Back in 1989, when Kerry Odeman was approached by her father about joining the family business as its finance manager, she wasn’t that enthusiastic about it.
“I was a recent University of Washington graduate and I thought to myself – I was a speech communications major because there wasn’t a math requirement! How can I become a finance manager?” said Odeman recently. Her dad, owner of the dealership since it was awarded to him in 1970, explained the role was really about meeting with customers and offering them products to help protect their investment.
Once Odeman jumped in, she was hooked. She grew in her roles from customer relations, marketing, sales manager, general manager and then upon the death of her beloved father, she became one of the few female Toyota dealer principals in the nation. And, now with the addition of her nephew Shane to the team, the dealership is
multi-generational helping to ensure a hometown, family operation for many years to come.
Following in the footsteps of those before her, Odeman uses the guiding principals of community involvement as the cornerstone of what the Puyallup dealership is about. “We support a broad spectrum of things in the community including a multiyear partnership with Washington Premier Football Club (WPFC), along with the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women and Good Sam’s Cancer Center.”
With one of the lowest employee turnover rates in the Pacific Northwest, Toyota of Puyallup can boast one of the most tenured staffs around. “During the pandemic, we retained 100% of our employees. Retention of our team is important to me, so I am really proud when someone comes in and says I have worked with the same salesperson or technician for decades.”
Everything Toyota of Puyallup does is reflected in their commitment to customer first. This commitment is highlighted by transparent pricing, no second stickers, and the implementation of the SmartPath online purchase program where you can handle 90% of the purchase transaction from the comfort of your home.
Toyota of Puyallup
toyotaofpuyallup.com
BY LYNN CASTLE