Apr 10
8
Mike Wilkinson: A Family Approach To Sales
Career At West Herr Fosters Professional and Personal Growth
Normally voice-mail message gives little indication of how a person really is. That is not the case with Mike Wilkinson, whose voicemail gives an enthusiastic “I’ll call you baaaack.” It almost sounds like a song. That’s how Mike approaches his sales too; inspired and full of life. Perhaps that’s how he’s survived 27 years in the car sales business.
“I love to get out there,” Wilkinson said. “It’s the people and the interactions that get me going.”
Mike Wilkinson at work.
Wilkinson is a Williamsville resident and Buffalo State graduate. He’s been with West Herr for 17 years. While meeting him for two seconds will prove he’s passionate about his job, one look around his office will show you the true source of his motivation: his children, all six of them.
Wilkinson’s children age from range 6-24. While the hours of car sales can be grueling, Wilkinson praises West Herr for giving him the flexibility to do his job and watch his children grow up.
“I am free to coach my children’s baseball teams or go home and eat lunch with them,” said Wilkinson. “You don’t see that at too many other companies.”
Wilkinson’s personality and involvement with his family has benefitted his career. He stresses that most business comes from repeat and referral, so with six children it’s not hard to meet fellow parents or teachers and school administrators. He says this group makes up a significant portion of his car sales. He manages to do this without being a pushy or irritating; he rarely hands out a business card without being asked first.
“That’s just me being me,” Wilkinson said.
While Wilkinson is stationed at West Herr Ford Lincoln Mercury in Amherst, it’s hard to keep someone with his skills in one spot. Wilkinson travels to multiple locations to meet customers and make sales. He sells multiple brands as well. He says anyone can thrive at a company that gives them this level of freedom.
“This company is willing to give you their best if you give them your best,” Wilkinson said.
Wilkinson also praises West Herr for their ability to calculate and analyze each move they make.  To him, this is why West Herr’s name is synonymous with success.
He also says that in the car business as much as life, perception is reality.  When it comes to Mike Wilkinson, the perception is that he’s an energetic person who can connect with people. Luckily for West Herr, that’s the reality too.