|
Testimonials Graduates without Prior Experience Who Obtained a Management Career | Graduates without Prior Experience Who Obtained a Management Career |
|
|
|
|
Graduates Without Previous Industry Experience Who Obtained a Management Career After Training at The College The College makes no claims regarding starting salaries, graduate incomes or job availabilities for any position. Many College graduates and employers have provided the College with their own statements about their experiences in the industries we represent after graduating from the College. Many of these positions were obtained with the help of our Career Development Department and employer contacts within the industries we represent. “This is not an implied or expressed claim of what all of our graduates earn. Individual results may vary and be higher or lower than these figures”. The terms "current occupation" and "current income" as used below apply to the date each testimonial was provided by the graduate to the College and may or may not be their current occupation or income level at this time. Also, the College assumes that in many cases the graduate is providing general figures or income levels rounded off for discussion purposes and the income levels reported, before or after College training, should not be interpreted as EXACT amounts earned monthly since many of the positions listed below, before or after CAM training, are commission based and total incomes could vary from month to month. David Garske Previous Occupation: Real Estate Consultalt Currant Occupation: Finance Assistant "Just a note to let you know I have accepted a position today as the Finance departments assistant for Santa Cruz Toyota, our leading area dealership,only 2 miles from my home in Capatola. The dealerdhip is planning a major expansion, including gobbling up the area next door. They had three F&I Managers but they recently lost one, and have been scrabling to keep up. However, because the two remaining F&I Managers lack full formal training, there have been incidents of lost paperwork and finger pointing that caused their GSM and the Contoller to vow not to put in anotherF&I Manager they haven't fully trained "Their way." Through fortunate timing, I turned out to be that person. I will start as the department admin at $3000.00 per month plus; until my bosses are satisfied that their desired procedures are being performed in a way that "gives them their lives back." I am assured that as soon as they are confident about my performance, an F&I position will be opened up for me and they will get another assistant; this is their new plan for getting and keeping "trained people." To everyone at CAM and DSC, be confident in the tremendous service you are offering, and please share my experience with others. Everyone I have talked to after graduation seemed very willing to give me some kind of good entry level position. How different the response from my attempts to find work in the real estate arena, in which I had 35 years of experience. Keep up the great work! After I get promoted and have been in F&I awhile, I will be glad to drop by and share my experiences with new students."
Warmest Regards -David Finance Assistant
Hadassa Rivera Previous Occupation: Movie Theatre Operations Manager Previous Income: $2,600 per month Current Occupation: Finance Manager Current Occupation: $8,000 per month
"My dealership already gave me a 50% increase on my commission within just a month after being on the job! They started me at a good commission structure and said that after I proved myself in the position after 6 months or so, they would raise it to the next level. That happened in 1 month! The College of Automotive Management gave me a great overall foundation in Finance and the operations of the dealership. I am really prepared to handle Special Finance, which is a big help at my dealership because we do a lot of deals that involve people with special credit needs. This isn't something that is taught at most dealerships. For someone that does not have any experience in the industry, The College of Automotive Management is the only way. The instructors were great, Lex shared his personal stories which helped keep the classes fun, because the curriculum was very in depth. The placement department helped me tremendously and set up the interview where I was hired. I only had to go on one interview because I was able to demonstrate what I knew to get the position. They gave me forms and disclosures to execute during my interview, I aced it just like I did in class, and that's why I got the job. Now I'm making more than triple than what I was making before, and I'm only 25. Being bilingual was a definite plus. It gives you an edge in this industry. I wanted to thank everyone at The College of Automotive Management for their encouragement and support, it has changed my life. I even made a few friends that I keep in touch with."
-Hadassa Finance Manager
Previous Occupation: Broker Previous Income: $4,000 per month Current Occupation: Finance Manager Current Income: $9-$11,500 per month
"When I graduated from The College of Automotive Management, I got a job within one week of graduation as a Finance Manager for the Number 1 Motorhome Dealership in Northern California. What makes it especially nice is that for the first time in 15 years, I am actually working in the town I live. It's real nice having only a ten minute commute to work. I've been with the company for 10 months now and the income is what I expected. My first month I made $5,000 and I was very happy to at least make that. The next month, $7,500, the next $8,400...These last two months, I've made over $9,000 in each month. My best month so far was $11,500.What I took with me from The College of Automotive Management and still use every day is being legally compliant. With every contract signing (10 signatures) I still use the very same legal language I was taught. When the other Finance Managers have gotten themselves in some "hot water" over what was said, I am always confident that what I say in the Finance office is not only correct, but ethically and legally sound. For this reason, the GM of our dealership has expressed his gratitude that I am in his Finance office. He's told the owner and the sales managers that "with Peter in finance, I do not have to worry about anything. Deals are getting funded and there are never questions of him being legally compliant. The College of Automotive Management helped me prepare not only for the legalities of the job, but also the selling aspect of it. My income indicates I am doing well, and my averages are also increasing. My average last month was nearly $2,000 per unit with a warranty penetration of always greater than 70%. My best back end gross profit was on a $200,000 Motorhome and I brought in over $10,000 gross profit on ONE DEAL for a nice commission of over $1,300! To this day, our Finance Director says I hold the record in Finance!"
