Team Chevrolet of Valparaiso’s sales team expanded recently with the addition of two new members. Each brings a variety of experience in the car business with all the knowledge they need to help customers find a vehicle that fits their needs.
Jason DeYoung
The car business has always been a part of life for Jason DeYoung, whose father worked in it from 1970 until his retirement 2 1/2 years ago. DeYoung also spent a decade in the field before working in the steel industry and real estate. He joined Team Chevy in September, taking a job offer from General Manager David “Dave” Brubaker – who had actually worked for DeYoung’s father back in 1996 when he was still washing cars.
“I had opportunities to go to other stores, but knowing how Dave runs his store helped make the decision to come to Team Chevy,” DeYoung said. “Culture is key – you want to fit in and you want a place with a strong reputation. Here, they have a reputation as a good store that takes care of its people and customers.”
DeYoung does not look at himself as a salesman. When he works with a customer, his goal is not to sell a car, it’s to find a solution.
“I want to treat everybody the way I want to be treated, I want to give that hometown feel,” DeYoung said. “It shouldn’t be difficult to purchase a vehicle, it should be cut and dry. No one should have to spend eight to 10 hours at a dealership just to get the back and forth. The goal is to fit the needs of your family and find something that works for every scenario.”
With Team Chevy, DeYoung is looking forward to meeting customers that he’ll see time and again for years to come.
“I’m not here to meet you once and send you down the road,” he said. “I don’t want to sell you one vehicle, I want to sell you and your family 12.”
Nick Paulauski
Nick Paulauski is an industry veteran with over 15 years of experience selling cars in the Region, having first entered the business when he was still in college waiting tables. His sister was already in the field and suggested he try his hand at it to secure more stable, regular hours.
“My wife and I had just had our first child. That, along with school and everything else, meant we had a lot going on,” he said. “I took my sister up on the opportunity, and here I am all these years later.”
A friend and former coworker, Paul Stoddard, recruited him to Team Chevy about four months ago. Stoddard believed his friendliness and helpful attitude matched the hometown dealership’s culture perfectly.
“For the past 18 months or so, he’s been calling me every couple of weeks saying, ‘Hey, you’d be a great fit,’” Paulauski said. “I’m from the Merrillville/Schererville area and was really close to my previous dealership, so I knew it’d be more of a drive each day. I talked with my wife, we prayed on it several times, came in to meet the team, and made the jump.”
To Paulauski, the most valuable skill for any sales person is the ability to listen.
“Customers might tell you what their wants and needs are, but they might not necessarily do it directly,” he said. “They’ll say they have kids, they’re in sports, they’ve got a big camper – all these are hints at what they’re looking for.”
From there, he likes to take things slow – his goal is never to push a sale.
“Too many times people go to other dealerships and the dealer wants them to buy, buy, and buy,” he said. “We do it a little slower here; we’re open and willing to pivot. A customer might come in with their mind set on a specific vehicle, but it might not actually work to fit their needs. We are here to help them through the process and provide top level customer service."
To learn more about Team Chevrolet of Valparaiso, visit chevyon30.com.