Click on one of the people below to find out more information.

  • Erin Bessey
    Director of Variable Operations

    Professional Background: What is your current role, and how long have you been in the automotive industry? Can you share a bit about your career journey?

    I have been in my current role for three years and have been in the automotive industry for 25 years (all with the Hall group). My career journey started at 13 when I started bussing tables and then became a server and ultimately cook which put me through college. After I graduated, I started working in retail and was running a Victoria's Secret store when I was recruited by a family member to get into the car business. I started as a salesperson and was a finance manager/director, business development manager, new and used car manager, GSM, GM (8 years), RGM and now Variable Operations Director

    Areas of Expertise: What are the skills and specialties that help you be successful in your role?

    I believe that I am a servant leader and a good listener. I am also a team player and I know that without good communication, all teams will fail. I think that in order to train anything, you should become an expert in it. I try to be an expert in everything that I do. You should lead by example and always do what is right even when no one is looking. I have integrity and I am fair and I always remember that someone always has something in front of them that they need to overcome. I try to be sensitive to those needs and I nurture a culture that promotes understanding, teamwork and care. I believe that I am very diverse in my understanding of people, processes and departments.

    Passions & Hobbies: What are some of your personal interests or hobbies outside of work, and how do they influence your professional life?

    I enjoy physical activity and I like to take group classes i.e. yoga, pilates, cycle classes. I also enjoy strength training and running. I love travel, food and wine, and spending time with my family. Sunday dinners with family and friends are my favorite. I like boating, fishing and the sun - always!! Oh, and I am a gamer although Fortnite is my go-to and pretty much all I play now. I think having balance and being able to decompress and have meaningful conversations makes for a fulfilling life. You have to play hard if you are going to work hard and starting my day with a workout seems to get me in the right state of mind.

    Mentoring Approach: How do you think you will support and guide a mentee? What can someone expect when working with you as their mentor? What is your communication style when attempting to influence another person?

    My mentoring approach is pretty simple. I am very good at listening and giving guidance but most importantly at trying to find what best serves the person in front of me. I am someone who is willing to do whatever it takes to be available to people who need me. I can be brutally honest and I think that open communication is the best way to affect change. My goal is always to give good direction while being available to discuss roadblocks when needed. I think a direct approach without judgment is best when looking to influence. I share best practices with things that have worked for me and others and try to really find bullet points in conversations. Overall, I think that we owe those around us the best part of ourselves, especially when it comes to those that need us most.

    Best Career Advice: What's the most valuable career lesson you've learned, and how has it impacted your success? Who has had the most impact on your professional success and why?

    My best career advice is to find something that you love and feel passionate about and do that. It is also important that you do it with people that you feel align with your goals and beliefs. It is much easier to find success when you love what you do and the people you do it with. Also, don't quit - just regroup. Be part of a team that makes you work hard, makes you thrive, makes you happy and makes you excel. Most importantly - ask for help. It is the hardest thing to do but the best way to move forward. There have been many people that have impacted my professional success (too many to name) but they have all given me something to keep me well-rounded. Every person in life is a lesson. You just have to be willing to see it.  If you surround yourself with people that have the success that you want for yourself, you will have everything you could ever imagine. 

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  • Abby Meeks
    General Manager

    Professional Background: What is your current role, and how long have you been in the automotive industry? Can you share a bit about your career journey?

    I started in the car business in 1990 after graduating from Penn State University with a degree in Liberal Arts Speech Communications and a business minor. I followed the usual path of selling cars, Finance manager, Sales manager, General sales manager, and then my current role as General manager. I was the first female General manager in the Hall organization. I have been with the Hall/Mile One organization for almost my entire career. I left the company for a year and took a job with Checkered Flag in 2010 only to return to Hall. I have seen a lot of change in the car business over the last 35 years.

    Passions & Hobbies: What are some of your personal interests or hobbies outside of work, and how do they influence your professional life?

    I would contribute my success to my drive, creativity, and surrounding myself with really good people. I have always said I do two things...raise my kids and run my business. I have 2 sons that I adore. We are a close family that likes to watch sports, cook, and play with our 2 labs. My youngest is a College baseball player for George Mason so we spend time watching and attending his games. I regard my employees as family as well. The majority of salespeople on my staff are new to the car business. We spend a lot of time training and developing people. The same can be said for our service department with our mentee program. The Hall organization is scattered with employees that have come from this store. I am very proud of that.