-Peter Finance Manager
Previous Occupation: Collections Agent Previous Income: $3,000 per month Current Occupation: Finance Manager Current Income: $6-$7,000 per month
“I was working for a collections company when they eliminated my position and I knew I had to make a career change. A friend informed me about The College of Automotive Management and I decided that this would be a great field to get into. After graduating I was presented with a lead for a tent sale and thought it would be good experience as I had never been in the car industry before. I was the only person in my class willing to accept the opportunity. The General Manager told me that he would never hire anyone into a Finance position without any experience. He was so impressed with my performance at the tent sale, that he informed me that he had a Finance Manager position open and would like me to take the position. This was after he told me that he would never hire anyone without any automotive experience. I had knocked his socks off as he would say to me. Within two months I had the highest gross profit average and shortly thereafter I doubled my per car average more than the department was doing before I had arrived."
-Aisha Finance Manager
Previous Occupation: Insurance Sales Representative Current Occupation: Corporate Sales Representative
“After graduating from The College of Automotive Management I briefly took a job as a Finance Manager until someone presented me with a great opportunity to become a Corporate Sales Representative. I did that for a while and then started to get more interested in the lending side of my education. What is so great about The College of Automotive Management is that it trains for both the automotive and lending industries. With my education I was able to make a smooth transition into lending and took a job as a Corporate Representative. I feel that The College of Automotive Management is the best training facility that you can attend in order to get all the training necessary to succeed in each industry.”
-Ken Corporate Sales Rep.
Previous Occupation: Financial Advisor Current Occupation: Special Finance Manager
“I love my new position as the Special Finance Manager. I am in charge of my own department. Everything I learned in class has played a huge part in my success; from desking deals, payment to income, debt to income, and analyzing credit reports. Everything we went over in class has come up in one way or another. I will say that the relationships that you build with your buyers are extremely important. It is amazing what your buyers will let you do if you just ask. I use Dealertrack to submit my applications and always submit the proper structure; it can make or break a deal! If I get an instant decline, I already know my guidelines well enough and pick up the phone and call my buyer to rehash. I stand strongly by the fact that if you believe in the products, you can sell them! I am extremely happy and couldn’t be more excited about what I am doing."
Mary -Special Finance Manager
Previous Occupation: Account Manager Previous Income: $3,000 per month Current Occupation: Finance Manager Current Income: $9-$11,000 per month
“I was working in the sporting goods industry as an Account Manager when it came time for my cost of living raise. I was insulted at the amount and felt that this was no longer a sufficient means of income for me and my family. I happened to be building a fire in my fireplace when I looked down and saw a crumpled ad for The College of Automotive Management. I saw the ad and knew that this is what I wanted to do. I was pretty much already sold on the program before I called and was even more determined after I had spoken with my Career Counselor. I am proud to say that I now work as a Finance Manager and my life has changed tremendously. My income has more than tripled to over six figures a year and I was able to purchase a new car and a brand new house! I can relax now, knowing that I can supply for my daughters and I am able to afford to send them to the best schools so that they can receive a top notch education. Everything that I learned in the program I have applied. I know that I wouldn’t be where I am today without The College of Automotive Management. It was the best decision I have ever made in my life.”
-Stephanie Finance Manager
Previous Occupation: Account Exec. Previous Income: $2,500 per month Current Occupation: Internet Director Current Income: $12,000 per month
"I want to take this opportunity to say, "Thank You" for providing me with AWESOME education. The education you have provided me, was short in days, but seemed like it was a life sentence when dealing with "Stop the Shopper," or the mock interview!!!!!! Honestly, I acquired years of knowledge that I cannot even begin to put into words! For everyone that is thinking or skeptical about attending The College of Automotive Management, I also, was very skeptical. Especially when I was dealing with many personal issues, including being a single parent, taking care of my Mother and being homeless, just to name a few! Just trying to get enough money for gas to make it to and from school, was a major concern for me! Fortunately, here I am writing to say, "Thank You to The College of Automotive Management Staff" from the very beginning, when I received a phone call from Ron Metrakos, he scheduled my first face to face appointment with Choo, then I met Brie, and Sharon, began classes with my instructors, Roy and Adam, and was introduced to Dan, Carrie, and Chitvan. Now, I am the Internet Director at Hartzheim Dodge for both their Hayward and San Jose locations. I will be for the ones coming up in the future as well. My goal is to bring our dealership to the Top in the Industry, and I know we will do it, because I first have God and the support of The College of Automotive Management, what I have learned and all the support that they provide. Just keep an open mind, forget what you have done in the past, learn everything Roy and Adam are teaching, and you can join me in much success and prosperity!"
