At Pohanka Toyota of Salisbury, a family mindset amongst its team helps each person thrive in their daily roles — and with that comes growth, advancement and the expert ability to serve its diverse community
Pohanka Toyota Store Photography by Krista Valliant
There’s a sense of family one instantly feels when stepping inside the Pohanka Toyota showroom. That’s not a universal industry experience, but at Pohanka of Salisbury, the camaraderie and compassion of the team for their customers, the community, and one another, is genuine. For decades, the company has provided local residents with career opportunities that transform their lives.
Pohanka Toyota General Manager Thurman Donoway himself is a testament to the opportunities for personal and professional growth at Pohanka of Salisbury. He first started as a salesman in 2001, and through his commitment to learn the industry and his passion for helping people, he worked his way up the ranks to achieve a general manager position in just nine years. Now, after 23 years at Pohanka of Salisbury, his greatest satisfaction is providing an avenue for others to succeed.
“The most enjoyable aspect of my job is sharing the opportunity with someone looking for a career,” says Thurman. “Our community is filled with an array of eager individuals looking for some light, for a chance to do something with their lives. I appreciate their ambition to be better and build a life with a positive impact.”
LEADING BY EXAMPLE
Pohanka Toyota of Salisbury General Manager Thurman Donoway beganhis career at the dealership in 2001, working as a sales associate. Through dedication and a growth mindset, he rose through the ranks of the company to becomes its GM in 2010.
This mindset extends across Pohanka of Salisbury’s 10 dealerships — and comes at the direction of Pohanka Automotive Group Dealer Operator Sandy Fitzgerald-Angello.
“The Pohanka team has set a standard of excellence and it starts at the top of our organization through Sandy’s leadership,” says Thurman. “Our mission statement says it best: Commitment of excellence; Do it right the first time; Make it easy for the customer; Make it easy for the team; Think solutions, not problems; Think relentless improvement.”
These standards are evident at Pohanka Toyota, where the diversity and dedication of its team shines in helping customers find the perfect vehicle to suit their needs. Speaking of diversity, the Pohanka Toyota team can speak six different languages, including English, Creole, Spanish, French, Haitian and Portuguese, to assist the Shore’s rich variety of cultures.
Another great aspect of the work environment at Pohanka, according to Thurman, is that learning never ends and that the company brings the very best out of its members, regardless of education, ethnicity or social status.
“The most important lesson I have learned is to not judge a person,” says Thurman. “I’ve had the joy of meeting and working with many people with different backgrounds and upbringings, from a high school drop out to a Duke University graduate with a master’s degree. Each person is special and brings a certain skill set. There’s a place and purpose for everyone here at Pohanka.” CS
POHANKA TOYOTA OF SALISBURY
410-543-2000
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