    Mentoring Approach: How do you typically support and guide mentees? What can someone expect when working with you as their mentor?

    My love language is doing things for others. Someone working with me can expect me to care about them and their happiness both professionally and personally. I am creative so I will try to find ways to help guide you to your goals. I am also very direct so you can expect honesty and integrity from me. I tell people my mother pushed me my whole life so I am very results-driven. I believe in goals and game plans. My communication style is "selling". I will sell you on why something should be done in a certain way. I am also open to diverse opinions and feel we can often learn something if we see a situation from another's point of view. I have had to change a lot over the years both personally and professionally to keep up with the changing culture in our company and the country. Sometimes change is scary...my motto is to run through your fear.

    Best Career Advice: What's the most valuable career lesson you've learned, and how has it impacted your success?

    The most important lesson I have learned over my career is that everyone has something valuable you can take from working with them. There have been people that I have not cared for and some that have a totally different personality than myself, but I have developed some great habits and coping mechanisms from working with them. You often learn who you want to be and not be from working with others. You also need to embrace change. People who can adapt and evolve are the most successful and happiest. Ken Hall has had a huge impact on my professional success. He led by example. He held people accountable. He would knock you down and then pick you back up. He never stopped growing as a person or in business. He was not perfect but he believed in me and gave me every opportunity. When I started in the car business it was a rough business dominated by men. There was no crying. It was an adjustment transitioning to the Mile One organization which is highly professional. I admire the owners of this company for what they have built and developed. I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the impact that the current executive staff at Hall's corporate office is having on all of us and our success. I look at this program as another step in the growth of this company and I am proud and excited to be a part of it.

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  • Amanda Carrol
    Sales Manager

    Professional Background: What is your current role, and how long have you been in the automotive industry? Can you share a bit about your career journey?

    For the last three years, I have held the position as a New Car Sales Manager at Hall Toyota Virginia Beach. I have been with the Hall Automotive Group for eight years, beginning my journey as a Sales Consultant at Hall Honda VB in June of 2016. Initially, I was apprehensive about transitioning from the restaurant industry, where my experience had been focused, to the automotive sector. Although selling cars was nothing like slinging drinks, I grasped on to the fact that I had the "gift of gab" and could relate to almost anyone.

    As my career progressed, a manager recognized my potential and encouraged me to join the Internet sales team. At this time in my career, I was not your typical 20-cars a-month girl, but I was given the opportunity to handle leads at a high volume and really began to shine. This success caught the attention of the General Sales Manager, who noticed my fearlessness when talking to customers of a higher caliber and the way I carried myself with confidence and encouraged me to pursue training for F&I. After completing nine months in the F&I Manager role, I realized that this position wasn't the best fit for me, and my performance reflected that. I returned to the Internet department, where I was able to leverage my abundant knowledge gained in F&I and significantly improve my sales performance, which was really reflected in my numbers. When MileOne purchased Charles Barker Toyota, a phenomenal opportunity opened again for me. I was asked to assist in the training of the Sales Consultants who stayed with us during the transition. After a few weeks of being at the store, I was offered the New Car Sales Manager position and have continued to grow and thrive in this leadership role.

    Areas of Expertise: What are your strongest skills or specialties, and how do you apply them in your role?

    I am a process-driven individual, which has been a key factor in my success as a sales professional and manager. By adhering to structured Hall processes, I maintain focus, stay organized, and consistently drive results. I encourage Sales Consultants to follow the same process, knowing that it will help further their success as well.

    As a Sales Manager, I have found immense fulfillment in mentoring others. I enjoy holding sales meetings, training new team members, and fostering an environment that promotes continuous development. Helping others reach their full potential is one of the most rewarding aspects of my role.

    Passions & Hobbies: What are some of your personal interests or hobbies outside of work, and how do they influence your professional life?

    Outside of work, one of my favorite pastimes is to just spend time outside.  Although a torn ACL (which I still need surgery for) has limited my hiking adventures, I cherish any time spent in nature, especially at the beach. There is so much power in the quote "The cure for anything is salt water-tears, sweat or the sea." Sports have always been a significant part of my life, and I previously played in an adult wiffle ball league with my fiancé and friends. Unfortunately, it was in this league that I injured my ACL. This year, however, I will return as an honorary coach!

