Congratulations on being named the Spotlight Employee of the Week, Heidi Short! Enjoy some thoughts from Fixed Operations Director, Dave Hesli, regarding Heidi’s contributions to McGrath Auto and read an exclusive interview with Heidi!
A Message from Dave Hesli
I first met Heidi back in 2008 when Chrysler LLC was going thru their bankruptcy reorganization. She called me one day to introduce herself after she had heard the news that McGrath was to become the full–line Chrysler dealer in Cedar Rapids. Heidi had been with the Bob Mickey dealerships in Cedar Rapids for 23 years and in mid–June ’08 it was announced by Chrysler LLC that they were closing many “underperforming” dealerships as part of their restructuring plan in an effort to qualify for the government bailout that saved both Chrysler LLC and General Motors from their demise. Mickey’s was being shut down and Heidi was looking for an opportunity to continue her career in the service side of the business. We met for an interview and she impressed me with her knowledge, insight, communication skills and calm demeanor. She had served many roles in the Mickey organization and it was evident that she would be an asset if she were to join McGrath. I offered her a position at Dodge Country and we are fortunate that Heidi chose us over some alternative offers she had received.
Through her tenure with McGrath, Heidi has demonstrated an ability to be a “low maintenance” employee. By that I mean she performs her job duties at a very high level while requiring little supervision. There is no “drama” with Heidi, she keeps her work and personal lives from interfering with each other and is always someone who can be counted on to step up and deliver in a crunch. For this reason, Heidi has been offered advancement opportunities on numerous occasions. She has been willing to discuss them and is always flattered to be considered, but she has turned them down, citing that she didn’t need the additional stress in her life that these positions would bring. That hasn’t discouraged us from continuing to consider her a candidate as other opportunities have arisen and recently she accepted the newly created role of Used Vehicle Reconditioning Manager. McGrath Director of Sales, Orrin Smith, and I are both impressed with Heidi’s ability to jump right into the task at hand and exceed our expectations within her new position. Thank you for all you do, Heidi!
– Dave Hesli
Heidi Short Interview
What motivates you?
Family. Love. Respect. Pride. Compassion. Fear. Money. World Peace…
If Pat McGrath were to walk in and say you can take any New Vehicle that we sell, what would it be?
I would LOVE to take delivery of a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8. Rocket ship on 4wheels with all the bells and whistles you would wish for!
Where are you from originally and where do you currently reside?
I was born and raised in Cedar Rapids. Educated in Iowa. Living in Cedar Rapids now.
What are your hobbies outside of work?
Gardening, motorcycling, hiking, sewing and adding to my collection of all things on the darker side of Halloween.
Are you married? Tell us about your family.
So very lucky to have 2 daughters, my mother, a sister, a brother and his family, a niece and her family all in Cedar Rapids. I am proud to report we are an awesome group that enjoy each other, love each other, laugh together, and support each other.
If someone were to make a movie about your life, who would you hope would play you?
If she were available and willing, I would love to have Dory, from Finding Nemo portray me.
What do you like best about working for Pat McGrath Chevyland?
Working for the entire McGrath Family of Dealerships and Superstores has enabled me to meet, work with, and learn from an amazing group of supportive co-workers. The depth of their talents and diverse personalities are constantly teaching me new and better ways to perform my job.
If you could vacation anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Vacation? If I were to take a couple weeks away from McGrath’s I would head to Italy.
What is the first vehicle you ever owned?
1973 Plymouth Scamp. I worked 2 jobs to pay that car off in one year. It was my pride and joy for 6 years.
What is your most memorable experience at Pat McGrath Chevyland?
Most memorable? Angie (King) Straits wedding at the Dodge Co. showroom. Thrown together in a matter of hours, it was the most unique, touching ceremony that I can remember. Angie (a fellow employee) was to have a brain tumor removed the next day. Her one wish before h er risky surgery was to marry the love of her life and the McGraths made it happen. We even had a few customer’s tear up as they watched the event.
How long have you been with McGrath Family of Dealerships?
A little over 4 years. In the automotive business for 37 years.
Explain, in your words, what you do on a daily basis?
I am the Internal Reconditioning Manager. I work together with Sales, Service, Parts, Body Shop, and Detailing to improve the process of moving a used vehicle through all the steps from trade-in to the quality lot-ready vehicle we are proud to sell. I walk the lot daily looking for vehicles that need pain and body repair. I review and approve repairs that are recommended by Service Advisors and Techs. I spend time and the computer checking for recalls, special policies, tracking progress and with spreadsheets. I try to keep the lines of communication flowing between all departments, so emails and phone calls are a big part of my day. My position is a new one here, so it is evolving daily.