Park Place Dealerships Named a 2013 National Top Workplace

Luxury automobile dealership group ranked #4 in the U.S. in the largest survey of American workers of its kind

DALLAS (January 31, 2013) — Dallas-based Park Place Dealerships has been named one of America’s Top Workplaces by WorkplaceDynamics. Park Place was ranked #4 nationwide among 872 organizations with more than 1,000 employees that participated in regional top workplaces programs.

“It is an honor to be recognized as one of America’s top workplaces,” said Ken Schnitzer, Chairman of Park Place Dealerships. “We have invested in hiring the best team to take great care of our clients and they do an incredible job. We value our team and we do everything we can to create an exceptional work environment.”

The National Top Workplaces list was determined solely by feedback gathered through an objective employee survey. The survey was conducted by WorkplaceDynamics, LLP, the leading on-demand employee survey provider, in conjunction with 30 leading regional newspapers. Park Place Dealerships participated in The Dallas Morning News’ Top Workplaces 2012 program.

The survey uses a proprietary set of 22 questions to rank companies. The survey data showed that employees most want to work at companies with high levels of organizational health. Companies that set a clear direction for their future; execute well; and bring real meaning to work are the healthiest.

“We have the support of the leadership team at all levels of our organization,” said Sherry Miller, vice president of human resources at Park Place Dealerships. “This enables us to implement workplace initiatives that create an environment where our employees are recognized and rewarded for their knowledge and skills, where their opinions are heard and valued, and where they can learn and further develop in their careers at Park Place.”

The Top Workplaces program accurately reflects the opinions of employees through measurement of engagement, organizational health and employee satisfaction. The survey is utilized year after year by human resource professionals and C-suite executives nationwide as the gold standard in internal measurement of organizational health and employee satisfaction.

Founded in 2006, WorkplaceDynamics is the fastest-growing employee survey provider in the United States. Based on their “on-demand” employee survey, last year they surveyed more than 5,000 organizations, polled 1.7 million people and handled over a million employee responses.

Details about the National Top Workplaces, a full list of the Top 150 companies, the survey methodology, and factors that drive organizational health are available at www.topworkplaces.com.

Park Place Dealerships was founded in 1987 by Ken Schnitzer with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn. Park Place currently operates 15 full-service dealerships representing Bentley, Jaguar, Lexus, Lotus, Maserati, McLaren, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, smart, Volvo and Rolls-Royce. In addition, the dealership group includes two Park Place Bodywerks locations. For more information about Park Place Dealerships, visit parkplace.com.

Tags: Park Place Awards, Top Workplaces

2012 Texas Rangers – Park Place Dealerships – Triple Play Event

Park Place Dealerships is proud to once again be the title presenter of the Texas Rangers Triple Play event set for May 27th at the Hilton Anatole Dallas.  The Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of children in need within our community, and provides funding for youth in crisis, youth health initiatives, youth baseball programs, and youth education.  This event serves as their largest fundraiser each year. The theme this year is “Escape to the Hamptons.”  The reception begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by dinner, the program, and then ‘game shows.’  The entire Texas Rangers team will be in attendance and there will be silent and live auctions. Ian and Tess Kinsler and Michael Young and Cristina-Barbosa Young are the hosts for the evening and Fox Sports Southwest’s Emily Jones will be the Mistress of Ceremonies.

To reserve tables or individual tickets, contact the Foundation at (817) 436-5933 or tripleplay@texasrangers.com. Click here fore the full press release on Texas Rangers.com.

Tags: Charity, Community, Events, Park Place Dealerships, Texas Rangers, Triple Play Event

Park Place Service Using RFID Tags and Technology to Enhance Client Experience

By Terry Box, Dallas News

Few cars go unnoticed on the busy service drive at Park Place Motorcars.

A couple of years ago, the Dallas Mercedes-Benz and Porsche dealership began attaching RFID tags, similar to TollTags, to new and used vehicles. Monitors on the service drive read the tags as customers pull in.

“When you arrive, it alerts your service adviser that you are here, tells the adviser what service you’re scheduled for and brings up your service history — all in a few seconds,” said Tony Carimi, director of operations at Park Place Dealerships.

The technology revolution that blew through showrooms more than a decade ago — ushering in Internet car sales — is now roaring through service department back shops.

Service advisors are trading pens and clipboards for iPads, while technicians tune cars with laptops. Devices embedded in service drives check tires on cars entering the dealership for wear and alignment.

Meanwhile, technicians use iPads to photograph worn parts on a vehicle, emailing the pictures to customers so they can decide whether to fix them.

