The culture of opportunity at Trophy Nissan is reflected in the career of its managing partner, Jennifer.
Jennifer joined Trophy Nissan in November 1996 at 18 years old. She was working at Glamour Shots in Valley View Mall when her parents encouraged her to consider selling cars.
She interviewed with Ken Riley and Steve Wheat at Trophy Nissan's truck center. As a young woman with no automotive sales experience, Jennifer was not the candidate they expected to succeed. That doubt became her motivation. She set out to prove-to herself and those around her-that a woman could build a successful career in the automotive industry.
Jennifer was fortunate to have a sales manager who recognized her potential and was willing to teach her. Her coworkers and customers also helped her learn the vehicles and develop her skills. Above all, her determination and competitive spirit drove her forward.
In March 1997, Jennifer became Trophy Nissan's number-one salesperson. The following month, she sold only three vehicles and began questioning whether automotive sales was the right career for her.
When Bill Adkins took over Trophy Nissan in July 1997, Jennifer knew she had something to prove. She responded by selling 42 vehicles that month and once again became the dealership's top salesperson.
Bill later recalled being unsure what to do with such a young salesperson. He contacted Larry Van Tuyl for guidance, and Larry's response was straightforward: if she was selling cars, they would figure it out. That decision helped launch a remarkable career.
Learning Where She Belonged
In December 1997, Jennifer interviewed for a position at another dealership. When Bill discovered she was considering leaving, he fired her for three days and moved her desk onto the dealership's front porch. His memorable lesson was that the grass is not always greener on the other side.
Jennifer interviewed with other high-volume dealerships, but their managers did not believe someone her age could have sold 42 vehicles in a single month.
She called Bill, admitted he had been right, and told him she wanted to come home to Trophy Nissan. As Jennifer approaches her 30th anniversary with the dealership, she has never looked back.
Building a Career at Trophy Nissan
Jennifer's success on the sales floor led to a series of leadership opportunities:
- In 2001, she became an assistant sales manager.
- In 2003, she moved into the finance department.
- In 2010, she became finance director.
- In 2016, she became general sales manager.
- In 2019, she was named general manager.
- On July 1, 2020, she became Trophy Nissan's managing partner.
- Jennifer became the first female graduate of Berkshire Hathaway Automotive's Dealer Academy.
During her career, Jennifer has been the number-one salesperson at the number-one Nissan dealership in the nation. She also became a leading finance producer within the Van Tuyl Group and helped lead one of the organization's highest-performing finance departments.
Her career reflects a culture that has defined Trophy Nissan for decades. The dealership gave an inexperienced 18-year-old an opportunity, surrounded her with people willing to teach her, and challenged her to grow.
Today, Jennifer is responsible for creating those same opportunities for others. Her experience shaped her belief that determination and a willingness to learn can matter more than age, background, or previous experience.
As managing partner, she is focused on developing the next generation of leaders, strengthening the customer experience, and carrying Trophy Nissan's legacy forward.