-Joan Internet Director
Previous Occupation: Regional Sales Manager Previous Income: $6,400 per month Current Occupation: Internet/Finance Manager Current Income: $8,500 per month
"I wanted to thank you for helping me obtain a position with an outstanding High-Line dealership. This is the type of position I was interested in from the start and the reason for my attending The College of Automotive Management. Your advice and encouragement were instrumental in my obtaining the job offer and I appreciate the efforts of the Career Development Department making contact with my Jaguar dealership and providing them with a positive word regarding my qualifications."
-Mark Internet/Finance Manager
Lauri Ellison Previous Occupation: Territory Manager Previous Income: $4,000 per month Current Occupation: Finance Manager Current Income: $5,000 per month
"I just wanted to drop you guys a quick letter to let you know what has happened to me. Also, I wanted to get something BIG up on the bulletin board in the lunch room. I remember being one of those students who asked, “Why do I have to learn all of these formulas? After all this is the 21st Century and computers do all the calculating for us”. You all kept saying. “There will come a time when you can shine and show everyone how to do a deal by hand.” Ok, you were right! I just didn’t know how right you could be!!!! I came to work here at Foothill Ranch Buick Pontiac GMC as a Finance Manager, the ONLY Finance Manager at this store!! My first day on the job there was a construction crew at our parent dealership in Irvine that cut the internet and ADP line. That’s right gang NO COMPUTERS for over a week!!! I had to do deals by hand! Our parent store ran the bureaus for us and I worked up the payments and yes, everyone was very impressed. I just wanted to say thank you for everything. These people here actually believe I can do the job and you made me believe it too! CAM rocks!!"
-Lauri Finance Manager
Previous Occupation: Waiter Previous Income: $2,000 per month Current Occupation: Finance Manager Current Income: $15,000 per month
“How my life has changed in just the last two months. Two months ago I didn’t have a driver’s license, wasn’t making more than $2,000 a month as a waiter and was going nowhere fast. I saw an ad in the local paper about training people for management positions within the lending and automotive industries. I knew I had to make something of my life, so I decided to call. I will never forget what I told my career counselor, I said that I was tired of being a screw up! She knew I was serious about changing my life so I signed up for the program. The entire staff at The College of Automotive Management was great and behind me all the way. They knew I was serious about studying hard, changing my life, and making a career for myself, not just another job. Before I had even graduated I received job leads from the Career Development Department and had interviews set. Within a week, I landed an F&I Manager position for a Lincoln Mercury dealership where I am making $5,000 a month with just my base salary plus, I earn commissions and bonuses and this was just to start! This is more than twice the amount of money I had ever made. I love what I am doing and want to say that the College of Automotive Management and everyone there is great. I will always be grateful for the change this education has brought to my life."
2007: "I now work as a finance manager for a luxury dealership in Beverly Hills earning over $15,000 per month. I can't believe how much my life has changed in the last 2 years!”
-Sean Finance Manager
Kim Khovananth Previous Occupation: Casino Manager Current Occupation: Finance Manager
“I went through the school when I was 19 years old. I was very driven to succeed as I had already been working in a management position in the gaming/casino industry for over a year. I thought my age would be a hindrance for me as I was so much younger than everyone else. I asked the Career Development Department how I would handle my age. They informed me that as long as I know the material, have my interview presentation down and am confident, that people hire who they like and that if I was at all uncomfortable or uncertain of anything that they would review the material with me. On my first interview I landed the Finance Manager position and am making more money than most of my friend’s parents combined. I am now being considered for the Sales Manager position.”
-Kim Finance Manager
Previous Occupation: Admissions Representative Previous Income: $3,500 per month Current Occupation: Finance Manager Current Income: $6,000 per month
“I was an admissions representative at a vocational school when I decided to change my life. I was earning less than $3,500 a month, and I knew I was worth more than that. I attended The College of Automotive Management, and am now making around $6,000 a month as a Finance Manager. I’m enjoying my new career!”
-Lisa Finance Manager
Previous Occupation: Cake Decorator for Costco Previous Income: $2,000 per month Current Occupation: Fleet/Internet Manager Current Income: $5,700 per month
I am a Fleet/Internet Manager for Honda of Escondido, working for the same dealer group as another graduate, just at a different store. I am doing very well as I have already sold 6 cars this month! What a difference of work ethics!!! I love this company!!! I work from 10-7pm and sold 14 cars last month and made $4,000 and this month I have sold 19.5 cars and am making $7,800!!! I am leading numbers in the back end, which makes me feel great since I am new here. I have found that sales is my calling. I did have the opportunity to work Finance but I decided now is not the right time as I love selling and the hours are better for me in sales. Maybe in the future I will go into Finance but as for right now I am loving life.
