In this inspiring and energizing episode of The Showroom with Gavin, we sit down with one of the most driven people in the McGrath family—Val Trussov, New Car Sales Manager at our GM campus. From humble beginnings in Kazakhstan to mastering sales in Iowa, Val’s journey is nothing short of remarkable.
From Chess Champion to Sales Leader
Val’s early life in Kazakhstan was defined by discipline and drive. Starting as a competitive chess player at just four years old, Val spent ten years immersed in strategy before switching gears to swimming. His schedule as a young teen was intense—up at 5 a.m. for swim practice, a full day of school, more swimming until 9 p.m., then repeat. That relentless work ethic would soon take him to America at age 16, thanks to his brother’s swimming career and coaching opportunity at the University of Iowa.
Landing in Iowa and Discovering a Passion for Sales
After finishing high school in Iowa and swimming at Iowa Lakes Community College, Val faced a life-changing decision: pursue a safe job in software or take a leap into the car business. He chose the latter, believing that mastering the art of sales would pay dividends for life.
And it has.
From his first day at McGrath—when there were only three cars on the lot—Val leaned into the challenge. He quickly stood out with his obsessive drive to win, his genuine love for helping people, and his refusal to give up. Whether it’s building a relationship with a customer or solving a tough situation, Val sees every opportunity as a way to grow.
Why Val Wins: Energy, Strategy, and Service
Val approaches his role like an entrepreneur: managing a multimillion-dollar business with zero liability. He treats every decision like it’s his own company. What sets him apart is his blend of high-level strategy and heart—he listens first, aims to understand, and always seeks a win-win.
He’s also a master of mindset. As he and Gavin discussed, success comes from choosing which voice to listen to: the negative or the positive. For Val, it’s always about seeing the opportunity, not the obstacle.
Beyond the Showroom: Poker, Podcasts, and Personal Growth
Even outside of work, Val’s motor never stops. He plays poker competitively—both online and in person—drawing on his chess background and deep understanding of game theory and pattern recognition. For Val, poker isn’t just a hobby; it’s another arena for learning discipline, reading people, and managing risk.
He also soaks up business knowledge through podcasts like Alex Hormozi’s, constantly sharpening his edge.
One Goal: Help Others Reach Their Potential
Val’s closing message was simple but powerful: He hopes everyone pushes themselves to reach their full potential—and if anyone needs help, he’s here.
Episode 19 is a must-watch for anyone chasing big goals, looking to level up in sales, or needing a reminder of what hard work and heart can achieve. Check it out, and get inspired by Val’s incredible story.