Insite of a Commercial Sales and Fleet Manager in NYC TRI-STATE AREA

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HAPPY HOLIDAYS DURING COVID-19

Well, here we are coming to end of 2021 and starting 2022!! Oh, joy we lots to be thankful right? Vaccines are here Boosters are here and a new Variant of the Covid is here and Covid numbers are spiking. But hey we are here too still scratching out our lives and dealing with, getting tested. I am all messed up with this since I cannot get a shot due to how I might react to the vaccines because of a certain side effect which may have severe consequences to me versus getting the vaccines. My doctor says we will admit you administer and then do our best to counter act the effects or at least monitor you till they subside. But here is the part I don’t like. We monitor till subside or try to counter act mean while the Country is happy, and I am in a coma or death at worst or sleep and unable to do anything for days at the very least. So, I said no shots for me I think the risk too great. After all it is my health and life, right? But now I am destined to be stuck at home because I have no card and cannot get something official about medical reasons for no vaccine. Doctors agree to risk but nothing is wrong with vaccine it is my body that is problem so there you are catch 22 damn if I do dammed If I don’t.

So, I spend time wondering if I will ever see normalcy again where it doesn’t matter? I follow all precautions and get tested regularly and never been positive. My wife has had it and gotten pretty sick I took care of her and remained negative through it all. I do what I can working online remotely from the dealership I am associated with and try to make a dollar or two. But gotta tell you the stress levels are high. But I am a survivor, and it looks like I have a strong immune system against the bugs so far. Even if I am a bypass surgery patient going on 2 years. I am going to keep on going and doing whatever I can. If it means staying in doors for rest of my life? We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it right now just live enjoy the family and wish all the best this new year coming. and again, to all because remember we are built as my lodge brother likes to say You know!!

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IT’S BEEN A COUPLE OF MONTHS SO HERE’S WHATS GOING ON NOW!!!

Well right now I am still working from home selling a few vehicles. Along with a couple of factory orders coming in and stick in that Working now for my Lodge and death in the family and oh yeah I GOT MARRIED AGAIN!!! yes to the same woman of 17 years. Now my uncle is having a triple bypass as well. My car is back on the road, and the Saab is in the hospital and we bought a run around car too.

Oh did I mention now we are dead broke too!! But we are very happy right now. Just delivered this gem of a vehicle. and now working on a couple of police explorers as well. Then for good measure I helped my autistic son in learning some basic janitorial services so he can participate at the lodge and earn a few dollars at the same time. A place he now considers his second home and the brothers and daughters of the lodge have accepted him and show him love and care and affection when he is around.

Yes like I said then I got remarried to the woman in my life for the past 17 years now. Decided now it was time to solidify the marriage with a wedding certificate. Since we initially only made a pledge to be true to each other. But now we are officially an old married couple.

Now we are going in to the happy time right? No now my cousin has a major heart attack 3 weeks prior to this happy occasion. Name was Chris Hall and he was my first cousin and brother. I cannot explain the pain I felt at losing some one so close. only to have his father now in the hospital having triple by pass surgery at age of 80 and a diabetic. The prayers are flowing let me tell you. My cousin and his wife whom we lost 2years ago to cancer and now this. Now only to have his father my uncle in hospital at NYPH having triple bypass surgery as I write this which is why I write this to keep calm and not loose it as I wait to hear what is happening with him. So now you have why good times and bad all rolled in to what you call it ? Oh yeah that thing or time of passage LIFE. Live long and prosper all who read this and thank you for letting me share.

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WELCOME TO COURTNEYCOMMERCIAL

Hello, again this is my second blogging attempt in as many years. I confess my first on WordPress was not that good as I really did not keep up with it. I would put articles I found of interest on the page every now and then more then than now usually. I would add my thoughts or comments to them and sometimes when I was inspired I might just do a page of my own. I finally removed the blog or it was removed due to not enough activity.

