For the love of cars

Dammarys Amenya

Dammarys Amenya, 26, is a sales executive at DT Dobie. Although she had a comfortable job at a bank, her love for cars drove her to apply for the sales job. SHIRLEY GENGA finds out more

Tell us about your job…

I meet with customers, give presentations about the cars I sell and negotiate vehicle prices. I basically close a car selling deal.

What does your presentation involve?

The first thing I do when I get a client is to listen to him/her to determine what he/she needs. I then come up with a solution in form of a car that best suits the client’s needs. Sometimes a client comes with the aim of purchasing a pickup, but ends up with van after an assessment of his or her needs.

Once the client settles on a car, I give them a physical tour of the car. The customer can come where the car is or I take it to where he/she is. The idea of presentation is to enable the customer to get the feel of the car.

What cars do you handle?

I deal specifically with Nissans and Renault; I can sell other car brands, but my targets are judged on the sales of Nissans and Renaults because they are under my docket.

Why would I buy a new car when I can get a cheaper second hand one from Japan?

It is better to buy a new car because the cars we sell are localised/tropicalised. We have a factory in South Africa that sends researchers to Kenya to evaluate the road condition so that they can modify the car to suit its environment.

By the time the car gets to our show room, it is already localised, meaning it is suitable and will last longer. A new car also comes with a warranty and we provide free car services thereafter.

How do you know so much about cars?

Since I was a little girl, I have always loved and been fascinated by cars. I am, therefore, very passionate about them. We also do a lot of training on the cars we sell. For example, I went through a three-month intensive training programme on cars when I was employed. We also have monthly Nissan sales and service trainings.

What do you love most about your job?

Closing a deal; it is the best feeling in the world. Another advantage about my job is that I meet different people and build networks.

What are some of the challenges you face in your line of work?

It is a male-dominated field and people don’t take me seriously sometimes. Others think they know better than me or will prefer to deal with an older woman. This only makes me work harder. Technology is constantly changing and I need to always keep abreast on new developments in the industry.

Where did you study and what is your job history?

I went to Lugulu Girls’ High School in Kakamega and cleared in 2003. I did some basic computer training. I wanted to be computer savvy so I could get employed. I did many computer-related jobs before Barclays Bank employed me in 2010. They took me through comprehensive training and I later became a customer supervisor. I loved my job because I like interacting with people.

When I heard about the opening at DT Dobie, I applied because of my love for cars. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce degree at Strathmore University, Nairobi.

What do you think makes you good at what you do?

I am very persistent when it comes to sales. I sell a car today and start the day tomorrow like I never made a sale the day before.

What do you currently drive?

I drive a silver Nissan N16. I love the interior wood trimmings. It is also spacious and the music system is good.

What is your dream car?

The Mercedes Coupe. Everything about it, including the interior to the sound system, is amazing. It’s also a convertible two-seater and it is every girl’s dream to drive an expensive car with her hair blowing in the wind. It goes for about Sh8 million, but a girl is allowed to dream.

What do you do for fun?

I love swimming and being in the wild. A walk in the park does it for me. Nature is breathtaking and calming. I also love to read and I am currently reading Greater Than Yourself by Steve Farber.

Where do you see yourself in the next seven years?

I love what I am doing and I see myself doing this for a while.

If you were not selling cars, where would you be?

I would probably be working in a bank.