From Sales Floor to Seven Stores: Ivette’s Journey to the Top of Colorado Auto Retail — And What's Next | Ivette Dominguez Drawe, Dealer/Owner of Alpine Automotive Group
About this episode
Ivette Dominguez Drawe shares her inspiring journey from sales floor to dealership owner, leading the Alpine Automotive Group with seven stores across Colorado. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of building a successful automotive business, including her unique approach to culture, employee development, and customer retention. Ivette highlights the importance of community involvement and the role of diversity in her leadership style. With insights into the current automotive landscape and future plans, her story is a testament to ambition and resilience in the industry.
General Motors
"...I was the first female chair of the MDAC with General Motors, which is the Minority Dealers Association. And I was the very first female chair."
General Motors is a big car company that makes many different types of cars and trucks. They are one of the largest car manufacturers in the world.
General Motors, often referred to as GM, is one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world, known for producing a wide range of vehicles under various brands including Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac.
Minority Dealers Association
"...I was the first female chair of the MDAC with General Motors, which is the Minority Dealers Association. And I was the very first female chair."
The Minority Dealers Association is a group that helps car dealerships owned by people from minority backgrounds. They work to make the car industry more diverse and inclusive.
The Minority Dealers Association (MDAC) is an organization that supports minority-owned automotive dealerships, promoting diversity and inclusion within the automotive industry.
GM product
"We sell, in fact, our district manager, our zone manager wanted to talk at our 20 year business anniversary. We sell 33% of all GM product in Colorado."
GM product means cars and trucks made by General Motors, a big car company. It includes popular brands like Chevy and Cadillac.
GM product refers to vehicles manufactured by General Motors, which includes brands like Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, and Buick. This term is often used in the automotive industry to discuss sales, inventory, and market share.
Ford
"...whether they're at Nissan or Ford,..."
Ford is a well-known car company from the United States that makes popular vehicles like trucks and sports cars.
Ford is an American automotive manufacturer famous for its trucks, SUVs, and performance cars, including the iconic Ford Mustang.
Nissan
"...whether they're at Nissan or Ford,..."
Nissan is a car company from Japan that makes many types of vehicles, including electric cars.
Nissan is a Japanese automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and electric cars like the Nissan Leaf.
federal EV credits
"...September 30th, the federal EV credits ended. So, I think there was a little bit of a pull ahead..."
Federal EV credits are discounts you can get from the government when you buy an electric car. They help lower the price you pay for the car.
Federal EV credits refer to tax incentives provided by the government to encourage the purchase of electric vehicles (EVs). These credits can significantly reduce the overall cost of an EV, making them more attractive to consumers.
fleet sales
"...there's gonna be a lot of customers that are business owners and wanna update their fleet because it's something they can do before the end of the year. And I think that that is reality."
Fleet sales happen when a business buys many vehicles at once, instead of just one. This is common for companies that need cars or trucks for their work.
Fleet sales refer to the sale of multiple vehicles to a single buyer, typically businesses or government agencies, rather than individual consumers. This can include cars, trucks, or vans that are used for company operations.
GM
"...that's gonna pretty much concentrate at GM and Ford."
GM stands for General Motors, a big car company that makes many different types of vehicles, including trucks and electric cars.
GM, or General Motors, is one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world, known for brands like Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, and Buick. They produce a wide range of vehicles, from trucks to electric cars.
EVs
"...A lot of those were EVs. And then, you know, we had some, you know, a couple hiccups..."
EVs stand for electric vehicles, which are cars that run on electricity instead of gas. They are better for the environment and can save money on fuel costs.
EVs, or electric vehicles, are cars powered entirely by electricity rather than gasoline or diesel. They are becoming increasingly popular due to their environmental benefits and lower operating costs.
Nissan Leaf
"...first it was the Leaf and then it was the Aria. And there's a lot of work that happens with that brand."
The Nissan Leaf is a popular electric car that is known for being affordable and practical. It's designed for everyday use and helps reduce emissions since it runs on electricity instead of gasoline.
The Nissan Leaf is an all-electric hatchback that has been one of the best-selling electric vehicles globally since its launch. It is known for its practicality and affordability in the EV market.
Nissan Ariya
"...first it was the Leaf and then it was the Ariya. And there's a lot of work that happens with that brand."
The Nissan Ariya is a new electric SUV from Nissan. It has modern features and a lot of space, making it a great option for families looking for an electric vehicle.
The Nissan Ariya is a newer all-electric SUV that offers advanced technology and a spacious interior. It represents Nissan's push into the electric SUV market, complementing the Leaf.
Tata Motors Aria
"... know, first it was the leaf and then it was the Aria. And there's a lot of work that happens with tha..."
The Tata Motors Aria is a type of car that can carry many passengers and has a lot of space inside, similar to a small bus or large family car. It was made by an Indian company called Tata and is known for having some cool features, but it didn't sell as well as expected. People talk about it because it was an interesting attempt to make a fancy family car.
The Tata Motors Aria is a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) that was launched in India in 2010. It is significant for being one of Tata's first attempts at entering the premium segment of the market, featuring a blend of SUV characteristics and spacious interiors. The Aria is often discussed for its innovative features and the challenges it faced in a competitive market.
Toyota
"How did you get your Toyota store?"
Toyota is a car company from Japan that makes many popular cars, known for being dependable and saving fuel.
Toyota is a Japanese automotive manufacturer known for producing reliable and fuel-efficient vehicles. It is one of the largest car manufacturers in the world.
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