I was just going to forget about doing this again until this Covid-19 virus struck our world, Country and homes. I suddenly again felt I have not really done much for me to be a household name but maybe this could be something my kids and family could use to tell a little of my story when I am gone. Learn the things I have done in life maybe inspire one or two in the next generations to do something better or more or to just know it is alright to be just who you. I learned when my mom past away that it isn’t necessary to try and keep up with the Jones. Just be yourself do right by others enjoy our family do your best to provide a decent home and life as best you can with in the laws and rules of where you decide to live your life.

Respect your elders learn from those who know more in the family and your business so that you can excel with out hurting others along the way. Treat them the way you want to be treated and show them the respect you want to get. Recognize when you have done bad and be happy ang grateful when you done good. Know that you do not need others to tell you that you got it right as long as you know what you did is what needed to be done and you can sleep at night and be happy with your efforts.

Although as of late I do not get to enjoy them much anymore for one reason or another I do like to do things like:

fishing, collecting toy matchbox cars, and other collectible cars and trucks. I always had a dream to have my own collectible car for use as a daily driver and show car. Some thing I am working on and will be talking about in this blog. I hope at some point I can get it finished and get to enjoy before I can no longer drive or it is ruled unsafe to operate on the roads. Not a big fan of these new vehicles even though I sell them for a living.

I am a Ford commercial sales / fleet manager here in NYC This is me in front of my office or what was my office in 2018. I am pretty good I would like to think at what I do. It has served me so far for about 23 years or more. I hope to do it for another 15 to 20 more years yet. I am not rich and have made some bad investments or no investments when I should have made them. But I have a great family and I am content.

In this blog I plan to continue or renew putting out articles from others with my comments and also sharing some of what I think fleets should already know and what new fleets should be thinking about. Not looking to use this as a sales platform but as a branding tool for me and what I know and can offer a company that might be interested in a no bullshit approach to vehicles they may need and how they can obtain them.

Hope you like so far and come back for more

When do you start and how do you pick the right project car/truck?

I know how I picked my car projects and why. But did I do the right thing or is there a better way to figure this out and make sure your happy and not in over your head?

This is my baby Panther a 1999 Grand Marquis LS with police package. From what I have been able to determine a retired Inspectors unit NYPD. She runs great but has some things I need to address and just want to flat out change. But when Covid hit it got stalled. Actually even before covid hit, My open heart surgery didn’t help matters either. But I am now in the savings mode to build up the capital to get her done.

Build up the capital now there is a thought, I mean how much is enough to get her to a point where I am happy and can show off to the car world. How much of a showoff do I want to be and keep her as a daily driver? That is the biggest question I believe I face. I would like to make the million mile plus club with her and do a lot of traveling with her to shows and swap meets and so on. Something I have always wanted to do with a nice car and family. I have always read about the meets and the different shows and have attended some around Westchester and the Tri-State area as well. All it has ever done is made me want to get into that lifestyle. But as with anything it takes money, and I am not exactly swimming in it by any means. And of course there is my wife’s baby Feathera 1993 SAAB 900S CONVERTIBLE, a car that was given to her 2 years ago. A great summer driver weekend driver. It needs work too of course so now what do we do or I do first? what does it need or shall I say what doesn’t it need? No matter what she is a keeper since it was given in the hopes that my would and odes appreciate the gift and cherish the car. Now she is by no means a car girl and I am trying to get her in to it but it is a process with her. I got her to join the SAAB Automobile Club of America we found a great mechanic for the car through them. But getting her to commit to going to a swap meet and understanding the culture is another thing. As she is an author and poem writer I think if she did she would come up with new book ideas or poems that might help her career as a writer too. I think everyone loves an on the road type of story or poem. I know I do!!

But back to picking the right car/ truck how have some of you done it? I mean were you out just driving and saw something and said yeah this is it? or do you do it professionally to find and flip for money? What is too big or not flashy enough? Is it a car that reminds you of high school or the car dad once had? or maybe you had when first started driving? Maybe it is a car you used for work at some time in your life when you felt good about what you were doing at that time in your life? How long does it take for you to decide and make a decision on what is right for you? Then once that decision is made do you buy pieces or something started or maybe just a frame or shell? Does it have to depend on your skill set or your desire to have it or both? I am sure the money plays a big part too no? I mean do you set a budget or just through all the spare change you have at it? Especially if the budget you set doesn’t seem to be enough.

