BALTIMORE (Map, News) - Robert Ignatowski looks forward to going to work every day.

What’s surprising is that Ignatowski — known as Iggy to his friends — works at a car dealership, which many equate with a cut-throat atmosphere. That stereotype couldn’t be further from the truth at Liberty Ford, Randallstown.

“I left a company where I’d worked for 10 to 11 years, because there’s a better atmosphere here,” he said, citing camaraderie. “It’s basically all teamwork.”

That’s likely music to the ears of Steve Knolle, sales manager at Liberty, even though it’s not an uncommon attitude there. Such enthusiasm among employees is what sets the dealership apart from its competitors.

And the enthusiasm is held for good reason, as the dealership offers customers many extras including its “Liberty for Life” program. Anyone who buys a new or used car can bring it back for a host of free services including oil changes, safety inspections and even car washes until the odometer reaches 80,000 miles.

Consider that Liberty is one of the biggest-volume Ford Focus dealers in the country and sells more than 200 used cars a month, and you have an idea of the commitment the dealership makes to its customers, Knolle said. Not surprisingly, the dealership seeks employees who put forth effort to satisfy customers.

“We want people who have good work ethics,” Knolle said. “Time management is key to doing well in this business.”

Knolle knows of what he speaks. He was recruited by the dealer, Ed Gellen, when they met at a wedding. At the time, Knolle was looking forward to graduating from Penn State and awaited acceptance at the state policy academy. Gellen persuaded him to leave Pennsylvania and his dreams of becoming a state trooper behind.

“He had put some crazy numbers in my head,” Knolle said of the earning potential in auto sales. “He was right. The first three months I was making money, and it was hard to stop. And I enjoyed the sales part of it.”

Nine years later, Knolle’s change in lifestyle — a wife and two children — has been accommodated by a move into management.

“As long as you put the time and effort into the business, you can do well,” he said. “Work the schedule, put in the time and effort, and you’ll set yourself apart.”

Liberty Ford

9311 Liberty Road, Randallstown

www.libertyfordofmd.com

410-504-2897

Comments from Examiner Readers

12:41 AM MST on Tue., May. 6, 2008 re: "Vintage Triumphs roll on"

Examiner Reader said:
It is refreshing to see that their are motorcyclist out there that are as passionate about their bikes as the Harley Davidson nation. And heck, I think it is great that they are passionate about their bikes too! I am a motorcyclist and I love to ride. I do ride a Honda VTX1300R. It is my second Honda and I also have owned a Kawasaki (KLR250). I have always loved the styling of the old Triumph's and from what I have seen of the new bikes, the Tiger, Bonneville, Speed Tiples and others they are really incredible looking and performing bikes. Much like Harley, from what I understand, they have worked out a lot of the old bugaboos that came with the bikes in the past. Again, I think it is great that everybody has their own personal prefernce but when it comes down to it I love to ride. I can't fathom the comments that I have heard like, "If I can't ride a (blank) I won't ride anything." Hondas, Triumphs, Victory, Harley, Ducati, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Norton... I love 'em all! John Mozuk

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10:15 PM MST on Tue., Mar. 25, 2008 re: "Tidewater Yacht Service: A port in the storm"

IN THE KNOW said:
This place is going to be sold to Marine-Max or so it goes around the Harbor

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3:41 PM MST on Sun., Mar. 2, 2008 re: "Tidewater Yacht Service: A port in the storm"

Examiner Reader said:
The new location looks very nice....The service is still luke warm at best, and the charges are out of line for the east coast

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3:35 PM MST on Sun., Mar. 2, 2008 re: "Tidewater Yacht Service: A port in the storm"

Examiner Reader said:
You should check with yacht owners that have gone to other yards due to poor service and overpriced labor! I tell every one up and down the ICW to avoid this place at all cost. You do your readership a great diservice when you write such crap!

28 agree | 31 disagree
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10:36 PM MST on Fri., Feb. 22, 2008 re: "Tidewater Yacht Service: A port in the storm"

Never Again said:
This fluff piece is a buncha hooey. They have a really bad reputation.....have had it for years.... They are arrogant from the top down..... Tidewater Yacht Service Tidewater Yacht Service.....

38 agree | 39 disagree
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7:03 PM MST on Fri., Feb. 22, 2008 re: "Tidewater Yacht Service: A port in the storm"

Examiner Reader said:
This yard is a rip off. You store your boat there for the winter and then they remeasure it after you have paid them and charge you more a coupla months later.

54 agree | 29 disagree
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9:16 PM MST on Tue., Nov. 27, 2007 re: "Dealer ensures cycles 'fit' the customers"

Examiner Reader said:
I was fortunate enough to meet these guys last weekend and let me tell you one thing, Jon and Shawn are a class act in both customer service and up front honesty. Very few business men who can fit this mold. Keep up the great work guys. Looking forward in building my dream bike soon. Thanks for all your advice! Big Daddy Dog Route 40 Bikers' Paradise USA

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