Checkered Blog by Checkered Flag is the automotive play place in Hampton Roads Virginia

Meet Checkered Flag Toyota's Josh Hamilton

CB: Josh, thanks for spending a few minutes talking with us today. So, as the general sales manager, what exactly do you do here at Checkered Flag Toyota?
Josh: Anything and everything possible. I help sell cars and manage employees. Also if any problems arise, I help take care of them.

CB: How long have you worked here?
Josh: Hmm...about 8 years now. Before this, I was in the construction business. That was definitely a lot dirtier, and I don't miss it any (laughs). It's great working here. 

CB: Which Hampton Roads city or county do you live in?
Josh: Virginia Beach. I've lived here all my life. It's a great location where I can be close to family. I like that the seasons change and that there's always something to do here.

CB: What are your hobbies?
Josh: Car sales (laughs). Other than that...well, my twin boys, Cole and Cristian. They're six months now and it's just awesome.

CB: Where's your favorite place to eat out?
Josh: Ruth's Chris Steak House. I like their steak.

CB: What's in your MP3 player or CD player right now?
Josh: New age rock, like alternative music. 311 is a favorite.

CB: What's the last movie you've seen?
Josh: Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay (laughs). It was funny.

CB: What's the one invention you couldn't live without?
Josh: Hmm...probably the TV. I don't have a favorite show or anything, I just like watching a lot of movies.

CB: What’s the one thing that people would be surprised to know?
Josh: Hmm...let's see. I built my own home from the ground up when I was 21. Well, I did it with my Pops. It took forever, almost a year! I got a little nit picky about things, but it turned out exactly how I wanted it.

CB: What's the best thing about working for Checkered Flag?
Josh: Well, I wake up everyday and enjoy going to work. That's a very big deal. And it feels good to work for a reputable dealer. Also, it's great to work with the customers.

Kudos to CF's Walk Around Contest Participants!

Every year, one outstanding sales representative from each dealership competes in the Checkered Flag Walk Around Contest. Each representative was given just 15 minutes to show a vehicle of their choice  to "Bob and Betty," a fictitious couple looking to trade in their current vehicle. The challenge is to cover a ton of information (including items such as window sticker, warranties, and Checkered Flag Winner's Edge) during the allotted time.

We here at the Checkered Blog would like to send out a big CONGRATULATIONS to all of the Walk Around Contest participants, especially to this year's grand prize winner, Phyllis Hunter of Checkered Flag Jaguar! Phyllis showed "Bob and Betty" Jaguar's newest sporting luxury sedan, the XF (it's an Unsung Hero of Fuel Efficiency, too.) Contest judges awarded her with an all inclusive trip for two to a 5-star hotel in Cancun, Mexico. She says competing was a lot of fun, and she's very excited to go on the trip with her husband. Bon voyage, Phyllis!   

Meet CF Volkswagen Customer Andrea Asban!

Andrea is the proud owner of a silver 2006 VW Golf. This Virginia Beach resident is a nursing student at Norfolk State University. She also works at Sentara Leigh as a nursing care partner. Thanks for talking with us, Andrea!

CB: What do you like about your VW Golf?
Andrea: It's small. And the drive is really smooth.

CB: What are your hobbies?
Andrea: Eating! I like going to different restaurants. Uhm...what else do I like? Laughing (haha), watching TV, going to the movies, and singing. During the summer time, I go to the beach or a pool whenever I get the chance.

CB: What's your favorite restaurant?
Andrea: Zoe's Steak and Seafood at the Beach. Their steaks are so good! The atmosphere is really nice also. They're also flexible, you can just go there casually or you can dress up.

CB: What's in your MP3 player or CD player right now?
Andrea: Hmm, mostly 80's and 90's music. It's hard to choose a favorite song or artist because there are so many talented performers these days. But, I do like Ne-yo a lot! He sings, dances, and is a pretty attractive guy!

CB: What's the last movie you've seen?
Andrea: Pineapple Express. I was laughing the whole time. I think I was probably the only person in the theater laughing like that (laughs).

CB: Do you have any pets?
Andrea: Nope. If I ever get a pet, it would probably be a dog. A very small one!