    My love of the outdoors helps keep me balanced in my professional life by keeping me grounded and relaxed. My involvement in sports promotes my competitive nature, which is a great thing to have in the car business. I could be having a friendly competition against one of my fellow sales managers or pushing myself to find a solution to sell a car when the customer is giving all the objections.

    Mentoring Approach: How do you typically support and guide mentees? What can someone expect when working with you as their mentor?

    As a mentor, I pride myself on being the biggest cheerleader for my mentees. With eight years of experience in the car business, I am well-versed in navigating the highs and lows of the industry and can guide my mentees through the challenges they may encounter. I also bring a wealth of life experience to the table, offering a supportive ear or a shoulder to lean on when needed. My mentees could expect a positive and reassuring experience from me.

    My communication style is a blend of compassion and directness. While I am empathetic and understanding, I also believe in delivering constructive feedback when necessary, always with the goal of helping my mentees grow and succeed. My approach is rooted in positivity, reassurance, and tough love, so to speak.

    Best Career Advice: What's the most valuable career lesson you've learned, and how has it impacted your success?

    The most valuable lesson I've learned in my career is that not every position is the right fit, but that doesn't mean you should give up. My goal, after being in F&I for a year, was to eventually become a desk manager and two years later that dream became reality. I recognized that the path there would not be a straight line, and my journey would include hurdles along the way, but I knew that with hard work and dedication I would be able to one day achieve my career goals.  When the opportunity at Toyota arose, I seized it without hesitation, and it's been a rewarding and fulfilling experience ever since. My advice is simple: Keep pushing forward, stay grounded, and never lose sight of your goals. 

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  • Cathy Gonzalez
    Dealer Administrator

    Professional Background: What is your current role, and how long have you been in the automotive industry? Can you share a bit about your career journey?

    I am the DA at Ford Hyundai Elizabeth City, working in this industry for 18 years. I began as a temp for a week at Toyota of Elizabeth City and ended up lasting 3 months until the position was filled. After the new hire did not work out, the GM asked if I would consider joining his team… which I accepted. I started in accounting as a receptionist for a short time. I then learned about accounts receivables, payables, cancellations, etc. I was asked to work in service as an Office Manager - which included rentals. (not my favorite to say the least) I became warranty administrator for quite some time, to then take on the new role as Customer Relations Manager. My last role at Toyota of Elizabeth City was working as an Executive Assistant. In August of '24, I was promoted and became the DA where I am currently.

    Areas of Expertise: What are your strongest skills or specialties, and how do you apply them in your role?

    I am an excellent communicator and love getting to know my team. I am a HUGE advocate for team building, Team building is crucial for fostering strong, cohesive teams that improve communication, collaboration, and overall performance, ultimately leading to increased productivity and a more positive work environment. I would consider myself a natural leader someone who is detail-oriented paying close attention to the small details and intricacies of tasks, projects, and situations.

    Passions & Hobbies: What are some of your personal interests or hobbies outside of work, and how do they influence your professional life?

     

    My absolute favorite pastime is spending time with my family and friends… this is a MUST for me! I am your typical traveler - I love seeing new places, eating new foods, but most of all making memories with those around me, cherishing every moment and will always make time for myself as well, as everyone should do! I have a creative mind, so obviously I love doing crafts, and party/event planning too….

     

    Mentoring Approach: How do you typically support and guide mentees? What can someone expect when working with you as their mentor?

     

    I will take my mentoring approach by first understanding their wants, needs, goals, strengths, and anything they may want to improve on. After our conversation, I will change my communication style and the level of guidance I provide based on their preferences and learning styles. My Mentee can expect me to be open-minded, honest, and transparent, but most of all, I hope to learn new things from their perspective. As for my communication style, although hard to pick, would more than likely vary, but mostly would considered assertive.

     

    Best Career Advice: What's the most valuable career lesson you've learned, and how has it impacted your success?