-Tania Internet / Fleet Manager
Previous Occupation: District Sales Manager for Insurance Company Current Occupation: Finance Director/Internet Director
“Prior to graduating from The College of Automotive Management I had been working for an insurance company as a District Sales Manager and was also pursuing entrepreneurial endeavors as a Lead Marketing/Advertising/Financial Consultant for a privately owned business. I decided that The College of Automotive Management was a great way for me to segway into the financial side of the Automotive Industry, as I had received my Bachelor’s degree in Financial Planning. After I completed the course, I was hired on as a Finance Manager for a well known Chevrolet dealership in Orange County. I worked for this dealership for quite some time until I was presented with an opportunity to manage a store of my own. I set-up and ran the Finance/Sales and Internet departments. What was so unique about this opportunity is that we combined the Finance/Special Finance Department with the Internet department, so that when an Internet Lead comes in, you walk the client through the entire deal, which is going to become more of the norm for other dealerships as well. I am now the Managing Director for an independently owned and operated dealership and have been a major contributing factor in the dealership’s success and have hired other graduates of The College of Automotive Management in my finance department.”
-Fadi Finance / Internet Director
Previous Occupation: Manager for a Travel Agency Current Occupation: Internet/Finance Manager
“Thank you, thank you. I cannot thank The College of Automotive Management enough! Today I am proud to say that I am the Internet/Finance Manager for one of the busiest and most well known Toyota dealerships in Orange County. And to think, I flat out turned down this lead because I thought that being in Finance meant that I had to actually be in the Finance Department. I sheepishly admit that I knew nothing of the position and hadn’t even wanted to take the Internet course while at school. The Career Development Department sat me down and explained to me what a great opportunity this would be for me. I admittedly was not sold on the whole idea but thought what the heck; I’d give it a try. I am so glad that the ladies of the Career Development Department, in a nice way of course, made me go into this interview. I was ready to just blow off the lead, thinking that this position was not going to be anything that I wanted. What I would have overlooked is that at this dealership the Internet Consultants serve as the Finance Managers for the Internet Department. I would be doing everything that I was trained for. I am doing “amazing” as my director would say. I have been there a few days and have sold 6 cars!! I am outdoing all of the other Internet Managers who were hired from within the industry. Me, someone who had been in the military most of my life, who had no prior experience is beating out guys who have been in the industry for years! To celebrate my success I am planning on taking my wife on a cruise for out 10th wedding anniversary.”
-Raul Internet/Finance Manager
Previous Occupation: Office Manager Previous Income: $2,000 per month Current Occupation: Finance Manager Current Income: $10,000 per month
“I was an Office Manager at the College of Automotive Management and kept seeing people enroll in the school, graduate, and then get great-paying jobs. I knew that becoming an F&I Manager would greatly increase my income, so I enrolled in the school, too. Today I’m doing very well, and I enjoy my job.”
-Sophia Finance Manager
Previous Occupation: Social Worker Previous Income: $3,500 per month Current Occupation: Fleet Manager Current Income: $6,000+ per month
“Before I attended The College of Automotive Management I was a Social Worker, The job was mentally rewarding but not economically rewarding. I used the communication skills I developed as a social worker and added the sales skills I learned at the College to become successful in the car business. I was hired within 2 weeks of graduation and have stayed at the same dealership for the last 2 years. My income has increased from $3,500 / month to over $6,000. I started in sales and now am a Fleet Manager. I get to sell and do the F&I as well for my deals. I actually have had opportunities to move to straight F&I a few times but enjoy what I am doing and have stayed in the Fleet Department. I am glad that I attended The College of Automotive Management and would recommend it to those considering getting into the Automobile industry.”
-Humberto Fleet Manager
Previous Occupation: Advertising Manager Previous Income: $3,600 per month Current Occupation: Finance Manager Current Income: $6,200 per month
"I was an advertising manager prior to attending The College of Automotive Management. I thought I wanted to be in management and did not want to 'sell" cars until I graduated from The College of Automotive Management and learned what my opportunities really were. Now I handle the entire transaction myself including the sales, financing and DMV documents for all of my sales and I have complete control with my customer's buying experience. My income has almost doubled and I really love my new career."
-Jennifer Finance Manager
Previous Occupation: Retail Sales Clerk Current Occupation: Finance Manager
“I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for The College of Automotive Management. The education and training provided by The College of Automotive Management has given me the confidence and preparation I needed in order for me to gain employment in a new industry in which I had no prior experience. I interviewed with a dealership that was very familiar with The College of Automotive Management which made my job so much easier because I didn’t have to try and sell the benefits of my education. It’s only been a few weeks but already I have experienced so many changes. My life before The College of Automotive Management was one of constant struggle and frustration. My husband is in the military and we have spent most of our marriage moving around from base to base, not really having the ability to build a stable home environment for our family. We had been experiencing some hardships because unfortunately the military does not pay as well as we would like and my husband had been waiting for his promotion to kick in. In order to stay afloat I worked two full time jobs. I was introduced to The College of Automotive Management and thought that this would be a great opportunity for my family and me and hopefully would give us the chance to get out of debt. Fast forward to today and I am the Finance Manager for a Volvo dealership in San Diego County and what a difference this has made. My income combined with my husband’s recent promotion has given us the opportunity to not only pay off all of our debts but to start saving to buy a home within the next two years. This is something that we had always dreamed of but just really didn’t believe that could happen.”