CB: What's the one thing that people would be surprised to know about you?
Andrea: I have 8 people in my family. There's me, my dad, my mom, my three sisters, and then my two brothers. One of my sisters is five years older than me. My other two sisters are 11 and 10. My brothers are 7 and 5, but their birthdays are coming up in November. And I just turned 21!

CB: What's the one invention you could not live without?
Andrea: Oh man, a grill for steaks (laughs). I really love steaks. 

CB: What's the best thing about being a Checkered Flag customer?
Andrea: The people are really friendly here. Also, I like that they help to figure out what my car needs. Last time I came in for an oil change, they gave me a packet that outlined everything I should know about what my car needs. It really helped me, made everything easy to understand.

Congratulations to Dickie on his new Porsche GT2

Not too often does a Porsche GT2 grace your presence.  It is one of those German rarities that makes any sighting a real treat.  It is easier to find Waldo than one of these.....dare I say.....monsters! 

It is a 6 cylinder Turbo with 530 horsepower & 505 lb.-ft of torque, all from 2,200 - 4,500 RPM.  Keep in mind that the regular 911 Turbo has 480 hp.  According to Porsche, the GT2 gets from 0 to 60 in 3.6 seconds and is capable of speeds up to 204 MPH, while only weighing 3,175 lbs.  In order to slow this beast, it needs Porsche's 6-piston ceramic brakes (an $8,000 option on other Porsche's).  When looking at a car like this, gas mileage is not usually mentioned, but the GT2 gets up to 16 MPG in the city and up to 23 MPG on the highway.....knowing Dickie we doubt he will be one to see that particular statistic. 

Click on any of the photos below to see a larger version.

Accented in alacantara and carbon fiber, the GT2 houses one race-luxurious interior!

The lucky new owner (staring directly into the sun for this photo).  Was it worth the wait Dickie?

The photographer said he'd be happy to exchange a proper photoshoot for a test drive.

Everyone at Checkered Flag Porsche wishes to express a big CONGRATULATIONS to Dickie.  He waited years for this car, and we're all excited to see him finally driving a GT2 in his color!

Meet Checkered Flag Jaguar's Janice Thrasher!

CB: Janice, thanks for sharing a few minutes to speak with us. What do you do here at Checkered Flag Jaguar?
Janice: I'm a cashier/receptionist. I've worked here for 5 years now, and I absolutely love it.

CB: Which Hampton Roads city or county do you live in?
Janice: Virginia Beach. It's been about 24 years now. I like the beaches and it's just a great location. My three kids were raised here. By the way, I'm very proud of my daughter and two sons!

CB: What are your hobbies?
Janice: Hmm...let's see, bowling. (Laughs) I learned on the Wii. I also like reading, horseback riding, watching plays, and meeting people. Basically, I just love living life.

CB: What's your favorite restaurant?
Janice: (Smiles) I love food, so I don't know if I have a favorite. There's just so many. My favorite is seafood. Lynnhaven Fish House is good. And there's a new place that just opened near where I live, K & B Seafood. The food was so delicious and the service was impeccable.

CB: What type of music do you listen to?
Janice: All types. I really enjoy Rhianna. She's very talented. My favorite song of her's is Umbrella.

CB: What's the last movie you've seen?
Janice: The Batman one, Dark Knight. It was excellent. I'm a Christian Bale fan, great actor.

CB: Do you have any pets?
Janice: Yes, two poodles named Princess and Snoopy (laughs).

CB: What's the one invention you couldn't live without.
Janice: Air conditioning. I can't stand heat.

CB: What's the one thing that people would be surprised to know about you?
Janice: Uhm...I'm really a people person, so what do people not know about me? Well, I crochet, things like bed spreads. I learned how to back when I was in Catholic school. Oh, I'm an excellent cook too. People don't know that because I eat out a lot, but that's just because my kids are grown, so I don't always have to cook (laughs).

CB: What's the best thing about working for Checkered Flag?
Janice: Working in customer service. I get the opportunity to meet a lot of unique people working here. My co-workers are wonderful too, and I love our interactions with one another. It's just a really great place to work.

Meet Checkered Flag Porsche/Audi's Bill Thomas!

CB: How long have you worked at Checkered Flag?
Bill: Hmm...let's see. Well, I worked here three years prior, but I left to run a family business called Dream Dinners. My wife handles that now, so I returned to work here.