     

    The most valuable career lessons I have learned are to be open-minded, patient, success/failures, and growth, BUT MOST OF ALL MAKE MISTAKES… I find that making mistakes is one of the best ways to learn. This next question is a really good question, which I have two people (a person in the past and a person in the present) First - my mother. My mother has had the greatest impact on my professional success - not only as a woman but as a VERY, VERY successful woman in a man's industry. She never showed that she was incapable of handling any situation that came across her desk, nor ever let anyone slow her down. My mother was very meticulous, professional and to be frank pretty BAD A**. I will forever be thankful for what she taught me. My second person is Kris Bradshaw. Kris's management style, assertiveness, eye for detail, but most of all, Kris believed in me. Don't get me wrong, Kris and I probably butt heads in the first couple of years more times than I could count, but once we sat down and had an open discussion about what we both wanted and needed to be a successful team, we meshed and meshed well. Kris has shown be support both while I worked for him and continues to do so now. 

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  • Chrissy Champigny
    Divisional CFO

    Professional Background: What is your current role, and how long have you been in the automotive industry? Can you share a bit about your career journey?

    Current Role - Divisional CFO - I have been in this business for over 34 years. I started in 1991 in the Service Dept. at what was known as Hall Auto Mall - VB now Hall CDJR VB as a lot attendant/file clerk then moved into the Service/Parts Cashier role later that year. In approximately 1993/94 I moved into F&I as their assistant. In 1996 I became the Office Manager at this location. In 2000 I helped build the consolidated accounting office for Hall and moved into a Lead Controller position and then in 2006 when Hall was sold to MileOne I became the Corporate Controller for all locations. In 2010 I moved into my current role. 

    Areas of Expertise: What are your strongest skills or specialties, and how do you apply them in your role?

    One of my biggest skills is the ability to communicate and solve problems because of my experience in multiple departments I have an overall understanding of how everything works and if I don't know then I take the time to figure it out. The ability to multi-task under pressure is probably my biggest skill.

    Passions & Hobbies: What are some of your personal interests or hobbies outside of work, and how do they influence your professional life?

    I love to scrapbook, make cards, and other crafty items, and also travel. I am also a member of a women's sorority group that meets twice a month and has social events. I am not sure that I would say they influence my professional life but they are a creative outlet for me and help with that life/work balance.

    Mentoring Approach: How do you typically support and guide mentees? What can someone expect when working with you as their mentor?

    In whatever they feel they need help with and also in understanding what is that their career goals are so I can help them achieve their goal. 

    Open and direct communication and guidance.

    To explain the overall process and why something needs to be handled a certain way and explain the Cause and Effect of a decision. 

    Best Career Advice: What's the most valuable career lesson you've learned, and how has it impacted your success?

    The most valuable career lesson that I have learned is no one is going to do it for you. You have to believe in yourself and be willing to put in the time and effort to achieve your goals. That never-give-up attitude has helped me succeed in life. 

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  • Christian Vorndran
    Sales Manager

    Professional Background: What is your current role, and how long have you been in the automotive industry? Can you share a bit about your career journey?

    My current role is a Sales Manager. I have been with Hall for 18 years. Starting in the Legal Department working part-time at 16, I helped with clerical work and any other duties they needed me to do. Few months later, I transferred to Hall Dodge and became the sales receptionist. Once I graduated HS I became the DA Assistant. I did that for a while in the midst of the Dodge and Chrysler Jeep merger I was asked to become the Internet Manager. I did that for about 3-4 years and wanted something more. I was given the opportunity to do Finance. After roughly 4 years I decided I wanted something different and challenge myself more. I asked what it would take to come to the desk as a Sales Manager and I have loved it since.

    Areas of Expertise: What are your strongest skills or specialties, and how do you apply them in your role? 

    I learn something new every single day. I get to meet someone new every day.

    Passions & Hobbies: What are some of your personal interests or hobbies outside of work, and how do they influence your professional life?

    I enjoy hot Yoga, running, sport activities and trying new exercises both mentally and physically.

    Mentoring Approach: How do you typically support and guide mentees? What can someone expect when working with you as their mentor?

    I would help support and guide a mentee by listening and coaching. I am very hands on so my approach would be a lot of role playing and acting out scenarios for each goal and challenge they may have.

    Best Career Advice: What's the most valuable career lesson you've learned, and how has it impacted your success?

    Best career advice I can give is to have an open mind. View every scenario in each person's point of view. Work together as a team. We succeed through each other.  Take each day as it comes and smile.

    Abby has had the most impact on my life. She sees every opportunity or challenge as a puzzle that needs pieced together. She has helped me with delegating tasks and utilizing each person as a team mentality.  She helps promote and guide me through any tough scenarios whether it be your personal or business life. 