Some say we are a crazy bunch to put out that kind of money. But are we truly? I mean to each his/her own right? Just wondering how you folks feel on the subject or if you really care? I know it takes a certain kind to be into this and it is really something though when you can get the family in to it. So let me know and if you are like me building and dreaming drop a photo into the comments section along with what’s going on if you dare!!!

Like I always say you have to be

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SURVING IN POST OR RENEWED COVID ERA OF 2021/22

AT first, I called it the big year of change. I was right about that but not in the way I was hoping at first. I was expecting things to get back to normal or close to it and customers would then start figuring budgets and putting out the bids and I make some money. But what has happened is the budgets were established and then it all went array. At first it was limited availability on certain vehicles and others needed to be only sold units with proof of sales.

Now it is all the above but, the scenario has changed. So good luck if we have enough parts to build the vehicles and can get them in to transportation for delivery to the dealership. And it doesn’t look like this is going to ease up anytime soon. Prices are good money to be made but you have to have something to sell. So right now, every day is a surprise if I am alerted that something of mine has come in for delivery.

So, you’re probably wondering what is hard to get? That is an easy one to answer everything is hard to get. Some are harder than others to get especially if you want a special or high model package. When it comes to trucks of any kind Ford you might as well forget it if you didn’t place an order months ago or when the order bank for the vehicle first opened for orders.

Now I spend my time praying for my ordered vehicles to come in so I can give my customers the work vehicles they need which are already overdue for delivery. Between waiting for the vehicles or chassis to come in then to be called the Cats (catalytic converters) were stolen just racks the nerve even further for me and my customers. Delays after delays and there is nothing you can do about it.

So now I sit and wait and try to price out cars for customers even though they may never see the vehicles. really is hard got to push even harder to get the sale and keep the sale while you wait for the vehicle new or used. And it is not just in my industry.

I have talked to quite a few people describing the same issues in form or another. All talking about how much they are losing even though they get to charge more. Finding out making more on the product, but only having a small amount of the product when it is something you move a lot of daily.

So, the thought for the day, week, month and year is hang on in there baby. things will get brighter and better just hold on. Do what you can as best as you can till it starts rolling in.

Remember talk to you all on the other side of this.

THIS IS THE BIG YEAR

So making plans to do some serious traveling. Thankfully I have been able to do some so far and am looking forward to doing more as well. I have to classics that I want to travel in and see most of this Country, Hopefully with little or no problems with the cars or people as we travel.

This is the main road car for me although if my wife had her way we be riding around in here 2012 imperza(not). She seems to think it is a good road car. I look at and go oh my aching joints after 2 hours on the road. Besides going for the million mile club in this lady.

The other one the other is our droptop, strictly the weekend nice weather warrior.This little gem was a gift to my wife her first real car. trying to get her to understand what she has but for some reason she will only listen to everyone else but her husband in business for over 35 years about what we got and how we should treat her. She heard she shouldn’t drive it much or at all because it is a collectors. I tell her use it on nice days, put top down or open all the windows and cruise her answer no the pollution and the sun. So I do the next best thing I steal it and drop it and cruise with our special needs son. You say ride he says which car. Not where we going just which car.

So now I have a chance for her birthday to take her out and so I plan a ride to Albany and we go to a dance up there spend a few days. Nice right? take the Saab drop the top enjoy the sights on a leisure cruise up and back. What do I get rain going. and compliant we are taking car. I say never you mind she needs the ride we are taking it. I cannot win but then again husbands do we ever really win with our wives?

Well we hit the road tomorrow leaving the guys home to hold down the house and enjoy each others company. I will update on how the weekend went next week when we get back.

After this trip we do the Drive we are arguing about which car to take. That is the big one for the year San Antonio family for Christmas. I say Grand Marquis she is Subaru Impreza let you know who wins and why and how the trip goes when it goes.

for now stay you know

SEPTEMBER IS HERE AND HOW DOES IT LOOK FOR THE YEAR END 2021 FOR ME?