CB: Which Hampton Roads city or county do you live in?
Bill: Virginia Beach. I've lived there since I was ten.

CB: Besides Porsche and Audi what are your other hobbies?
Bill: Music. I play the guitar and drums. All kinds of music, anything from alternative or rock. Stuff from Coldplay and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Hmm...what else?  Volleyball, soccer, video games, golf, and working.

CB: What's your favorite restaurant?
Bill: Well, I don't know if I'd say it's my favorite place to eat, but definitely a great place to hang out and play music. The Green Oak. The owner always asks us if we want to play music. It's just a cool place to hang out.

CB: What's in your MP3 player or CD player right now?
Bill: About a 1,000 songs (laughs). Lordie, I listen to everything. Picking out a favorite song is hard. I listen to Stone Sour and Coldplay a lot. Travis is a great band too.

CB: What's the last movie you've seen?
Bill: After tonight, hopefully it'll be Dark Knight. I've been trying to see it. IMAX has been sold out for every showing!

CB: Do you have any pets?
Bill: A Yorkie named Chewie because he looks like Chewbacca (laughs).

CB: What's the one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Bill: Ah, this one's hard. Well, I have a pilot's license. I got it when I was like 21 or 22, and I fly every once and awhile. Small planes like Cessnas.

CB: What's the one invention you couldn't live without?
Bill: Electricity! I need it for my guitar amps to play loud. Oh, and definitely air-conditioning.

CB: What's the best thing about working at Checkered Flag?
Bill: Dealing with the best customers and being able to drive the best cars in the world. You take pride in that. We have the best customers, people, and cars. It's just great. 

Meet Checkered Flag MINI Customer Alice Schooler!

Alice is a Virginia Beach resident who LOVES her British Racing Green 2006 MINI Cooper. She works as a civilian employee at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek and has lived in the area for almost 20 years. Thanks for talking with us Alice!

CB: What's the best thing about being a MINI driver?
Alice: I love MINI! I like smaller cars, so it's perfect for me and it handles well.

CB: What are your hobbies?
Alice: Hmm my hobbies...knitting. And I like reading, romance novels.

CB: Where's your favorite place to eat?
Alice: I like the Cheesecake Factory and Olive Garden. The food is good and they give you a good quantity of it. (Laughs) You know they don't just give you a small scoop. It's good portions.

CB: What do you have in your MP3 player or CD player right now?
Alice: I listen to a variety of things. Mostly anything. I really like Madonna.

CB: What's the last movie you've seen?
Alice: Now, that's a question I can't answer. I don't go to the movies. And I couldn't tell you what the last one I saw on T.V. is (laughs). I don't remember.

CB: Do you have any pets?
Alice: Yes, a cat named Rusty.

CB: What's the one thing about you that people would be surprised to know?
Alice: Hmm...I was in the Navy. Not too many people know that I was in the military.

CB: What's the one invention you couldn't live without?
Alice: Oh geez, at my age I don't think I would give up anything (laughs). Probably Cable T.V. or a computer. I just want to keep going forward because technology just makes life easier.

CB: What's the best thing about being a Checkered Flag customer?
Alice: I never have a problem here. The customer service is always great, and the atmosphere is very comfy.

 

Meet Checkered Flag MINI's Nikki Kern

CB: What exactly do you do here as the AdMINIstrative Assistant?
Nikki: I wear many hats here. I am the administrative assistant for the managers. And I also oversee reception.

CB: And how long have you been working here?
Nikki: In November it'll be 3 years. Before here I worked at a bank. I definitely like it here much more.

CB: Which Hampton Roads city do you live in?
Nikki: I live in Norfolk. I've lived in this area for probably 20 years. I was born here but then we moved to New Orleans. We're a military family, so we moved around.

CB:  What are your hobbies?
Nikki: Many things. I like visiting my best friend in New York City. We have girls' nights. I lay on the beach in my backyard, and all the normal housewife things.

CB: How often do you go to NYC?
Nikki: Uhm, probably twice a year. We go to see the ball drop on New Year's, and then we usually go in the summer time too.

CB: Where's your favorite place to eat?
Nikki: Chili's. I love their margaritas and the chips and queso dip. Ruth's Chris is always good too. 

CB: What do you have in you MP3 player or CD player right now?
Nikki: The new Usher. I love him. I can't pick a favorite from his CD. I really like Rhianna too. Take a Bow is probably my favorite song off of her CD.

