New chief behind wheel at BMW store

BMW of Fort Myers in south Fort Myers has a new general manager, Darryl Shepherd, whose goal is to be the top rated customer service dealership in the United States.

That's a big challenge for Shepherd but he said he is prepared for it, especially because he has a new 52,000-square-foot building with customer amenities that rival most car dealerships.

"My general manager experience has been with high-volume imports and luxury domestics," Shepherd said. "I'm going to keep a positive 'can do' mentality and acknowledging that our customers are our only assets!"

Customers are so important to BMW that in the design of the new building, which opened in late March, amenities were added, including the Bear Rock Cafe, automatic car wash, business center, three TV lounges and free chair massages.

"Our customers are thrilled to share it with us. We have regular customers, especially the ones where each member in the family drive a BMW," said Lily Holley, the administrative assistant at BMW. "Some have stopped by just to have lunch at our on-site cafe."

Business at the BMW dealership has been steady because the building draws so much attention.

"We've seen an increase in our floor traffic ... some challenges we've faced since opening is meeting the customers demands," said Holley, adding that the sales staff has been expanded.

Expansion has always been in the plans for the dealership, which first opened in Fort Myers in the early 1970s, according to shop foreman Steve Faur.

"We wanted to accommodate a long-term growing market," said Chris Tuttle, the new and pre-owned sales director. "In 2004, plans started up for a new store so it would allow us to expand and prosper."

The prosperity of the dealership is what Shepherd hopes continues during his rein.

"I was asked to come to BMW of Fort Myers by Sonic Automotive to continue and increase the store's standard for success," Shepherd said.