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  • Jean Mahon
    Regional Marketing Manager

    Professional Background: What is your current role, and how long have you been in the automotive industry? Can you share a bit about your career journey?

    I have been a marketing manager/director for the automotive industry for a little over 26 years, the majority of that time with Hall. I also sold to the automotive industry for 6 years while I was with the newspaper. So, I guess it's safe to say 32 + years of experience in automotive marketing.  I started working at 15 as an office assistant for a copier company.  (funny story, my desk/typewriter - yes typewriter - was in the lounge area of the ladies' bathroom.  I would have to stop typing if anyone came in to use the bathroom LOL). At the same time, I also worked at the local movie theatre selling tickets or working the concession.  I continued my career with the copier company selling office supplies via telephone then moved over to the audio-visual department and advanced to outside sales.  I hated cold-calling, which we were required to do, so I made a deal with my boss that if I continued to beat my monthly quota by 10%, I would not have to do the cold calls, he agreed and I never made another cold call. Many many years later, I worked at the Newspaper, selling advertising, Hall, Checkered Flag, and Charles Barker were my accounts. It was during this time that automotive became my world and eventually Hall recruited me to be the in-house marketing director.

    Areas of Expertise: What are the skills and specialties that help you be successful in your role?

    Communication, being proactive, always willing to learn, adapting to many different personalities, being able to read people. You can learn a lot by watching how someone reacts/body language etc. I'm a firm believer that we are always growing and learning and we have to be open-minded that there could be a better way to do something.  I'm a firm believer in teamwork and I want everyone to succeed.  Over the years of raising 5 children, and working full time, I have also been on the board of directors for several different non-profits, ran golf tournaments, ran softball tournaments, and directed my children's travel sports. I've learned that the busier I am the more I can do.  It's crazy when you think about it, but it's true, you just need to be focused and get it done.

    Passions & Hobbies: What are some of your personal interests or hobbies outside of work, and how do they influence your professional life?

    I love spending my time with my family. My grandchildren are my whole world. I also love spending time at the beach or just being outside in the sun taking a walk with my 125lb Chesapeake Bay retriever.  The tragedies in my life taught me that I need to learn to balance my home life and work life. When I am home, I'm focused there, when I am at work I'm focused on work. 

    Mentoring Approach: How do you think you will support and guide a mentee? What can someone expect when working with you as their mentor? What is your communication style when attempting to influence another person?

    My door is always open, my experience is pretty well-rounded. Sales/Interpersonal relationship/raising children - working full time/losing a child/caregiver for sick spouse/losing a husband/starting all over/ being positive after being constantly knocked down/knowing the automotive industry/how to work with type A personalities etc. I feel I am very approachable and if I don't know the answer, I normally know where to go, or where to send someone to get the answer.

    Best Career Advice: What's the most valuable career lesson you've learned, and how has it impacted your success? Who has had the most impact on your professional success and why?

    Don't ever give up. If you love what you do, learn to be your best. Always be willing to continue to learn and grow. Be on time/be prepared/be proactive/be respectful. Career Lesson: Earlier on in my outside sales career, the first presentation I did by myself (my boss was with me, observing) and it went GREAT!  The customer had all the buying signs and I knew that I sold them on the $500 transparency maker, but I walked out of their office without the order.  Why? I did not ask for the order. My boss could have easily stepped in and asked the customer for the order, but he wanted me to fail so I would learn. And ever since, I always ask for the order.

    Most Impact: Working for close to 49 years, I have had so many people impact my success.  However, I would have to say my parents, taught me to work hard, be positive, don't give up, be respectful, and be on time. Those traits are the foundation of my career.

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  • Linda Washington
    Human Resources Business Partner

    Professional Background: What is your current role, and how long have you been in the automotive industry? Can you share a bit about your career journey? 

