Apr 10
26
Ralph May: Parts Specialist
West Herr Veteran Talks Family, Cooking and Life
The new showroom at West Herr Toyota in Williamsville is already impressive, but parts specialist Ralph May has a radical suggestion.
“Why not put a diner in there? Come in, get your car fixed, get some breakfast,” he said. “I’d be happy to cook for the West Herr diner.”
While you may not see Ralph in a chef’s hat anytime soon, you will see him putting in long hours as a parts specialist in Toyota Williamsville. 25 years ago, Ralph started out sweeping floors at the West Herr body shop in Hamburg. He is now a veteran parts specialist with parts management experience.
Ralph May at West Herr Toyota in Williamsville
“The best part is I’ve gotten to move around and see new things in my career,” Ralph said. “At West Herr, there’s always an opportunity to move forward.”
He specifically mentions his time working with President Scott Bieler and Vice President John Wabick. He notes how they took time to work with every employee and show them the West Herr way.
“They taught me the true value of taking care of customers.” Ralph said.
He also lauds West Herr’s general attitude towards their employees. He notes that “a happy employee will in turn make happy customers.”
When talking to Ralph May about his life and hobbies, the conversation topics shift from his lack of a cell phone or email account to the music of Frank Zappa with ease. May enjoys playing poker, both online and with friends. He’s also an avid Buffalo sports fan.
“I love my Bills and my Sabres, for sure,” he said.
Ralph is married to his wife Nancy and has three step-children and three grandchildren. He spends most of his time traveling to see them; in a few weeks he is traveling to Dillsburg, PA to attend the annual Picklefest with Nancy, his step son and two of their grandchildren.
When asked what’s left for him to accomplish, he said he hopes to get back into Parts Management at some point, and keep on finding new challenges.
“My story is far from being done,” he said. Maybe the story involves being West Herr’s first official cook.
