Jul 10
14
Getting In Tune With Ray Ammerman
West Herr Jaguar Manager Works With A Song In His Heart
Visit West Herr Jaguar and you just might hear someone break out into song. That’s general manager Ray Ammerman, and for him singing is just an average day at the office.
“I just want people to enjoy the sales process and have fun, ” he said. Ray not only creates an enjoyable atmosphere, he knows how to sell cars too.
Ray Ammerman started with West Herr 15 years ago at the Ford of Hamburg location. After just one year he was asked to fill in at the Jaguar store. He was told “don’t worry about selling cars.” He sold 6 in his first week.
Ray Ammerman doing what he does best: entertaining
Nationally, very few dealers ever win Jaguar’s prestigious customer service award, “The Pride of Jaguar.” Since Ray took over as GM, West Herr Jaguar has received the Pride of Jaguar award 8 times. One conversation with any of his coworkers reveals the impact he’s made.
“Ray taught me the car business, but in the meantime, I learned that it is possible to enjoy your work,” said Jennifer Black, General Manager Assistant at West Herr Jaguar. “He always greets his customers with a smile on his face.”
Ray Ammerman credits West Herr for giving him the freedom to grow and operate his own way. At one point he was writing copy for West Herr radio ads and doing the voiceover work. He loves that he was given the opportunity to learn all aspects of the business.
He also says West Herr knows how to treat their employees, citing company picnics as an example. At one picnic Ray even won the “West Herr Idol.” talent contest.
“Everyone had fun and me personally, I was on cloud nine,” Ray said. “It truly made you feel like you were part of a family.”
Ray also performs at the Lancaster Opera House and is involved with interactive dinner theatre at multiple locations. He has performed at the Upstate New York Transplant Services (UNYTS) annual “Transformations benefit” two years in a row and has been invited back this year. He promises a lively set this year.
“At my shows as long as the people have a spinal column, they’ll be dancing,” he said.
Ray has been married to his wife Kim for 9 years and has a 14 year old son named Tyler. When asked what he’d like to accomplish personally he says he’s happy where he is.
“I don’t play the lottery because I don’t see how things could get any better,” he said.