Tuesday, August 13, 2013
DOC the Yellow Lab runs Cathy's Car Corner
Monday, August 12, 2013
Women and F-150 Trucks- Girl Power
Cathy's Car Corner - Women and Trucks
Three Women’s Journey with the Ford F-150
By Cathy Droz
I’ve often said, I love the automotive business! When I say this, I get some strange looks from dinner guests or female friends at birthday parties; but it’s true. The predominantly male industry is finding out what women have known all along, we can do anything from engineering today’s vehicles to selling them, paying for them and driving them wherever we want.
When I found out that a woman from Gilbert, Arizona, sold more Ford vehicles than anyone in the region, I wanted to know why, who, and what the ? It seemed amazing that a female salesperson sold 177 Ford vehicles and 70% were trucks. The woman I’m talking about is Laurie McClellan, a sales associate at Earnhardt Ford and the top Ford salesperson of the year in the Phoenix region. Laurie made it clear to me that her title on her business card reads “Facilitator of Vehicle Purchases,” not sales associate. She feels very strongly that she doesn’t sell cars; she facilitates a customer’s auto buying choice.
The ladies of Ford F-150 have quite a bit in common, besides the F-150. There was a statement made by all of them…” getting out of my comfort zone.” DiMarco said it when it came to going for the more technical and challenging job in automotive; McClellan did when she described to me about dropping out of school in the 10th grade to pursue various sales positions where she worked very hard and always came out on top. She admits that at 16, everything was out of her comfort zone, but she needed to make a living. And Nan, our bounty hunter, worked in law enforcement all her life with a degree in criminal justice… yet she too took a leap of faith when she decided to start her own agency at 47, complete with handcuffs and Tasers.
Laurie says she loves her job and makes a good living selling Fords. I wondered how her approach is different from her male counterparts. She said that she is a good listener, she is detail oriented, cares deeply about each customer and knows more about Ford products than anyone else on the floor. Most of her customers are repeat customers, and so many are men. They tell her she is a breath of fresh air and even if they’ve never bought from a woman before, they were so pleased with their experience, they keep coming back. Her customer service Index is off the charts and she wastes no time chit chatting, she is always learning more about the products and assisting customers.
Nan had a lot to say about her F-150 fitting her needs. First of all, it’s her office on wheels, it fits in her garage and the hands-free zone of the truck is exactly what she needs when transporting her clients. They are handcuffed and sitting pretty in the back seat of her truck. The cargo area is plenty big enough for transporting the goods and the towing capacity means she can tow more collateral. Nan had one complaint and that is… she wanted the truck in yellow in order to attract more attention to her “business.” She purchased a red truck and has yellow magnetic signs with her business information displayed. She feels her truck is an extension of her office and her personality with room under the rear seat bench for handcuffs, paperwork and other useful equipment she may need besides her smile.
*Compiled from statistics from the Harvard Business Journal, Forbes, Ford Motor Company and Nielsen Ratings
For more about the Ford trucks go to www.ford.com
Shamu Love the Chevy Suburban... just ask !!!
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| Jayden Droz - Can't wait to get soaked !!!!! |
By: Cathy DrozWe are so fortunate here in Arizona, that if we want to get out of the heat, we hop in our car and in five hours we’re in San Diego experiencing cool breezes, crashing waves, great seafood and seeing Shamu the Whale for a spritz of sea water. You can fly over in an hour, but when Chevy provides a Suburban for your trip, the 350 miles is one of pure luxury and comfort.
The 2013 Chevy Suburban LTZ is a lot of vehicle for just the two of us, but when our middle child and her family wanted to go to San Diego with us, we knew we needed a larger people hauler than our Highlander. Picture this; four adults, one pregnant ( not me of course), three children in safety car seats, double stroller, six suitcases, beach umbrella, cooler, three briefcases with laptops, camera equipment and random hats thrown all over the luggage. You better have room, and we had plenty of that.
