Faces of GM

Ivette: A dealer committed to community involvement

January/20/2010 at 10:29 am

Ivette and her daughter, Kristiana, handle calls during the Children's Miracle Network radio-thon.

Ivette Dominguez, Owner and President, Alpine Buick Pontiac GMC in Denver
Favorite vehicle to drive: I have a daughter in second grade, so I often have mom duties, driving her to dance recitals and play dates. I like a vehicle with a little more room.  I typically drive something along the lines of a crossover or full-size sports utility vehicle – Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia or GMC Yukon Denali.
Best-selling vehicle at the dealership: Our customers love the GMC Sierra and the crossovers in both the Buick and GMC lines have been great sellers too. We think the new GMC Terrain will also be a high-volume vehicle for us.
Passions outside of work: One of my great passions is volunteering in the community. I’m involved with a number of non-profits that support women and families in Denver.  For example, each year our staff and colleagues volunteer at the call center for the Children’s Miracle Network radio-thon, which benefits Children’s Hospital. I think it’s our responsibility to be involved in the community and give back. I’ve tried to teach that to my daughter at an early age.

I was born and raised in California after my parents left Cuba to start a new life for our family in the United States. Because of their sacrifice, I always strive to make a better life for my family and community. They also taught me that I could do anything that I set out to do.

The auto business started out as a summer job for me. I was getting my car serviced and saw a posting at the dealership for a summer sales job. When I told my dad I was going into car sales, he didn’t see it as the best career path for me, but it has turned out to be a very rewarding career, so I convinced him otherwise!

I bought Alpine Buick Pontiac GMC in Denver in 2005. This past year has been challenging for the auto industry, but I am hopeful for the year ahead. We’re retooling our advertising plan, inventory and personnel for higher sales in 2010.

Our customers love the new vehicles for the Buick and GMC brands. The Enclave has attracted a younger customer to the Buick brand and I sell the new LaCrosse as fast as I get them into our inventory.

In November of 2009, I was named to the company’s Minority Dealer’s Advisory Council representing Hispanic GM dealers. I hope to provide a strong voice for a growing minority population within GM. I’d like to help create an inclusive environment that attracts new customers to the GM brands.

We’ve already had success serving minority customers at Alpine. In some years, as much as 50 percent of our sales have been to the Hispanic community. The general marketplace has become so diverse, that dealers and GM as a corporation need to continue their efforts to build and sell products that reach a wide, diverse audience.