    I started my career in the Ft. Lauderdale school system as a Business teacher for 2 years. I was then contacted by McDonald's Corporation for a position as a secretary to the Director of HR. Sad to say, I was making more money as a secretary than I was making as a school teacher (Teachers definitely deserve more). That is how I started my career in HR. At the time, McDonald's had an amazing training program and so much of the training I received back then, I still implement it in my current day-to-day way of working. After moving from a secretary to an HR Consultant for the Ft. Lauderdale and Miami markets-- a position I held for over 10 years, I was then moved to the position of Corporate Trainer, a position I held for 4 years until I moved to my next career with Burger King Corporation.  The same person who hired me as his secretary at McDonalds recruited me for Burger King where I directed all HR functions for the states of Virginia and South Carolina. After leaving BK, I worked for Cox AutoTrader Publishing for about 2 years until the Publishing side of the business closed. I was responsible for the RIF of an entire company across the United States. I was the person who had to travel to each state to tell employees that their jobs were being eliminated. An experience I will never forget. I then moved to Walmart where I worked for over 10 years. I covered the Hampton Roads locations - at times, supporting up to 5000 employees. While I appreciated the time I worked at Walmart and the opportunity to support so many employees, after a while, and at that stage in my life, it was becoming 'too much'. Thinking it would be a better fit, I spent a short time with BJs where I was responsible for the Hampton Roads, Northern Virginia, Baltimore and North Carolina markets (this wasn't communicated to me in the beginning). I left after a short time because it required too much travel. Airports and road trips got old. When I left BJs, I wasn't ready to settle into retirement and thankfully, I was contacted by MileOne regarding the HRBP position. The rest is history. I will sincerely say that this is the last chapter of my career and I feel so fortunate that I have the opportunity to spend it with the Hall family.

    Areas of Expertise: What are the skills and specialties that help you be successful in your role? 

    Knowledge, humility, willingness to continuously learn new things, being a servant leader, my genuine desire to help others achieve their career aspirations and my genuine care for people.

    Passions & Hobbies: What are some of your personal interests or hobbies outside of work, and how do they influence your professional life?

    I don't have many hobbies - I am pretty much a homebody. I am still an active member of the sorority that I joined in college and even now, I am very active in giving back to the community.  My passion:  MUSIC.  I listen to music while at work because it helps me to maintain my 'calm'.

    Mentoring Approach: How do you think you will support and guide a mentee? What is your communication style when attempting to influence another person?

    As previously mentioned, with this being my last job before retirement, I want to end my career by helping others to achieve their goals.  I have a unique ability to 'see' people and to 'meet people where they are'. No, I am not special, I am just me. Although I don't have extensive experience in the automotive industry, I have learned so much in the almost 3 years I have been with Hall and I have no doubt that I can assist in helping someone become the best version of themselves as well as helping them to get to the next level in their career. What can someone expect when working with you as their mentor? I will be their biggest cheerleader as well as the person who may sometimes be tough and also 'keep it real'  . . . which all comes from the heart. When I learn what the mentee wants to achieve, my goal will be to help them to get there.  Whatever it takes to make connections and identify shortcomings and hurdles.  If the mentee is DRIVEN, I will ride with you. 

    I am somewhat of an introvert with a really laid-back and aggressive personality when necessary.  With my mentee, I will sometimes be a version of HR but mostly, I will just be Linda. 

    Best Career Advice: What's the most valuable career lesson you've learned, and how has it impacted your success? Who has had the most impact on your professional success and why? 

    Failure is not an option. To get back up quickly when I fall and to never stop learning.

    Too many to name.

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  • Melissa Garrett
    Internet Sales Manager

    Professional Background: What is your current role, and how long have you been in the automotive industry? Can you share a bit about your career journey?

    I am the Internet Sales Manager at Toyota in Elizabeth City. I have been in the Automotive Industry just shy of 4 years. I have spent most of my professional career in the Health Care Industry. I took a leap of faith in switching careers and I am glad I did. I have been blessed with strong leadership that has supported me through my journey here at Hall.

    Areas of Expertise: What are your strongest skills or specialties, and how do you apply them in your role?

    I have been in a management role for over 10+ years. Throughout those years I have had many mentors along the way. Those mentors have helped me develop personally and professionally. I would say some of my strongest skills are flexibility, teamwork, communication, adaptability, and being able to remain calm under pressure. These skills have helped me be successful in various roles. I enjoy learning new things at work and taking on more responsibility. In the Automotive Industry, there's always something new to learn.

    Passion and Hobbies: What are some of your personal interests or hobbies outside of work, and how do they influence your professional life?

    I have two daughters ages 13 and 16 years old. I enjoy spending time with them and my husband (most of the time 😊). I also have wonderful friends who I enjoy going out to lunch and shopping with. This helps fulfill my life and brings me joy.