To say the Chevy Suburban LTZ is a large vehicle is an understatement, but it drives like you’re in a sedan, especially when it comes to maneuvering, parking and other amenities. It fits nine comfortably (that’s no lie) and has a towing capacity of 9,600 pounds. (Shamu weighs 1,984 pounds). This one- ton Chevy Suburban 1500 was equipped with a FlexFuel 5.3 liter V8 engine and produced 320 horsepower with 335 foot pounds of torque. I wasn’t expecting great fuel economy based on the weight of the vehicle, the weight inside, not to mention the air conditioning blasting and numerous hilly roads, but we experienced 14 city and 20 highway miles to the gallon, which wasn’t too bad.
The interior of the Suburban LTZ had leather upholstered seats including front bucket seats which I loved and had a four way power lumbar support with two position memory (more than I have). The steering wheel is heated (like we need that) and the pedals are power adjustable (need that at 5’2). It also had your choice of three levels of heating or cooling.
There were five 12-volt power outlets; two on the dash, one inside the center console next to the USB input jack, one at the back of the console and one in the cargo area. There were A/V input jacks at the back of the center console along with two headphone jacks. All of this was greatly needed as three of the adults were supposedly working on the way over (slipped over on a Friday), so the use of phones, e-mail, ipads, headsets and chargers made the Suburban at one point an oBy: Cathy Droz
We are so fortunate here in Arizona, that if we want to get out of the heat, we hop in our car and in five hours we’re in San Diego experiencing cool breezes, crashing waves, great seafood and seeing Shamu the Whale for a spritz of sea water. You can fly over in an hour, but when Chevy provides a Suburban for your trip, the 350 miles is one of pure luxury and comfort.
The 2013 Chevy Suburban LTZ is a lot of vehicle for just the two of us, but when our middle child and her family wanted to go to San Diego with us, we knew we needed a larger people hauler than our Highlander. Picture this; four adults, one pregnant ( not me of course), three children in safety car seats, double stroller, six suitcases, beach umbrella, cooler, three briefcases with laptops, camera equipment and random hats thrown all over the luggage. You better have room, and we had plenty of that.To say the Chevy Suburban LTZ is a large vehicle is an understatement, but it drives like you’re in a sedan, especially when it comes to maneuvering, parking and other amenities. It fits nine comfortably (that’s no lie) and has a towing capacity of 9,600 pounds. (Shamu weighs 1,984 pounds). This one- ton Chevy Suburban 1500 was equipped with a FlexFuel 5.3 liter V8 engine and produced 320 horsepower with 335 foot pounds of torque. I wasn’t expecting great fuel economy based on the weight of the vehicle, the weight inside, not to mention the air conditioning blasting and numerous hilly roads, but we experienced 14 city and 20 highway miles to the gallon, which wasn’t too bad.
The interior of the Suburban LTZ had leather upholstered seats including front bucket seats which I loved and had a four way power lumbar support with two position memory (more than I have). The steering wheel is heated (like we need that) and the pedals are power adjustable (need that at 5’2). It also had your choice of three levels of heating or cooling.There were five 12-volt power outlets; two on the dash, one inside the center console next to the USB input jack, one at the back of the console and one in the cargo area. There were A/V input jacks at the back of the center console along with two headphone jacks. All of this was greatly needed as three of the adults were supposedly working on the way over (slipped over on a Friday), so the use of phones, e-mail, ipads, headsets and chargers made the Suburban at one point an office and school on wheels, rather than just the Swiss Family Robinsons on their way to see Shamu.