CB: What's the most recent movie you've seen?
Nikki: Sex and the City. I absolutely loved it! I watched it with my mom and we had a good time.

CB: What pets do you have?
Nikki: I have a cat named Ali. She's a Maine Coon and has beautiful markings.

CB: What's the one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Nikki: I graduated high school early. Did it in three years. During my senior year I took all A.P. classes so I entered college as a sophomore. I went to Lake Taylor, ODU, and TCC too.

CB: What's the one invention you couldn't live without?
Nikki: Probably the cell phone. I don't want to go back to using quarters for the payphones (laughs).

CB: What's the best thing about working for Checkered Flag?
Nikki: The interaction I get with the people I work with. We're like a family here. Interacting with customers is always really good too. A customer came in with cookies just to say thank you. So that was really sweet, and we're glad that we could help them.

Meet smart center Virginia Beach's Brand Specialist Drew Spade

CB: How long have you worked here?

Drew: I started here at smart last month. I worked at Checkered Flag Hyundai and Volkswagen before that. And before that I was in the Navy.

CB: Which Hampton Roads city or county do you live in?

Drew: Virginia Beach.

CB: How long have you lived in Hampton Roads?

Drew: Since 2002. Before Virginia Beach I lived in Portsmouth. Like I said, I was in the Navy for about 8 years, so where I lived depended on where I was stationed. My last two stations were in this area, so it was Portsmouth and then Virginia Beach.

CB: What are your hobbies?

Drew: Fishing and cars. Oh and I have a 2 month old baby. I am also an aquarist, not an Aquarius [laughs], but, you know, someone with a large aquarium. I also read a lot.

CB: What kinds of books do you like?

Drew: Anything really. Well, anything but romance. Not too much into Fabio, haha.

CB: What is your favorite restaurant?

Drew: Smackwater Jacks. The service is great there. You do not have to worry about anything. The lunch prices are really good, too. I usually have the steak.

CB: What is in your MP3 player (or CD player) right now?

Drew: Hmm, my MP3 player...there is everything. I like everything from classic to rock...It just has to have a good beat.

CB: What movie have you seen most recently?

Drew: Like at the actual movie theater? I do not really go there. I watch movies on Pay-Per-View though, and the last one I saw was No Country for Old Men. But I would go to the movies to see Indiana Jones and the new Hulk coming out. And probably Iron Man. I am big into comics.

CB: What pets do you have?

Drew: 13 fish, an African Spur Thigh Turtle, a leopard gecko, and a snapping turtle.

CB: What is one thing about you that people would be surprised to know?

Drew: I write music. And I play the guitar.

CB: What is one invention you could not live without?

Drew: The stove! I love cooking.

CB: What is the best thing about working for Checkered Flag?

Drew: The people. Company stability... And also the versatility. I got certified at Hyundai and Volkswagen, and now I am at smart. But really the people are the main thing that keeps this company going. There is such an emphasis on customer service.

Meet CF Toyota Customer Rex Pimentel

Where do you live? In Virginia Beach.

What kind of vehicle do you drive? I have a 2004 Toyota 4Runner.  It's gold.

What do you like about it?  When I drive it, I feel secure.  I drove a Camry before and traded it in for the 4Runner when it reached 20,000 miles.  We got that Camry at Checkered Flag, too, and another Camry, also.

What do you do? I work for M & G Electronics.  I am an assembler.

How long have you lived in Virginia Beach?  Since 2000.  I moved here from the Philippines when I married my husband.  I grew up in the Philippines.  You know, even in the Philippines, I loved Toyotas, and I worked in Japan for a while and I drove one there.  Toyotas are easy to drive, parts are easily available ... I feel comfortable with them.

Do you have children? Yes, a daughter who lives here and two sons, who live in the Philippines. They are all grown.

Do you have pets? Yes, two cockatiels, named Bruno and Bubba, and two parakeets, named Michiko and Giant.

What is your favorite restaurant?  I love Japanese food and so I like local Japanese restaurants.  And I would like to go to Ruth's Chris; I haven't been there yet.

What are your hobbies?  Bible study.  And I love to travel.

What do you like about Checkered Flag? It's priced reasonably and I know in my heart that I can trust them.