WELL I will tell you, I am not too pleased with it so far. Money not steady enough for me I need a new place to hang the hats for the family and I cannot get done all I wanted in 2021. I do still have my health and my family and friends which is a huge plus. But I seem to feel like some thing is missing.

Not quite sure what it is and have been struggling with what it might be for some time now. It is that undescribable feeling that I need to be doing something more in order to feel more complete/happy with myself. I guess I am looking for that one accomplishment this year to move me forward to a BETTER mood or mental place of happiness and content. I get it I am in a funk and need one of the things mentioned earlier to make me feel better and move out of the funk.

I have business but not enough although I believe if I were going in to Queens I might be doing better. To be honest I am afraid of Queens and I am not completely happy with where I am now either. so I struggle to work through it make the money and keep praying that things will get better for us (family) and me personally. In the mean time like I always say:

enjoy the rest of your day and year everyone who reads this and May God Bless.

IT IS A WHOLE NEW WORLD IN THE AUTO BUSINESS.

SO okay are you maybe one of the many companies in need of a truck or suv for business or personal use and want it equipped a certain way? Maybe your like me opportunities all around you to sell product and you have none. And if you do have it is a one or 2 off and your getting the sky’s the limit for the vehicle. Making good money for yourself and pissing off your customers all over the country.

But fear not it is not only your particular product it seems to be affecting everything, everywhere. So what do you do? Well I hunker down and make the deals I can make and look forward to what is in the order bank and be satisfied I will have deals. Only to find out now so many of us have done the same thing that it looks like our supplier will not meet the demand because it is higher than expected orders for the year.

So what do they do tease you with the release of new product that is not even available in all the packages you anticipate to sell the most of in the vehicle. It is crazy even when you have a break down you have the same problem no parts availability or the same want it this is the cost. So you say this is costing more than what I paid for the car so junk it then you find out how much new used vehicles are going for right now.

Let’s reconsider this you say, you got a little money come in unexpectedly looking forward to do one thing as always and now you have other issues to deal with. What to do what to do? Good question and the answer is not pat because things are so fluid that the market could all of a sudden burst open and supply gets back to normal. Or Covid comes back even worse and really destroys things around the world.

I tell you it is a mess and we all have no idea what to do. We are all scared even if we say we are not. Not every one is vaccinated but then again it is helping some but not all. Basically CDC and the WHO and everyone is is finding out there is no magic bullet like they thought. So now we are back peddling reinstituting old mandates with new twists to them. curious what happens to some one like me whose side effects if they got the shot would make them worse off or dead.

All I can really say is I am alive and covid free today but who knows tomorrow if I will remain that way and if I will still be able to make a half way decent living. Ford Trucks are my game and I look forward to selling what ever I can as well as staying healthy.

Even thought I would be getting in to a new situation that would have given me a little more confidence in getting through this mess . But a lass it seems that is not to be right now so we keep going and I hope everyone else is doing the same.

TALK TO YOU REAL SOON WITH MORE OF MY THOUGHTS. STAY HEALTHY AND PROSPER. OR AS THE GREAT ONE ALWAYS SAID LIVE LONG AND PROSPER.

P.S. Now that I am into the season of sales for me it has become hard to concentrate on business, but I am with a few digressions here and there. Most of all this whole situation with the chips is really annoying. I have a friend who wants to order a particular vehicle but I still not sure when or if will be built. I have some being built not sure if they will or if they will have all the parts or asseccories requested. Now I am getting the must haves right away calls so what do I do? Already lost one deal because I cannot supply what is needed. And when I do have the equipment it is first come first served and who is writing the biggest check. Nice if your the one making the deal.

Like I said this is going to be a hell of a year for a lot of people in every aspect of engineering, manufacturing and sales. I think it is not as bad as I paint in the Auto industry compared to other industries and businesses around the world. It is the wait that nobody likes or wants.

Unprecedented Year in the Auto Business

Wow is all I can say personally. 35 years in the business and I have never seen such utter chaos because of a bug. Who would have believed a virus could bring industry and the world to practically a stand still. I sure did not, Th e Auto industry is still reeling from the effects of this Pandemic.

