
You might know Elizabeth Samuel as the face of the of the award-winning Joe Myers Imports Auto dealerships in Northwest Houston. Her husband, General Manager/Managing Partner Ralph Samuel, along with their three sons, three grandsons, and many of their tenured associates have been featured in their multiple award-winning TV commercials and other advertising for many years.
“Don’t do something halfway,” is a motto Elizabeth has embraced her entire life, and it has served her well. With her can-do attitude, Elizabeth, a graduate of Katy High School and Howard Payne University, began working for a company creating floor plans for new homes. Soon she found herself designing homes and subdivisions with a whole team working for her.
“If you’re not happy with something, fix it!” is a motto Elizabeth takes to heart. Years ago, ready for a change in her career, she drove by the Joe Myers dealerships and decided to stop in.
“I walked in and asked for a management position, but nothing was available. So, I started in an entry-level sales position,” she says. “Within a year, after being salesperson of the month many times, I was promoted to finance director. The automotive business suits me perfectly. I have a fire within and so does everyone else on our team who is successful.”
The husband and wife team have made many trips to South Korea to immerse themselves in the Kia production process. They have sat in during the initial design phase of several new models to understand the quality and precision that go into creating the vehicles they sell and service on their showroom floor. During the many years that Elizabeth and Ralph have been at the forefront of Joe Myers Kia, they have seen the Kia brand grow into a major powerhouse in the auto industry. Joe Myers Kia has grown right along with it, being recognized for many years as one of the country’s best and most tenured Kia dealerships.
Joe Myers recently set an all-time record at the dealership of selling 4,000 new Kias during the last four years.
Elizabeth finds mentoring employees highly rewarding and leads by example. “Many people have a talent, but don’t know how to use it. If we can help them find their path, then we’ve done something positive. Many of our employees have been with us over 10 years, which is practically unheard of in our industry. All of our managers are homegrown and started at entry-level positions. It has a lot to do with how we lead and foster our team while treating them like family.”
Another key to success is to find what helps you stay motivated. One of Elizabeth’s joys is handling charitable community projects in coordination with the Greg Samuel Everyday Hero Foundation. She has been instrumental in the dealerships, sponsoring and participating in multiple community and charitable activities every year.
“We are so thankful for our customers, many with multiple purchases throughout the years,” Elizabeth says. “Our great and loyal customer base has allowed us to be recognized consistently for topnotch customer service awards.”
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