    Mentoring Approach: How do you typically support and guide mentees? What can someone expect when working with you as their mentor?

    I will be able to support and guide through my own personal and professional experiences. I believe in peer interaction and sharing all of our experiences to build a sense of community. I want to build a rapport with my team to build confidence and offer support.

    Best Career Advice: What's the most valuable career lesson you've learned, and how has it impacted your success?

    The most valuable career lesson I have learned is that you don't have to know it all. It's ok to ask questions and learn from those around you. One of the most influential people that has helped me was the head of HR that I used to work with. In a management role, you deal with a lot of different personalities. We are all human and have feelings. It's ok to not know how to approach every situation. Its ok to take a step back and ask for help.

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  • Nakiah Troullier
    Sales Manager

    Professional Background: What is your current role, and how long have you been in the automotive industry? Can you share a bit about your career journey?

    I have been in the automotive industry for 10 years. I started at Hall Nissan at 23 years old. I knew nothing about cars and very little about sales except what I had learned in my 4 years working retail sales at Lynnhaven Mall. In my first year in the business, I questioned my ability a lot! But that first year, I made more money than I had ever made in my life! 3 times what I had ever made at the mall. That's when the car business really had me hooked! I did have a short 2-year hiatus where I worked for a subprime bank as an assistant branch manager, loan buyer, and repo manager.

    Areas of Expertise: What are your strongest skills or specialties, and how do you apply them in your role?

    I feel that my areas of expertise are working with secondary customers and lenders; this takes a lot of patience and perseverance. I strive every day to be a positive influence in my store. This business can be very frustrating at times; it can be easy to get down, let the negative thoughts sneak in, and have self-doubts. It's so important to rise above that and believe in yourself and let the frustrating days roll off your back.

    Passions & Hobbies: What are some of your personal interests or hobbies outside of work, and how do they influence your professional life?

    In my free time, I love to spend quality time with my dog, my fiancé, friends, and family! We love to eat and try new restaurants! I enjoy painting, even though my skills are questionable. With the hours that we put in at work, I have learned to be more intentional with my time off and make the most of my time away from the store. Work-life balance is very important, but at times can be very challenging. Learning to balance work and my personal life has made me a much more effective manager and teammate. I hope to help others find this same balance.

    Mentoring Approach: How do you typically support and guide mentees? What can someone expect when working with you as their mentor?

    I love to see more and more women deciding to get into this industry. I think it is so important for us to support and uplift one another! I look forward to being able to give guidance and support to other women and help them find their footing in this industry.

    Best Career Advice: What's the most valuable career lesson you've learned, and how has it impacted your success?

    I have been given some great career advice from many legends in this industry but here are my top 3..

    Dan Nance my first GM told me the most important quality to have in sales and in life is a good attitude, and think positively.

    Steve Hug said "you don't get anything in life unless you ask for it"

    And lastly, but not least, Erin Bessey's "That's a car deal Buddy" with every deal you work, look for the reasons why it IS a car deal not why it's not a car deal. 

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  • Shari Patish
    Corporate Counsel

    Professional Background: What is your current role, and how long have you been in the automotive industry? Can you share a bit about your career journey?

    My career with Hall began in 2006 as corporate counsel and expanded as the MileOne corporate legal team developed.  Over the last 19 years, I have handled whatever legal issues arose in the Dealerships along with training on compliance and risk management and contract review and drafting among other things. Prior to my life before law, I was in retail management for fifteen (15) years, an experience that has helped me to navigate the sometimes competing interests of the Dealerships and the Legal Department.

    At 35 I found myself in a failing marriage with two small children and working full time in my brother's law practice.  I needed to make some major changes in my life in order to offer my children the life I wanted for them.  I studied in secret for the LSAT test and applied to law school without telling anyone by my husband.  No one was more surprised than me when I was accepted. I started law school at 37 years old, broke, and recently separated from my husband with a 3 yr. old and a 7 yr. old. I made a deal with my kids not to study while they were awake but they had to go to bed on time. Over the next three years, we ate a lot of mac n cheese and turkey sandwiches and in 2001 I graduated from law school at 40 yrs. old. My 24 years of practice have flown by and I have never regretted the sacrifices my children and I made to make that happen.

    Areas of Expertise: What are your strongest skills or specialties, and how do you apply them in your role?