-Brandie Finance Manager
Previous Occupation: Hospitality Manager Current Occupation: Finance Manager
“After working in the hospitality industry before attending The College of Automotive Management, I was ready for a change. My enthusiasm and can do attitude meshed with my brief experience as a sales representative landed me a F&I Manager position for a Motorsports Dealership in Los Angeles. I was hired immediately without having any experience in the Finance industry.”
-Bassily Finance Manager
Previous Occupation: Computer Programmer Previous Income: $3,800 per month Current Occupation: Finance Manager Current Income: $18,000 per month
“I was a computer programmer for General Electric and was only making $45,000 per year. I started to see the difference more income made in my friend’s lives as they were driving nice cars and taking off to different locations for vacations and I was still where I was at, making the same amount of money that I had made the year prior and so forth. A friend of mine was working as a Finance Manager in the Automotive Industry making over $275,000 a year and I thought, if this guy is making that amount of money why can’t I? And that’s how it all started for me. I walked away from The College of Automotive Management and took a position as an F&I Manager on the day I graduated! The dealership hired me on the spot and now I am making an average of $18,000 a month! I now have only 18 months left to pay off my house. The changes that have happened in my life and career are unfathomable. I go to work and I am content with how my life has turned out.”
-Ken Finance Manager
Previous Occupation: Genetics Lab Previous Income: $2,000 per month Current Occupation: Internet F&I Manager Current Income: $4,000+ per month
“I made $2,000 a month in my previous job. The College of Automotive Management's Placement Department found me a position. Now, after only two months, I am making more than $4,000 a month. I project the annual difference will be well over $35,000 a year from my previous job.”
-Nadia Internet F&I Manager
Previous Occupation: Office Assistant Previous Income: $2,700 per month Current Occupation: Finance Manager Current Income: $11,000 per month
“I worked at an Automotive Business Office for 11 years, and while I enjoyed my work, I knew I was capable of handling greater responsibility. It was a tough decision to invest in my education, but one that I needed to do to improve my life and secure a better future for my family. I was earning $2,700 at my old job, and wanted to be able to provide a top-notch education for my children. I am doing that now. I was hired a couple of weeks after graduation by a Finance Director who was also a College of Automotive Management graduate. Today, as a Finance Manager at a Honda store, I am earning as much as $11,500 per month and do not have to rely on anyone to take care of my family. That’s a great feeling. And what’s just as important, I love what I do.”
-Susan F&I Manager
Previous Occupation: Collections Agent Previous Income: $1,833 per month Current Occupation: Finance Manager Current Income: $8,500 per month
“Every time I share my story I can’t help but get a little choked up. To go from making less than $22,000 a year and having to move my family back home to live with my mother was how my life was before coming through The College of Automotive Management. I am now a Finance Manager and make over $100,000 per year and the idea of it all still astounds me. And to think I was so dead set against even coming here. A fishing trip with a couple of alumni from The College of Automotive Management ended up convincing me that it would be a great way for me to provide for my family. I am making more money than I expected to see in my lifetime and I never even had to sell a car. I am so happy that I can’t even express in words how much this has affected my life. I did something that made me so afraid, I jumped in with both feet and never looked back.”
-Frank Finance Manager
Previous Occupation: Medical Assistant Current Occupation: Finance Manger
“I have spent years looking for a career that would bring me the financial success that I wanted for my family and me. For over 10 years I worked as a medical billing assistant and collector and have spent most of my life helping others obtain that success while I took the back seat and watched it all happen. I knew that I wanted something better I just didn’t know what.I came across an ad for The College of Automotive Management while I was searching through an employment magazine. What instantly grabbed my attention was not only were the programs incredibly short but the average earnings of a full time Finance Manager were above and beyond what I had ever seen before. I decided to take a chance and made an appointment to visit The College of Automotive Management. After meeting the staff and hearing of all of the successes of past alumni, I was hooked. My experiences with The College of Automotive Management were nothing that I could have anticipated. The instructors were so helpful with any questions I had and gave me the one on one teaching that I needed. I built a very personal relationship with the placement department, as they took the time to really get to know me and what I wanted for my new career. I wish to thank them for having such faith in me and holding my hand throughout the entire process as I entered this new field. A previous graduate of The College of Automotive Management had recently been promoted to General Manager and needed a Finance Manager for one of his stores. I had no Finance experience let alone any automotive experience and was hesitant as to why they would hire me at such a high position. Not only did the dealership believe in The College of Automotive Management but they had such success with the College’s alumni that they wouldn’t believe in hiring anyone else. I interviewed for the position and am now the Finance Manager. I am so blessed to have found The College of Automotive Management as they have helped me achieve my dreams and goals. I will always be thankful to the school, especially to the instructors and placement. It was Dave Gorman, an instructor, who was my mentor, my inspiration and a wonderful person and educator. I highly commend The College of Automotive Management for having such excellent instructors and staff. The school has impacted my life is such a big way I just wanted a chance to show others how much my life has changed.”
