In this episode of The Showroom podcast, host Gavin sits down with Joe Wilson, one of the top car salespeople at GM Campus in Cedar Rapids. Joe shares his journey from managing a convenience store for nearly two decades to becoming a key member of the McGrath Auto team. His story is one of dedication, resilience, and passion for people.
From Convenience Store to Car Sales: Joe’s Career Journey
Joe spent 18 years working for a local convenience store chain, 14 of which were in Lisbon, Iowa. During that time, he built strong community connections and learned valuable customer service skills. He even caught an employee stealing, only to later see them on the news for robbing a bank. His retail experience helped him build long-term customer relationships—skills that now serve him well in car sales.
McGrath initially passed on hiring Joe 15 years ago, but he got a second chance and made the most of it. Over the past four years, Joe has become a top-performing salesperson, known for his dedication and straightforward approach.
A Work Ethic Rooted in Family Values
Joe credits his work ethic to his parents, who have owned an ice cream shop for over two decades. Their commitment to hard work and customer service inspired Joe to go above and beyond in his career. Whether setting up McGrath’s monthly employee cookouts or helping customers, Joe always puts in the extra effort.
Outside of work, Joe has volunteered over 800 hours a year at Kennedy High School’s show choir program, helping build sets and coordinate competitions. His selfless nature and ability to rally a team have made him a valuable part of every organization he’s involved with.
A Love for Travel, Gambling, and Skydiving
When Joe isn’t selling cars, he’s traveling, skydiving, or testing his luck at the casino. He enjoys visiting Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Myrtle Beach, often catching live sports events or shows.
As a seasoned casino-goer, Joe takes a strategic approach—betting small and tracking his results. His biggest jackpot win? A $21,000 payout on a $2.50 bet. He’s even built relationships at the casino that have led to car sales, proving his ability to connect with people extends beyond the showroom.
The Road Ahead
With his kids grown—one working in excavation and the other studying at Mount Mercy—Joe is embracing the freedom to travel more. His next big goal? Exploring Europe, with Rome at the top of his list.
Joe’s passion for people, strong work ethic, and ability to build lasting relationships make him a standout member of the McGrath Auto team. Whether helping customers or taking on his next adventure, Joe Wilson embodies dedication and drive.
Stay tuned for more episodes of The Showroom!