When starting a blog, I find it best to overthink the process for several months, paralyze yourself out of action, and then go for it with no warning to post a day-late Thanksgiving blog. Maybe you can relate?

After posting on our various social media channels how thankful we are to have the team that we do, I felt that I had more to say. Together, 2020 and 2021 have been… I am coming up short for a word that fits. This time, I know you can relate.

As a family in 2020, we were busy moving forward with plans to open Quick Lane, our Tire & Auto Center on College Ave in Levelland. Since myself, my husband, and my brother joined the family business, we’d been prayerfully considering ways to expand. As we were wading deeper into the planning for Quick Lane, up came the opportunity to become the Ford dealer in Plainview, Texas. It was totally unexpected for us, but an answered prayer and something we couldn’t pass up. So on top of the standard 2020 mayhem, we were now in the process of planning for not one, but two new businesses.

As for 2021, it has been the year of action. The planning that took place in 2020 all culminated into a time to make it happen and we were thrust into opening two businesses at once. This leads me to my first “thank you” which is a very personal one. Without my parents (Annette & Pat Sykora), this growth would have been impossible and I mean that very literally. They have so graciously led us into an expansion and taught me, my husband (Tell), and brother (Holden), how to begin filling their shoes… which are enormous, by the way.

Next, our team. If I spent enough time thanking each one of them for what they’ve done this year, I would never sit down. I’ve always known we have amazing people who work for us, not only because I get the honor of working with them, but also because many of our customers tell me regularly.

Without the knowledge and loyalty of our many tenured employees, none of this growth could have been considered. When we talk about our vision “families helping families” and our non-negotiable values, these people are the inspiration and embodiment of those values. They are dedicated and and team-minded, very much living out the concept of “a rising tide lifts all ships.” When part of us does well, we are all elevated, on both a professional and personal basis. From the front lines of sales and service, to every single person who works diligently behind the scenes, thank you all for sticking by us, being adaptable, and for tackling challenges with awesome attitudes.

This year is unique because we have had an unprecedented influx of new employees due to the opening of Quick Lane and Smith Auto Family Plainview. To the newest members of our team, thank you for taking a chance on us. When recruiting and hiring, we do not take lightly the “fit” of new employees. Obviously you were hired to fill an important role, but “families helping families” also means that the role you join will help you grow and succeed in your personal life. Each of you joined us knowing our values and have come right in to uphold those as if you were here all along. Your efforts are very noticed and appreciated. We look forward to the road ahead with you all!

A quote from Danny Meyer says “the best way to make sure your customers are happy is to make sure your employees are having a great experience when they come to work.” While this is a concept I’m not positive I’ll ever master, I can already see how true it rings. Personally, this year has brought some intense learning experiences in leadership. As I mentioned above my admiration for my parents, I really am in awe of the way they treat employees and can see why we are blessed with such great long-time team members. Because of this, we have also been blessed with truly wonderful customers. I am not under the impression that every customer shops with us because of who owns our business– I know that many of you choose us time and time again because of the faces you see and the employees who take such great care of you.

My role is one that works a little more behind the scenes. Although many of you may never see me at all when you come in, please trust that I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart. I know I speak for my family when I say that your trust, whether it is a vehicle purchase, maintenance, or repair– is not something we take for granted. We know you have many options for all of these services and we are grateful any time you choose us.

Finally, I want to thank the communities of Slaton, Levelland, and Plainview. The old adage “location, location, location” comes to mind, because it is the warm embrace of our communities which allow us to thrive. While each community of which we are a part is very unique, one common thread seems to remain, and that is each town has brought such wonderful people into our lives. We are thankful for each Chamber of Commerce, city officials, local schools, and endless array of people who extend their kindness and support. We hope to do the same for many years to come.

If you made it this far, thank YOU! I hope to use this blog as a means of sharing our heart behind Smith Auto Family and perhaps even some “industry insider” type information. Can’t promise it will be often, but it will be fun. :)

Happy holiday season to you and yours, with love from me and mine,

Nicole

Let’s Start with “Thank You.”

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