Read the full article on DallasNews.com

Tags: Client Experience, Processes, Service, Technology

Three Reasons To Choose Park Place BodyWerks For Collision Repair In Dallas/Ft. Worth

What makes Park Place Bodywerks superior to some of the other big chain, highly advertised body shop and collision repair centers out there? You know – the ones that insurance companies try to send all their repairs to? Competitors like Service King and Maaco? We’ve got the top three reasons to choose Park Place BodyWerks over the rest.

Number Three: A major difference that sets Park Place BodyWerks apart, is our state-of-the art equipment and technologically advanced facilities that the other shops don’t (or wont’) make the investment in, to insure that vehicles are returned back to factory specifications after a collision. We are held to a higher standard, because of our brands. And of course – we are certified to do repairs on all of them and more. Which brings us to….

Number Two: One more key advantage that we have that no independent shops have is our manufacturer training for all the brands we represent.  Each one of our brands are constantly putting out new models made with more and better technology as well as being made with newer and lighter and in many cases exotic materials.  We are at a distinct advantage to the independent shops since we get constant repair information updated direct from our manufacturers, and have the unique ability to send our technicians to the most current training available.

Number One: The number one difference is the quality of our members. We’re Experts in Excellence. And it’s not just a tagline. From the professionalism of our front office staff to the expertly trained technicians repairing the vehicles, you won’t find better talent than right here at Park Place to handle your collision claim.

Tags: Body Shop Dallas Tx, Body Shop Grapevine Tx, Dallas Collision Repair, Dallas Paint and Body, Grapevine Collision Repair, Grapevine Paint and Body

Dallas Storms Bring Major Dent Repairs On Local Vehicles

Dallas was hit hard by the storms this Tuesday. Tornadoes, major winds and huge, (even horizontal) wrecked buildings, yards and cars for several hours this week. As Dallas folks start to pick up pieces and clean up – insurance companies are busy too, with storm claims.

The same thing is happening in our business with hail damage repairs and windshield repairs. We expect our body shop to be extremely busy over the next few weeks. And, we just wanted to remind all of our clients (and anyone who needs help with their car or has an automotive insurance claim on their car) that we are here to help, now serving you from our Dallas Body Shop as well as our Grapevine Body Shop.

We offer full collision repair, and will walk you through the entire process start to finish. We’ll work with your insurance company, to make sure that your car will be as good as new. We also offer auto glass repair – using the finest quality equipment. We can replace your windshield or repair chipped glass.

Perhaps your car was not damaged extensively, ad only requires paintless dent repair. There are any dents we can fix without paint, sanding or extended stays at the body shop.

Call us or come by for more information – we are happy to help you!

Tags: Collision Repair, Dent Repair, Insurance Claims, paintless dent repair

Park Place Salutes Community Partners – Grapevine/Colleyville Education Foundation

The Grapevine-Colleyville Education Foundation was founded in 1998 to provide funds for programs and opportunities that benefit GCISD students and staff. While core educational needs are met through the allocation of tax dollars, the margin of excellence is possible only by contributions and efforts that go above and beyond the minimum. Foundation funds are used to facilitate student achievement and skill development, recognize and encourage staff excellence and expand community involvement from individuals, businesses and civic organizations. Since its inception, the foundation has funded 875 projects, distributing more than $1.4 million to GCISD, affecting more than half the teachers and all the students.

“Like most Texas schools, our school district is facing unprecedented budget challenges under the current school finance laws. Park Place Motorcars has generously donated resources for the past few years to the Education Foundation whose sole purpose is to provide resources needed to our school district and where 100% of all donations stay within our school district to assist our students and teachers. Not only has Park Place been the featured sponsor for our Celebrating Our Stars Academic Recognition Banquet for several years, but also for the second year donates scholarships to graduates for continuing education. Park Place understands the importance of successful schools in communities and how communities must work together to ensure the success of our schools. Park Place’s support is a shining example of the need for and importance of collaborative efforts between our schools, community, and corporations. Our heartfelt thanks to Park Place!”  says Janice Kane, Executive Director.

With the unprecedented budget challenges facing Texas schools, the Foundation’s efforts are more critical than ever as educators are being forced to seek funding avenues outside the regular budget in order to continue vital educational programs. 100% of all donations to the Education Foundation stay within GCISD to assist GCISD students and teachers.

Tags: Charity, Community Partners, Events, Park Place Dealerships

Park Place Dealership Group Seeks Summer Interns

Park Place Dealerships is seeking interns for the summer following a successful inaugural year with its internship program.  As part of the company’s effort to recruit students, Park Place headed to area college campuses such as Baylor, Southern Methodist University, Texas Christian University, University of Texas at Dallas, and University of North Texas to find interns.

