MATADOR MOTORS
Get to Know THIS couple with A DREAM
Vivian and Jose Garcia are a Sacramento couple who live the American dream of being an entrepreneur couple. They own a car dealership located in South Sacramento, called Matador Motors. The Garcia's have over 35 years of experience in the automobile industry, in which both bring a level of expertise to their business. Jose started his career in the auto industry first at Salinas Toyota in 1989 in Salinas, California. Jose quickly promoted to Elk Grove Toyota as Sales Manager leading Elk Grove Toyota to amazing sales in 2007, then advanced to General Sales Manager at Florin Road Kia in 2008. Jose left Kia and ventured to Fairfield, and became the General Manager at Momentum Dodge Chrysler Jeep. On other hand, Vivian worked at Elk Grove Toyota as the Lead Receptionist in 2004, and promoted as the Contract Clerk for Elk Grove Toyota until 2010. In addition to Vivian working full time, Vivian attended college earning an Associate's degree in Business at Sacramento City College, and her Bachelor's degree at Sacramento State College for Accounting in 2011. The Garcia's left their jobs, and opened their first car dealership celebrating their One Year Anniversary for business in July 2014.
I chose to interview The Garcia's because their business is quickly growing, due to their knowledge and business plans. The Garcia's are different to other dealership because they cater especially to the Hispanic community needs, and understands how to make their customers happy. Vivian and Jose Garcia have a vision for their business and are successfully achieving their goals.
Picture Above: Vivian and Jose Garcia
Me: What inspired you to go in business for yourself? Have you ever
worked for anyone else, and if so did this trigger you to become your own boss?
Vivian: We wanted freedom and independence. Working for an employer
we worked for a paycheck. Working for ourselves we work for a profit and our
future. You take pride in your work. It's about a quality of life. After all,
no one got rich from playing it safe, you need to take risks.
Me:Being an entrepreneur is all about taking risks, what is the
biggest risk that you think you have taken since being an entrepreneur, and
have you experienced any regrets and successes?
Vivian:I would say, it's taking 100% responsibility of the outcome
good or bad. You don't just have yourself, you have employees that your
performance affects directly.
Me:Who do you go to for
support to reassure if you are making the right decisions for your business?
Also, do you have a role model that inspires you?
Vivian:Having gone into business through our marriage, we depend on
each other. We respect each others feedback. We also have a small group whom
we are mentored by. One is a retired controller for a large auto group in the
Bay Area. The other is a close friend who also owns a similar business. They
influence us and help us make educated decisions.
Photo above: Jose Garcia in commercial clip for Matador Motors
Me:When did you start your first business? Do you see yourself
expanding to own more in another business venture?
Vivian:Will be one year in July. Let me say, it went so fast! We see
ourselves expanding to different locations and into complimentary business
such as service repairs and consignment.
Me:What are you passionate about? Also, where do you see yourselves
in 5 years with your business and/or as an entrepreneur?
Vivian: In 5 years I hope to own 3 dealerships. Hopefully a franchise
dealership versus independently owned.
I'm
passionate about financial security and success for my family.
