Honda Owner Workshop - February 9, 2010

Joel Richards welcomed the guests and thanked them all for their recent purchases. He then went on to describe what the Bernardi for now, Bernardi for Life motto means to him and his entire staff.

Service Director, Rick Voss discussed what customer loyalty means to our business. He went on to explain the basics of our service operations and amenities that are available while you service your vehicle with us along with the best maintenance for your new or pre-owned Honda automobile.

Mark Saraceno, Service Manager explained the differences in the coverage of a factory warranty versus a certified vehicle’s warranty coverage and the component most commonly covered.

Shop Foreman Don Keller explained how to get the best fuel economy from your vehicle. Included in tonight’s paperwork was a handout that described the different driving conditions and fuel economy results of a driver’s habits good and bad. He also answered questions regarding the passenger side air bag light and what the function of a check engine light can mean. The Hondas are now equipped with a “loose gas cap” light and he instructed our guests what to do in the event this light comes on and how to address it immediately to avoid an issue from occurring.

The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) was also an important topic due to the recent cold snap. Don encouraged anyone in need of setting (or re-setting) their tire pressures to swing by the service drive for a “Bernardi Pit Stop” anytime of the day.

Our newest program the Road test Plus Program will put you with a Shop Foreman in the vehicle to assist if you are having a drivability issue to be diagnosed quickly and determine if an immediate repair would be required.

Finance Director Marlon Pina entertained our guests with his nervous banter due to this being his first public speaking engagement with Finance. He did explain the extra benefits included in the purchase of an extended warranty package that entails trip interruption and roadside assistance which most people are unaware of.

Parts Director Steve Cullinane spoke of the difference of genuine Honda parts and aftermarket parts. The reality is Honda parts fit these vehicles better and you can always get a part sent overnight if a vehicle is down due to a repair. He also mentioned that all local body shops in the area order the parts for your Honda from our dealership that way you know you are getting the best parts even as far as Connecticut.

Erik Richards explained the benefits of purchasing certain items from the website Bernardiparts.com for the “mechanically inclined”. Simple items such as bulbs, and wipers are best to purchase from the dealership due to shipping costs, unless of course they are purchased in bulk.

Bernardi Honda is always fortunate to have American Honda Service & Parts Manager, Dan Enderle as a guest speaker. This not only shows the support the factory lends to the dealers, but Dan is a huge supporter of great customer service and names Bernardi Honda as one of the best teams out there!

We ended the evening with our Customer Relations Manager Kristin Cullinane thanking everyone for their questions and attendance so we all weren’t standing around staring at one another. She explained how other dealers are happy to meet your expectations, whether it’s during a service visit; purchasing a vehicle or just calling in to make an inquiry Bernardi prides itself on exceeding those expectations. The way we continually improve in our business practices is directly from the information gathered in the service and sales experience surveys conducted by American Honda. We have made changes to the coffee that we serve right up to streamlining a purchase process so that time is spent efficiently. We are always open to suggestions of how to better serve the guests in our dealership.

Multiple raffles drawn during the evening and one lucky couple walked away with a fuel gift card for $100.00!

Special thanks to Big Papi’s Grille on Route 9 in Framingham for preparing and serving our meal during this event.

A note of gratitude to the following employees for their hard work this evening:
Service Assistant Jackie Graff, Parts Department Mark Mirski and Kariene Disney, Customer Relations Sallie Longeri and Lauren Willens, Building Maintenance Tom Parks, Guest Transportation Jim Blaney, and Salesman Peter Nannery, Sales Manager Seth Marshall and Bob Cole Pre-Owned Sales Manager for the use of his showroom.