Well, I finally picked up my MINI this weekend - on a hectic Saturday no less. Jeff (MA) and Mike (Manager) were outstanding as they were when we bought our first one a few months ago.

As the day was winding down, I was chatting with Mike about DCMMs and why MoS isn't more involved (for instance, not hosting the breakfasts, etc). Imagine my surprise when he started talking about all the things he'd like to do with DCMMs. Mike's only been in the position for 5 months and apparently his predecessor was not very receptive to the club.

So, here's what he was offering up and ok'd me passing along for discussion. Of course, any of this would have to go through the channels at DCMM :smile:

1. Monthly breakfasts - "of course" - he'd clear out his lot for us and could accomodate a very large crowd. He'd be happy to spring for the eats and show off his latest performance cars (he's got two now). Only caveat - HIS manager won't let this be done on the last Saturday of a month, for obvious business reasons.

2. Kicking off point for a Foliage run - Mike volunteered to have MoS be the assembly point for a Fall Foliage run out to the Shenandoah, whether we start with breakfast or what-have-you.

3. Mike would like to sponsor a day at the nearby go-cart park (not your daddy's go-carts) in Sterling, VA. He was concerned about everyone who signs up showing up so they are not left paying for a large number of no-shows, but he was enthusiastic to do this.

4. Here's the one that got me real excited. Mike brought up Summit Point and how he'd like to sponsor a day for MINIs. I mentioned the recent MINI Mania 2 and he said that's exactly what he'd like to do IN THE SPRING! Could we be looking at the possibility of a semi-annual event at Summit Point now?!? I think that would ROCK

Regardless of the specific event(s) that come out of this, I think Mike's openness and enthusiasm is great and hopefully brings additional options for DCMMs.

AND - let me be the first to volunteer to coordinate one of these events. Paul!, I'm not sure where to go from here, but I would be happy to be point-man/person for one or two of these.

I also mentioned our meet/greet dinner tomorrow night at Tortilla Factory and Mike plus some of the MAs might be able to make it over. I hope to see you there, too (now that I have my MINI!)

Whew - I'm all out of breath

Beep! Beep! Zoom! Zoom!

john

 

who's Mike? did he replace Brad?

 

Mike Arata is the MINI Sales Manager for MINI of Sterling. I don't know who the previous gentleman was - before my time.

Mike comes from a BMW sales background. He is VERY customer focused and he jumps through hoops to make sure you are satisified. He is truly an advocate of the customer, from my experience (and my wife's).

My MA was Jeff Wannall and I enjoyed working with him. He has the patience of a saint when it came to dealing with me. I also got to work with Ahmed when Jeff was out and he, too, was very open and accomodating.

john

 

oh ok, cuz i thought mayb they finally got rid of Bradly the service manager, what a pain in the **** he is to deal w/

 

Just an FYI, the DCMM board has been talking with Mike over at Sterling about events. Been working with him for the last two months.:smile:

 

Well, if they need an event coordinator/volunteer - here I am! Hopefully I'll hear from Paul or someone...

Mike did mention he had spoken to someone from DCMM but wasn't sure why there hadn't been more activity? I know this stuff takes time

john

 

I've been talking to him, but I haven't been keeping up as well as I should have! I'll give him a call today. We're hopefully going to put on a go-kart event hosted by them at the end of October. I'll give him a call and get the ball rolling on this!

-Paul!

 

That all sounds great especially for us VA folks. Let me know if you need help; I am always willing to lend a helping hand!

 

:smile: help?? what kinda help do u speak of im looking 4help!!