Francisco has fans

Francisco Cristales is an acknowledged favourite in Cranbrook’s auto sales industry

Francisco Cristales is a popular product consultant at Spring Honda in Cranbrook, B.C. — Marie Milner photo

Francisco Cristales, a product consultant at Spring Honda in Cranbrook, got a high approval rating from readers of Kootenay Business, and we thought we’d like to get to know him a little better. Here are the questions we asked him, and his answers.

What was your first job, and what valuable learning did you get from it?

My first job was at WorkWear World at the Tamarack mall. I learned about working with the public and about customer service, and I enjoyed it.

What aspect of your current work has surprised you the most?

When I started in auto sales, I was surprised at the perception that people have about sales people. It took me by surprise—it was tough at first, to be stereotyped. Ever since I started in the auto industry, I wanted to set myself apart from that notion.

How do you do that?

I tell them right up front that I’m not here to push them into buying anything—I’m here to give them information and they can take it home and research it and make their own decision. Eight or nine times out of ten, they come back to me to buy—especially if they’ve had a bad experience somewhere else.

Do you have a favourite aspect of the service you provide?

I like being able to tell people that if they do purchase something from Honda, I’m going to still be here after the sale. For one thing, this is a small town and I’ll likely bump into them at some point, so it’s in my best interest to make sure they’re happy. We have a great service department, and Corey and Dave (Spring) have a huge family background in this industry in Cranbrook. Their name is on the building, so they want to make sure that the customers are happy 100 per cent.

Outside of work, what do you like to do?

Well, I have five kids, so my family is my pride and joy and takes up the bulk of my time when I’m not working. They’re tons of fun.

What’s your go-to reading material?

I do lots of reading on the Internet, and it’s mostly industry-related. I’m kind of a techie guy so I like keeping informed about the new technology in the industry.