There is a Bose Counterpoint Surround Sound audio system which includes navigation, IPod support and Sirus XM satellite radio. It has hands free Bluetooth which is standard and needed for safety. We had the Sun and Entertainment option package which included a rear seat entertainment system, two flip down LCD screens and a power sunroof. The LTZ had the second row of bucket seats (again unnecessarily heated) and more leg and headroom than my 5’4” daughter, 6’2” son-in-law and the munchkins needed. The movie Flipper kept the children quiet for almost two hours. Of course Flipper is not Shamu but we wanted to give the little ones a smaller mammal so they would not be scared. The good part was the adults couldn’t hear the movie and could either talk, work, sleep or yell over each other.I noticed that not once did someone say are we there yet? I think the Suburban LTZ was so comfortable, complete with TV, ipads and car games, that they practically moved in. What I did hear from 8-year old Jayden was “can I sit up front at the Shamu show? “ The answer from her parents was always the same, “no dear, you’ll get soaked.” The sigh of disappointment over shadowed the third verse of row, row your boat by Sofia and Gabby. However, on the day of our illustrious visit to SeaWorld to see Shamu, grandma and grandpa escorted her to the front row for the splash of a lifetime. This Suburban loaded is over $60,000; family of 7 to get splashed by Shamu, priceless.ffice and school on wheels, rather than just the Swiss Family Robinsons on their way to see Shamu.There is a Bose Counterpoint Surround Sound audio system which includes navigation, IPod support and Sirus XM satellite radio. It has hands free Bluetooth which is standard and needed for safety. We had the Sun and Entertainment option package which included a rear seat entertainment system, two flip down LCD screens and a power sunroof. The LTZ had the second row of bucket seats (again unnecessarily heated) and more leg and headroom than my 5’4” daughter, 6’2” son-in-law and the munchkins needed. The movie Flipper kept the children quiet for almost two hours. Of course Flipper is not Shamu but we wanted to give the little ones a smaller mammal so they would not be scared. The good part was the adults couldn’t hear the movie and could either talk, work, sleep or yell over each other.
I noticed that not once did someone say are we there yet? I think the Suburban LTZ was so comfortable, complete with TV, ipads and car games, that they practically moved in. What I did hear from 8-year old Jayden was “can I sit up front at the Shamu show? “ The answer from her parents was always the same, “no dear, you’ll get soaked.” The sigh of disappointment over shadowed the third verse of row, row your boat by Sofia and Gabby. However, on the day of our illustrious visit to SeaWorld to see Shamu, grandma and grandpa escorted her to the front row for the splash of a lifetime. This Suburban loaded is over $60,000; family of 7 to get splashed by Shamu, priceless.
Sunday, August 11, 2013
The Greatest Show on Earth with your Grandchildren
By: Cathy Droz and Cathy Burford
That famous line, spoken so succinctly by the Ringmaster, triggered goose bumps and brought a smile to my face. The warm memory of special outings with my family 55 years ago to the circus is something I will never forget, so why not pass that feeling on to the grandchildren? What they may not realize now, is that a visit to a circus can be a lifelong, positive memory for them.
Now it doesn’t need to be Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey Circus you bring your grandchildren to, whatever size show your city or town can handle will do. Whether the production is large or small, what’s important is your grandchildren’s first memories of tigers looking like big house cats, clowns juggling, and aerial acts appearing from the skies above. Where else can you share with your kids, up close and personal, the lasting sensory association and visuals of a circus?
The circus has changed since I last brought a child, and that was evidenced this summer at the US Airways Center in Phoenix. My surprise included lots of singing and dancing, extravagant costumes, wire acts, tumbling, magic, and a meet and greet with the circus performers themselves.
Children and adults alike were captivated by the non-stop action in the center ring and everything going on around it. Any seat is a good one at the circus, but if you want to go all out, and your budget allows it, you can purchase some specially designed packages.
Come early for a Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey extravaganza on the all-access pre show. You can meet the performers, observe the animals, try on costumes, and enter to win a painting by one of the elephants. All ages will enjoy this show called “Built to Amaze”, as it lives up to its billing. Although the two grandchildren we brought were only 2 and 3 1/2, they were mesmerized from the pre-show to the end; both cheering, clapping, laughing and dancing to the band.
So ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages.. .welcome to the greatest show on Earth: Being a Grandparent!