-Megan Robles Finance Manager
Previous Occupation: Photographer Previous Income: $2,000 per month Current Occupation: Finance Manager Current Income: $16,000 per month “My life has changed so drastically after graduating from The College of Automotive Management. I went from working as a Photographer and Sales Associate for a camera/video store to now making over $16,000 a month as an F&I Manager for a RV dealership. I work out in the desert and commute back to my brand new house I just purchased in Orange County. Life is great! The RV season is coming soon and that’s when business will pick up even more. I have already been able to do a great deal for my mom and am so thankful that I have chosen this industry. I am hopeful that The College of Automotive Management will open another branch so that I can come and be an instructor, to share with others the great opportunity that has been bestowed upon me.”
-Todd Finance Manager
Previous Occupation: Travel Agent Current Occupation: Finance Manager
“I was in the travel business for years but due to the recent events in New York and the affect these events had on the travel industry, I decided it was time to change careers. After much homework and calls to several previous graduates of The College of Automotive Management, I decided to attend the program to become an F&I Manager. I went on several interviews right after graduating and landed a job at a great Honda dealer right next to my home. I did everything they said was possible - with no experience! The level of their support was unexpected and I know they care about my future. It was the right decision for me. In this business, who you know is as important as what you know. I suggest everyone serious about F&I get to know the staff at The College of Automotive Management."
-Connie Finance Manager
Previous Occupation: Grocery Store Clerk Current Occupation: Finance Manager
"After working for a number of years for a small grocery company I found myself on disability with a back injury and unable to work. After my operation I realized I couldn’t go back to my job because of all the lifting involved. I knew I would have to find a career that wasn’t so physically demanding. I am a car nut and had always thought about working in the automotive industry but didn’t know much about it. I found out about the College of Automotive Management from a Job Giant magazine, and the web sites where I learned information about positions and income in the industry I never knew about. I made the decision that I wanted to be a Finance & Insurance Manager. After attending the College I immediately was offered a position in Finance with a major RV dealer in San Diego – with no experience! I love what I do and am excited to go to work everyday. My life has totally changed. I recently proposed to my girlfriend of 4 years, and she said yes! I see many future successes coming my way as a result of the education I received from The College of Automotive Management. My hat’s off to the entire faculty and especially my instructors for all the support and guidance they have given me. They are the best!"
-Anthony Finance Manager
From Lindsey Mead - Anthony's Fiancé "Hi Jerry this is Lindsey, Anthony's now fiancé. Ha-ha. Anyways, I just wanted to thank you personally for all you have done for Anthony. He had almost lost all hope for his future before he signed up for school at The College of Automotive Management. I wish you could all see the changes in him that I get to see everyday. He is confident and happy, and I couldn't have asked for more. By the way, he is enjoying his new job at 10,000 RV, and he is appreciated there because of his understanding and education in the automotive industry. All his co-workers and especially boss are very impressed with his knowledge. We couldn’t have done it without you. So, thank you again."
Previous Occupation: Sporting Goods Manager Previous Income: $3-$4,000 per month Current Occupation: Finance Manager Current Income: $6-7,000 per month
“I was working in the sporting goods industry for a number of years and my wife was in the Automotive Industry. As I got closer to her boss, he convinced me to go to The College of Automotive Management and make a change in my life. Afterwards, I became an F&I Manager and am doing great. It has greatly impacted my life in a positive manner. I am able to help other people and it has also given me a financial leap. I moved from a tiny house into a big beautiful home. The College of Automotive Management has definitely allowed for me to have some spectacular opportunities!”
-Dean Finance Manager
Previous Occupation: Banker Current Occupation: Automobile Salesperson
"Prior to The College of Automotive Management, I was a banker. I decided to attend The College of Automotive Management because I wanted to get into a higher paying industry and do something a little more challenging. Right after graduating, I went to work for a dealership as the Special Finance Manager. After a couple of months, I decided to sell cars for a newly opened store and am the top salesperson for the dealership the past two months (since it opened). Now that the store has been open for a little while and cars are selling, I can see my income growing."
-Carlos Salesperson
Previous Occupation: Corporate Sales Representative Previous Income: $4000 per month Current Occupation: Finance Director Current Income: $9000 per month
“I had worked for a Uniform Rental Co. when I found myself on disability. A friend of mine used to own a dealership. I asked him if he had any suggestions. He said, "You've got to go into finance if you ever want to make big money." He told me that it would be hard, but after a bit of research, I found The College of Automotive Management. They were great. I sold cars for two weeks and went right into finance. It was the best decision that I have ever made.”
