you in my prayers and telling of your good deeds for years to come! Thank you from the bottom of my heart."
(Recent photo of Will and his wife exploring Utah)

Chad is a new sales consultant and has been with Adventure since 2017. He's a hard worker and someone that exemplifies the values of the Subaru Love Promise.
Some kind words from his coworkers that nominated him:
-"He has taken his personal time to pull apart our CRM and learn it, and his knowledge base on how our systems work is extensive.  He's is totally invested in making us as streamlined and productive as we can be."
"He is a team player and has no problem calling it as he sees it. Because of his analytical approach to the dealership, we all benefit from the improvement of our systems and day-to-day operations. He consistently crushes it, but still finds time to raise up everyone around him."
"Chad is a wealth of knowledge and someone that puts in the time and effort to educate himself on subjects that'll better his daily life. He consistently receives high remarks from his customers and goes above and beyond to make their experience top-notch."

Brandon Plunkett! Brandon is a Service Technician and has been with Adventure Subaru since 2017. He's a great example of someone who encompasses the values of the Subaru Love Promise.
What his coworkers have to say:
"He is always open and willing to help the younger techs understand their job and assist them with identifying what needs to be repaired or corrected on customer vehicles."
"He does an amazing job back here and has been one of, if not the fastest tech, to receive master status after his last class after the first of the year!"
"He is always smiling and courteous, always willing to help."
Congratulations, Brandon! 

Kathy works in the Parts Department, and is a big help to those around her. She's a great example of someone who exemplifies the values of the Subaru Love Promise.

Some kind words from her coworkers:

"She is always so sweet and has a good attitude. When she heard I needed boxes for moving she went well out of her way to make sure she loaded me up, which was beyond helpful. She's awesome!"

"She has the hippy mama vibes everyone needs in their life. She always keeps the communication between parts and other departments open. She goes out of her way to assist me regularly."

"Kathy is kind, helpful, and does a great job of acknowledging her fellow employees when they've gone above and beyond- a true team player!"

Congratulations, Kathy!