    I was that child whose report card said "talks too much in class" and now I am paid to speak for others. Public speaking is something I continue to enjoy whether it is in training classes, meetings, or courtrooms. I do a great deal of writing and contract drafting in my role as well. However, the skill I think I can best share with a Mentee is my people skills. I deal with angry customers, parties I have sued, businesses with contracts that need to be modified, law enforcement, and yes sometimes stubborn employees.  I have developed the ability to calm most people down and redirect them to the core issue of concern without them bringing me to their level…most of the time.  As counsel, I am the person called when crazy things happen at the Dealerships. (i.e.: fires, floods, thefts, break-ins, and someone trying to purchase a vehicle using a Ziploc bag of cotton balls just to name a few).  In these instances and others, it is important for me to stay calm, calm others, and stay focused on the big picture. I have learned a lot about the car business over 19 years and that helps me navigate these issues and others.

    Passions & Hobbies: What are some of your personal interests or hobbies outside of work, and how do they influence your professional life?

    My favorite thing to do is travel and I do so as often as I can with my adult children and friends. Seeing new places and experiencing new things means more to me than any tangible object I could possess. I go out to listen to live music as often as possible and coming from a big Hokie family, I watch as much Virginia Tech Sports as I can. I play Mah Jongg, Cribbage and do the NYT Crossword puzzle every day.  (yes I was a geeky child)

    Mentoring Approach: How do you typically support and guide mentees? What can someone expect when working with you as their mentor?

    I think my approach to mentoring a co-worker would be first to find out what challenges they are facing and what tools they might already possess that can be directed at those challenges. I find most people have skills they can grow and use to resolve issues they are facing.  As a Mentor, I expect to help co-workers grow those skills as well as help them fill their toolbox with new skills to meet their challenges.  

    Best Career Advice: What's the most valuable career lesson you've learned, and how has it impacted your success?

    When I was little, my mother regularly told my siblings and me that we could do anything we wanted to if we put our minds to it. Over my lifetime, that is still the best advice I have ever received.  Whether that was applied to the small challenges like learning new work skills or working with difficult co-workers and supervisors, or larger challenges like raising children as a single parent or attending a Christian law school as a Jewish student, what my mother told me always held true. 

    I am very fortunate to be surrounded by successful co-workers here at Hall/MileOne who have supported me, educated me, and shown me how to be successful professionally. his program gives me an opportunity to do the same.


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  • Teeia Young
    Service Manager

    Professional Background: What is your current role, and how long have you been in the automotive industry? Can you share a bit about your career journey?

    My current role at Hall is the Service Director at Hall Nissan. I have been in the automotive industry since graduating from high school in 1993. I first began my career as the night-time sales receptionist for a Ford dealer while I was in college. That position led me to become a customer service representative, service advisor, customer service manager, service manager and parts and service director.

    Areas of Expertise: What are your strongest skills or specialties, and how do you apply them in your role?

    I always try to put other's wants, needs, and feelings first. I look at every situation from the perspective of others involved and I feel this has added to my success.  Empathy is one of my favorite words. I feel everyone needs a little more empathy for others in our lives.

    Passions & Hobbies: What are some of your personal interests or hobbies outside of work, and how do they influence your professional life?

    Outside of work I enjoy spending time with friends and family.  My seventeen-year-old son is my top priority. I have a rather large group of friends from all walks of life. I feel that the diversity of my friendships enables me to make better decisions in my professional life.

    Mentoring Approach: How do you typically support and guide mentees? What can someone expect when working with you as their mentor?

    This will be my first official role as a mentor but I have had several individuals tell me that I have made them better employees, leaders, and customer advocates over the years. My mentees can expect upfront and honest advice and feedback. My communication style will depend on the location of the mentee. If it is someone at my store I would like to work with them in person as much as possible, leading by example. I do realize that I may have mentees from other stores and I feel text and emails are a great way to communicate in this busy environment.

    Best Career Advice: What's the most valuable career lesson you've learned, and how has it impacted your success?

    The most valuable career lesson I have learned is to be transparent.  Being upfront and honest, accepting responsibility for my actions and those of my team is always the best policy. Connie Zgrodek and Dale Young have had the most impact on my professional success. Both have been in my life since the early days of my journey. Both have helped me to grow as an individual and a leader.  They gave me advise when I needed it and were there when I made mistakes to help me learn and grow from them.

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