Currently, Park Place is looking for candidates who would be interested in sales, service, finance, IT, training, accounting, and marketing.  The program is designed to provide students with meaningful work experiences, on the job training and ongoing personal development.

“Our primary objective at Park Place is to ensure an extraordinary experience for our clients,” said Kurt Vanous, human resource brand manager at Park Place. “Through our internship program, we can teach students the importance of building relationships and the fundamentals of working on a team for the sole benefit of making the client purchase or sales experience the best it can be.”

The ideal candidates are confident, passionate people looking to grow and succeed with one of the most successful organizations in Dallas/Fort Worth. All candidates must currently be enrolled in college and working towards a degree program.

Farah Ellenbogen, marketing intern from UTD began her internship with Park Place Motorcars Dallas last summer and has continued working with the company. “I was looking for a well-rounded internship experience that allowed me to work on a variety of projects and have some autonomy,” said Ellenbogen. “Park Place offered just that. I was given the chance to take ownership of projects and really get some great hands-on experience. My internship at Park Place has given me the opportunity to hone the skills that I needed to begin my professional career. “

To apply for an internship, please contact Kurt Vanous at kvanous@parkplace.com.

Tags: Automotive Jobs, Careers, Internships, Summer Internships

The 2012 Dallas Auto Show Is Underway

The 2012 DFW Auto Show in Dallas is underway, and will run from March 21-25, 2012, at the Dallas Convention Center. Here is a quick preview of what you will find at one of the most anticipated annual events in the Dallas Fort Worth area. The DFW Auto Show in is the ideal opportunity for consumers to compare styling and pricing of most every major manufacturer new cars for sale under one roof, and in just a few hours.

Tags: Dallas Auto Show, Park Place Dealerships

Park Place Sponsors Accessible Luxury Charity Fashion Event In Dallas

Set against the luxurious back drop of Park Place Dealerships, Accessible Luxury is one of Dallas’ most exciting events to hit the fashion scene. The event, benefiting the patients at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, is set to impress, once again, this year on April 21, 2012.

Under the leadership of 2012 Accessible Luxury honorary event chairs Lisa and Ken Schnitzer and event chairs Heather and Robert Murphy, the highly anticipated evening will provide guests exclusive access to fashion, cars, art, jewelry and delicious cuisine by notable area chefs.

“Robert and I are so proud to be at the helm of an event that benefits Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children which has such an important role in the community,” said event chairman Heather Murphy. “To have a night that is dedicated to celebrating some of Dallas’ finest, it only seems fitting that it would benefit such a medical jewel in our city. We are also thrilled to have Lisa and Ken Schnitzer involved in this special night. Their support of Accessible Luxury since the first year has been vital to the event’s success.”

Party attendees can expect a vast selection of activities throughout the night:

• McLaren State-of-the-Art featuring Wisby-Smith Fine Art Browse and buy original art from one of Dallas’ finest art galleries. You won’t find a better exhibition space than in the company of a McLaren Roadster, a super performing, adrenalin-pumping sports car. As one of only 6 McLaren dealers in the United States, Park Place McLaren Dallas is at your service.
• Maserati Man Cave featuring Beretta This male-dominated cavern showcasing Beretta’s polished apparel and gear awaits you for an evening of luxury cars, specialty drinks and hand-rolled cigars.
• Bentley Bubble Roomfeaturing Eiseman Jewels Sip champagne as you pick out a new precious gem from Eiseman Jewels. Browse the collection of Texas native and jewelry designer Katie Decker.
• Rolls Royce Runway Show featuring Oscar de la Renta Be inspired by the new fashion obsessions and vogue looks of Oscar de la Renta at this 8 p.m. show featuring Model Citizens and Campbell-Wagner models.

This accessible chic event is anything but typical and is sure to entertain guests from the time they arrive on the red carpet.

To be a part of one of the best fashion events Dallas has to offer, visit www.tsrhc.org/AL or call (214) 559-7656 for ticket information

or sponsorship opportunities.

Pictured, above  – Heather and Robert Murphy (Photo by Rick Smith)
Pictured, top – Models show off Barneys Spring 2011 collection (Photo by Bob Manzano)

Tags: Acessible Luxury, Charity, Special Event, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital

Treat Your Car To The Spa During The Month Of March

CHOOSE FROM OPTIONS:  Paintless Dent Repair, Complete Detail, Wheel Repair, Glass RepairBuy one, save 5%, buy two save 10%, buy three or more and save 15%.

Contact us for more information, and mention USE COUPON CODE WSSPA

Tags: car wash, detail service, glass repair, paintless dent repair, service offer, service specials, wheel repair, windshield repair