It is unbelievable that Manufacturers and body builders alike cannot produce any thing because of one little micro chip that has become in short supply all over the world. Effecting everything from Apple phones to TV’s to cars. Auto manufacturers shutting down till July. Which in turn has caused a shortage of available new cars and trucks world wide as well. This entails then when production starts up again in a couple of weeks we will not see anything really available till around September. Prices are at a premium for those who have any kind of inventory right now. But once gone pretty much out of business.

Then in the middle of this jobs become available as sales people look for jobs because the bills cannot wait or will not wait. Along with the Pandemic causing all kinds of changes in the industry as far as sales delivery and service. It is a whole new era. The next few years are gong to be quite interesting with new sales techniques going in to effect and new models of vehicles coming out namely the age of electricity is reborn.

Yes I said reborn, why you ask because I have been doing some car gazing like I like to do and spent a day at the #Pierce Arrow Museum in #Buffalo, NY. And found there many examples of electric cars that were widely used in the 20’s and 30’s along with electric motorcycles and bikes.

And don’t think for a minute the smarte car by Mercedes is or the mini are Johnny come in fact the add said you must be smart of you buy one of these or something like that.

Just goes to show how much influence the oil industry had back then and now to supress anything that could rival gas or diesel power. Just think hw far we could have come with a much healthier and cleaner world? We wouldn’t be rushing now and forcing the issue to save the planet had we kept up with the technology back then. I was quite impressed with the museum and would suggest all to take a ride to Buffalo and see the the cars and learn a few things. Pick up a souvenir as well.

WHY I LIKE OLD CARS ESPECIALLY DAILY DRIVERS

Basically I like the idea of driving history and seeing the cars that made history one way or another. I also like looking for them on the road and grabbing a snapshot or two and posting them on twitter. I get a real kick seeing old strange and unique stuff running down the road. like my wife’s 1993 SAAB 900s convertible.

I get a real kick out of seeing one some where parked or rolling down the road. I say to myself or someone I am with now there goes a real car. Or I look up and wow never seen something like that before or in a long time. So you snatch a shot if you can right?

Then you wish mine was like that now or close to becoming something of a restomod beauty daily driver. I want to do a million miles plus in mine with all original engine and tranny and rear end. But I want it to be looking good while doing it. So you know what that means money money money. Just finished rebuilding the frontend of the car as well. Now I just need money to do interior and paint. I also want to rebuild tranny and engine at some point.

It is a dream that some times I think will not come true. I also dream to have a grandchild or 2 become a gear head as well. I try with my wife but not getting there yet. She is not really into cars loves her car but doesn’t enjoy it like I believe it should be enjoyed. But that will change if I can get her around other car people I hope.

For now I continue my quest and project while reading and looking for cars of interest on the road to keep me inspired. Or at least happy to know there are other people like myself. Of course then reading about strange mods and crazy ideas or Macgyverisms as well. stuff like this f150 .

Or this odd looking vehicle that all I know is it is a mini-van. If you know more let me know really interested and have not been able to catch up to actual owner. Well this is what’s up with me right now. Along with work and my work at my Elks lodge here in Yonkers, NY. Ever want to say hi in person come by 143 lake Ave and say Courtney the car guy said I can come by or they will not let you in. HINT I AM THE PERSON ON THE DOOR ON THE WEEKEND ALL WEEKEND.

Spring is here let’s make the best of it okay?

2021 is here what does the year hold for me as I see it.

To start Happy new year to any and all my followers and I hope you are seeing the positives as we enter 2021? What I see for me is good times with renewed resolve to give my family more and fulfill some more of my dreams and desires. I have a lot to be thankful for right now and on in to the future. The out look is dark but I do see tye light at the end of the tunnel and that is what counts.

Spring is coming fast as well as my next grandchild who will be the first I am sure of the so called Covid Babies in my family. It will be a little girl which will give me 2 girls and a boy(who is in the middle). My son is getting married in June and I am planning 2 road trips if I can swing it. The first things or places I hope to go to will be to the Henry Ford Museum and Village, then a ride down to Alabama for the IBPOE of the world conference.