-Dave Finance Director
Previous Occupation: Casting Recruiter Previous Income: $41,000 year Current Occupation: F&I Manager Current Income: $11,000+ per month
After graduating from The College of Automotive Management I was hired as a Special Finance Salesperson at Sunrise Ford in North Hollywood. I used the scripts I learned at the College especially the one that says “the more you put down the more you will save….” I was so successful using these techniques that within 6 months the boss let me start doing my own deals and within 4 months of that I was a manager and had 3 people working for me. I was making about $11,000 a month 2 years later I was hired as a Sales Manager at Manhattan Beach Toyota. Talk about a change!! Now most of my customers had great credit and knew what they wanted. I just used the scripts and methods I learned at the College to continue my success. I left that position after about a year and a half to accept a job as an F&I Manager at Douglas Nissan. I enjoy the F&I business, you get to deal with so many different personalities and utilize all of your interpersonal skills to find out what the customer really wants and needs. You use different methods of overcoming objections depending upon the personality type of your customer. Having started out in sales gave me the experience dealing with people and discovering their needs. I was able to take this experience and apply it to my customers in F&I. Before I came to The College of Automotive Management I was renting an apartment, driving a 1993 Pontiac Sunfire and making $41,000 a year after working in the movie industry for 8 years!! Now I own a $700,000 home, drive a 2003 Mercedes E500 and make well over $100,000 a year. What did I learn at the College? I learned the basics necessary to be successful, I learned that you have to treat people fairly and most of all I learned that you must be ethical and not lie to your customer. The skills I learned helped me to get started; I still had a lot to learn about dealing with people so I am glad that I sold cars for a while to get that experience. Given the choice would I do it over again?? Without a doubt!
-Wesley F&I Manager
Eric Andersen Previous Occupation: Account Executive Previous Income: $3,000 per month Current Occupation: Sales Representative Current Income: $16,000 + per month
“After graduating from The College of Automotive Management in 1992, I immediately went to work as a Special Finance Manager and my income immediately increased to six figures per year. I was then promoted to Finance Director and then to Sales Manager where my responsibilities and income continued to increase. After seven years of management I realized the that being a Sales Representative had the best pay plan, the most control over my schedule and so I established my own Sales Department within a dealership which focused on helping people with credit issues, people who owed too much on their trade in, or people that the store couldn’t help through their traditional sales process. This is the highest paying position that I have held in the car business."
-Eric Sales Representative
Previous Occupation: Mortgage Current Occupation: Special Finance Manger Current Income: $60,000+
“I had worked in the car sales business a number of years before coming to The College of Automotive Management as well as in the mortgage industry. Therefore, I felt that I had a good working knowledge of the business and finance in general. I was amazed and impressed with the amount of information that was made available in the 5 week course and how much I learned.” “Right after graduating I got a job in a special finance department and am working for a Hyundai-Subaru dealer in San Diego. The knowledge I gained at The College of Automotive Management allowed me to get this position without spending the usual 2 to 4 years on the floor. I tell people that if someone had gone to a community college or even a university for 4 years they would have spent $20,000 to $100,000 and still would be offered a job paying only $25-35,000 per year while undergoing even more training while on the job. With The College of Automotive Management education making $60 -100,000 within one year of graduation is not an unreasonable estimate as I immediately started making the monthly income to be at a minimum of $ 60K+ by years end. There are so many concepts and procedures to learn in the automobile sales business that most of the people that I work with who have been in the business for many years don’t know nearly as much as I do. This includes desk managers, not just the salespeople. Each dealership has certain policies and procedures that vary but The College of Automotive Management gave me a tremendous head start and greatly shortened my learning curve. Every job has a certain amount of “on the job training” but The College of Automotive Management helped to shorten that period of time by years. I already knew the sales essentials and only needed to become familiar with the dealer specific policies. One of the great challenges facing the industry is ethical behavior. I am challenged daily by my peers but very glad that The College of Automotive Management emphasized ethical treatment of the customer and full disclosure. I know that I will never be challenged for my behavior. The “we have always done it that way” mentality is changing and The College of Automotive Management is playing a large role in changing that behavior!” “How much is the education I received at The College of Automotive Management worth?? It is worth its weight in gold!!”
-Craig Special Finance Manager
Previous Occupation: Police Officer Current Occupation: Finance Manager
“I have been a police officer most of my life. When I became injured on the job I could no longer perform my duties and needed to make a change. I was interested in The College of Automotive Management due to the average incomes that people in management capacities were making. I was a little apprehensive about jumping into an industry that I didn’t have any experience with but the idea that I would be able to be making great money overtook my skepticism. I think I met with the Career Development Department almost every other day. They gave me a lead to a dealership in Corona and one of my classmates was also familiar with the General Manager of the dealership, so I had two people who were gunning for me. It all paid off. I am the new Finance Manager where I will be training with the other Finance Manager until I get my feet wet.”
