Dedicated service department earns Planet Nissan high marks

Planet Nissan, which opened at 5850 Centennial Center Boulevard in the northwest valley in 2003, is running full speed ahead.

Ranked first in Nissan's Western region, the dealership recently appointed Frank Haverkamp to the position of service director.

"I love the service end of the business," said Haverkamp. "I loved Las Vegas from the time I got here, primarily because of the heat. I spent eight years in Reno, where it snowed for eight months and never got over 40, so Vegas is the ideal place to retire."

While the service side of the car business certainly has its challenges, the customer-service index at the dealership has risen to 91 percent in a short period of time.

Haverkamp lauds his service advisors and technicians. He has six service advisors that average at least 15 years experience, and 20 technicians with the majority of them having at least five years in the car business.

"For the most part, I have senior techs, and that's a blessing," Haverkamp said. "Not just anyone can work on a vehicle, and with 400-500 new customers a month, it's vital that we have quality personnel to work in the service department."

Among the staff's service writers is Floyd Dodson.

"I really get a kick out of dealing with people," Dodson said. "I think positive and I have always liked cars. Even during a challenging time, I want to make sure the customer is happy. And I stay on the phone with my customers all the time to make sure they're happy. Even when parts are on order, I call my customers to keep them informed. The way our customers rate us is a very big part of our jobs."

Also, the sales department works well with the dealership's service department.

"When we sell a car at Planet Nissan, it's good knowing that our customer will be treated well when visiting our service department," said sales consultant Jim Del Grosso. "In order for this to be a success, it takes a team effort and what really matters is what happens after the sale. That's when our job begins, and the service department is crucial to the overall results of a dealership."

Dealership General Manager Sam Amer lauded his staff for a job well done.

"In a very competitive market, it's important that everyone works together and takes care of our customers and ensures their satisfaction," he said. "We know that it all starts with the customer and ends with the customer."

Further more information, call 876-8000, or by visit www.planet-nissan.com.