As far as work goes going to keep on working as best I can from home (or the Lodge ). Re-contact all my customers who have gone astray and see if and how I can renew my relationships. As I accomplish this I will continue to do my best to create new relationships and deals for myself and the dealership. Doing this and working on my Mercury has been keeping me sane and crazy at the same time.

As I look back into 2020 I have lost friends and family to COVID directly or later through complications. Either way it has been sad and scary. But then again I have had family survive and are now healthy and moving forward with life. I keep praying for good health and prosperity for myself and family and those around me while trying to live my life with these adjustments. I am officially married now after 18years, thank you God for her sticking by and waiting for me to say yes. Time was not right but we made it right as we look now again for a new place to call home.

As my wife struggles with trying to sell a screen paly for 3 of her books and one re write of an old movie updated we keep seeing as the no’s leading to the one who will say yes on something or all. Thankfully nothing not even Covid has deterred her from her mission. As fo me Well like I said before all I need is my work, my project car and the Terrace City Lodge no. 1499 of Yonkers NY. To keep me going with determination to make more people happy in my Community and myself because I am a part of something and have things in my life that make me happy whole and give me purpose.

I hope all who read this have the same things one way or the other and can look down the road or through the tunnel as I did and see that things are pretty good or are going to get better. It is never easy but then again if it was it wouldn’t give I believe the purpose for living and satisfy the need to feel wanted and loved by yourself and the ones you help or associate with daily.

HAVE A GREAT YEAR AND BELIEVE THE BEST IS YET TO COME FOR ME THE FAMILY , YOU AND YOURS TOO! REMEMBER WE ARE ALL BUILT

HERE WE ARE THE OF THE FIRST YEAR OF WHAT WILL BE A DECADE FOR THE BOOKS!!!!!!!

Well the Pandemic to start this decade is still in full rage. It looks like the Scientist just might have found a smoking gun. The challenges of this year has been great for all but it seems we as humans and creatures of this planet are STILL HOLDING ON!!

It is humbling or it should be to all that we are coming together to fight this invisible foe. But at the same time we are also fighting to keep in business and a roof over our heads. So with that I thank God thaT the family although it has had it’s up ad downs this year we are still in it. I give praise that I can still do what I like to do and at same time help my brothers and their families through our lodge( TERRACE CITY LODGE 1499 OF YONKERS NY). Practicing the the new rules of social gathering and respecting the situation we are able to provide a little get away for members to come here and there and just get out of the house. 4 come play cards in one room while others play pokeno or checkers or chess , dominos and the like on different days keeping it to a minimum of about 7 people. Boy has it seem to have helped our members disposition and frame of mind. I know it helps mine and gives me a way to help my Special needs stepson learn some skills get a little interaction and something to do by helping to keep the lodge clean.

I get to have an office away form home where I can work on bids and quotes and speak to customers without interupting my wife who doing on line courses at home. Not to mention allowing her and my other Son to get sleep after working all night at #FEDEX GROUND DEPOT in #Elmsford #NY. Getting home between 8 and 9 am, then trying to eat do some home work or take a test and wash out masks for the next night along with clothes to wear to work is no joke when you have to get back up at Midnight to start it all over again.

Right now we are ships in the wind, She comes in as I or we go out. Me I come down to the lodge clean it up sort the empty beer bottles put on some dogs and burgers or make a chili for the brothers and daughters that might come through and do my work at same time. Not to mention as Treasurer making sure with the Financial secretary we survive these trying times as well. Boy what a juggling act.

But through all I have gotten a couple of deliveries done recently and one waiting in the wings. Yes we still have to wait even on electronic contracts to be signed. and monies to be transferred. But we get it done. Here are a few of the vehicles done this month or last. then I sold and delivered their new Command van as well. Along with future deliveries and sales I think I might just squeeze out a decent year. I got my car running not perfect like I thought but running. Just have to figure out why fan stops working after while. Everyone says it is a relay but not so sure. I really have to get it checked. Butr like everything else a little at a time.