-Marvin D. Finance Manage
Previous Occupation: Sales and Marketing Previous Income: $7,200 per month Current Occupation: F&I Manager Current Income: $7,000 - $10,000 per month
I was in sales and marketing for 8 years before attending The College of Automotive Management. I have a Masters Degree and was earning over $80,000 a year. My wife and I wanted more income to help support our family and we decided that attending The College of Automotive Management would give me a head start in the lucrative automobile industry. I really wanted to go straight to work in F&I and skip over sales. I found out that it takes determination on my part and assistance from The College of Automotive Management placement staff to achieve that career goal. I now am a Finance Manger at Santa Monica BMW!I have a base salary and I also earn commission on products and services that I sell in F&I.I sold products in my first transaction and have kept going from there. I know how to deal with lease customers, who make up a large portion of highline customers, as well as finance and cash buyers. The owner of the store has been impressed with my performance so far and even made a point to compliment me on my ability to sell products. I will be forever grateful to The College of Automotive Management for the education and confidence that you gave me. Look for my card to be placed on the “Wall of Fame”. I will stop by and show you my graduation present to myself: a new BMW!!
-James F&I Manager
Previous Occupation: Receptionist Current Occupation: Finance Manager
"I was working for Galpin Ford as the Receptionist. After a few months, I asked the Finance Director how I could move into the Finance Department. He told me that if I wanted a career that I should get trained at The College of Automotive Management. I took it upon myself to enroll and graduate. I went back to Galpin Ford as their Finance Assistant. Within four or five months, I was promoted to Finance Manager. My income has grown significantly."
-Bel
Previous Occupation: Steel Factory Worker Previous Income: $2,500 per month Current Occupation: Sales Manager Current Income: $30,000 per month
“Prior to attending The College of Automotive Management I worked as a Collector and the swing shift in a steel mill. After training with The College of Automotive Management I moved to Nevada to be closer to my wife’s family. I wanted to work in a successful store so I started in Sales at one of the largest Dodge dealerships in the state. I was not the top Sales Representative but I was consistent. I was making three times the amount of money than with my previous occupations. A little after six months I was promoted to Finance Manager where I was number one in my department, I attribute this to my education and training from The College of Automotive Management because of my ability to structure deals and understand each bank’s loan program. I was then promoted to Sales Manager where I train and oversee all of the Desk Managers at a store that sells over 700 units a month. My wife and I live in a $1,000,000 house and have a great life.” Lloyd Jr. Sales Manager
Previous Occupation: Service Technician Current Occupation: Finance Manager
“As a Sears service technician who incurred an injury at work; I wanted to continue my career. I was hired the day before I graduated from the College of Automotive Management as a Finance Writer at Riverside Mitsubishi, and was promoted to Finance Director in a very short time. Several years and a management change later, I moved to Ontario Mitsubishi.”
-Scott Finance Manager
Paul Huanosto Previous Occupation: Car Sales Current Occupation: F& I Manager
"I grew up a car guy. My father owned a body shop when I was younger and I learned about cars from the ground up. I also learned how to deal with people with different personalities in various situations. In the body shop business you have to deal with the customers, insurance companies and the various suppliers. Each has to be treated differently. I have been in the car business myself since 1994 selling and financing cars. I also owned my own body shop. After I graduated from The College of Automotive Management I worked as a Finance Manager for a public auction company. Imagine the challenge of selling a customer a service contract for a car that they had just paid cash for! By using the presentation skills I learned at The College of Automotive Management I was able to convince the customers that the products I was offering them were actually providing them with additional benefits to protect them from financial harm. I learned to approach the customer as someone to help not just make a lot of money off of. I consistently sold protection to my customers, not making a killing on each one but making friends who later referred their friends to me to provide them with the great service they deserved. This led to consistently high Customer Satisfaction Index ratings regardless of the manufacturer of the vehicle I was representing. I have worked at a store where we were writing over 375 deals a month with only 2 F&I people. That was busy! I am looking forward to using my experience and knowledge of the industry to open my own dealership with the next ten years. By treating people right, like they teach at The College of Automotive Management, I am sure that my referral base will grow year after year. I looked at some other 1 week finance courses but I just don’t see how they can teach anywhere near as much as they do at The College of Automotive Management. Not only do you learn the process but you also learn how to deal with people. And learning how to negotiate and deal with people is the most important aspect of this business. I am glad that I chose The College of Automotive Management for my training."
Paul -F&I Manager
Last Updated 7/18/07 |
Learn more about our programs for High Paying Careers in Automotive, Retail, Lending, and Product and Service Companies serving the automotive and lending industries! Click below for our No Obligation information packet.
| Home |
| About Us |
| Admissions |
| Career Dept. |
| Online Store |
| Testimonials |
List All Products |
|
|
Advanced Search |
|
| Download Area | |
| Show Cart | |
| Your Cart is currently empty. |