Before you Go:
“Ladies and Gentlemen… Children of all Ages… Welcome to the Greatest Show on Earth…”
That famous line, spoken so succinctly by the Ringmaster, triggered goose bumps and brought a smile to my face. The warm memory of special outings with my family 55 years ago to the circus is something I will never forget, so why not pass that feeling on to the grandchildren? What they may not realize now, is that a visit to a circus can be a lifelong, positive memory for them.
Now it doesn’t need to be Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey Circus you bring your grandchildren to, whatever size show your city or town can handle will do. Whether the production is large or small, what’s important is your grandchildren’s first memories of tigers looking like big house cats, clowns juggling, and aerial acts appearing from the skies above. Where else can you share with your kids, up close and personal, the lasting sensory association and visuals of a circus?The circus has changed since I last brought a child, and that was evidenced this summer at the US Airways Center in Phoenix. My surprise included lots of singing and dancing, extravagant costumes, wire acts, tumbling, magic, and a meet and greet with the circus performers themselves.
Children and adults alike were captivated by the non-stop action in the center ring and everything going on around it. Any seat is a good one at the circus, but if you want to go all out, and your budget allows it, you can purchase some specially designed packages.
Come early for a Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey extravaganza on the all-access pre show. You can meet the performers, observe the animals, try on costumes, and enter to win a painting by one of the elephants. All ages will enjoy this show called “Built to Amaze”, as it lives up to its billing. Although the two grandchildren we brought were only 2 and 3 1/2, they were mesmerized from the pre-show to the end; both cheering, clapping, laughing and dancing to the band.So ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages.. .welcome to the greatest show on Earth: Being a Grandparent!
Before you Go:
- Check out www.ringling.com
- Share the book: “If I ran the Circus” by Dr. Seuss
- Tickets: Range from $10.00 each to $95.00 per person, Kids 23 months and younger free on Lap Souvenirs range from $10.00 to $75.00
- Food – Concessions–Vendors in the stands
- Come as early as you can to enjoy the pre- show activities as it is more fun than the circus for some age groups.
- Eat ahead of time unless you want to fully experience eating at the circus and the cost of doing so.
- Dress comfortably and bring a camera. There are so many photo opportunities down on the floor
- Baby’s First Circus – Expectant parents and parents with babies under 12 months of age, check it out.
- All access Pre-Show – Included in ticket; access to the show floor to meet all the performers, try on consumes etc.
- Animal Open House – included in ticket price; beginning 90 minutes prior to show. Meet the Asian elephants outside the arena ( check to see if available in your city)
- Circus Celebrity - Premium seating up front and a ride in a tram on circus floor for part of the show
- Grandparents on the go Favorite : Stars of the Steel Vortex
- Grandchildren’s Favorite: FREE clown nose and the tigers going Grrr…
LOOK MOM I SHAVED MY HEAD
What Would You Do If You Lost 100 Pounds?
By: Cathy Droz and Melanie Shawcroft - Boomer and X
As a former athlete, I spent hours every day working out my body. However, my dependent relationship with fast food and ability to lie on the couch for hours watching television definitely caught up with me once my days on the field dwindled. I have struggled with my weight for the past 15 years.
In my 15-year struggle with my weight, there was one constant I could always control – the only physical feature I felt was beautiful: my hair. In celebration of losing 100 pounds, I decided to do something I thought I would only talk about but never actually follow through with. I shaved my head. It may sound foolish to some, but to me, it means finally gaining control of my health and no longer needing the hair. There is much more that I see as beautiful about myself – my dedication, hard work and will to fight for my life for myself, my husband, my son and my family and friends. That is so much greater than hair.Camp Grandma Goes to "Butterfly Wonderland"
CAMP GRANDMA AND Monarchs
Far more than just a facility where butterflies rule, you will find several other live exhibits to fascinate your grandchildren and yourselves.
By Cathy Droz and Cathy Burford
August 2013
Far more than just a facility where butterflies rule, you will find several other live exhibits to fascinate your grandchildren and yourselves.
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