Selling cars, smashing stereotypes

Superior Chrysler's sales staff includes 21-year-old

by Andrea Busche

As a 21-year-old woman, Adrianna (Adri) Jusczak probably isn’t the first person you’d expect to see on the sales floor of a local car dealership. But perhaps it is not fitting the stereotype of the “typical salesperson” that gives her a distinct advantage.

Although she has been on the Superior Chrysler sales force only since August, she has already become one of their top salespeople, averaging nine sales per month. In total, she has sold between 45 and 50 vehicles, vastly exceeding her supervisors’ expectations.

Unique skills acquired in childhood

Jusczak, along with two older sisters, grew up in rural Moose Lake. Their mom owned a coffee shop, and their dad owns a shipping container business.

From her time as a child up until last August, Jusczak worked for her dad. She handled multiple tasks, including joining him on deliveries, office work, conducting maintenance on the shipping containers, refurbishing the containers into tiny cabins, and transporting the containers with a Bobcat or forklift.

“I have always been business-minded because of my dad,” she said.

Throughout childhood, Jusczak was exceptionally active in sports and outdoor activities. She enjoyed dirt-biking, four-wheeling, and playing volleyball and basketball. When she was in the 7th grade, she was the only girl to join the football team. She has also done some coaching.

An early start in sales

You could say that Jusczak’s sales career began in childhood.

“I’ve always enjoyed sales,” she said. “As a child, we had chickens, and I sold the eggs. I had lemonade stands, and as I got older, I bought motorcycles and bicycles from Craigslist, had them repaired, and resold them at a profit.”

Jusczak planned to attend Southwest Minnesota State University on a basketball scholarship, but had to withdraw from school after a sports-related shoulder injury flared up. She returned home and was contemplating what to do next.

On a whim, she applied for a sales position at Superior Chrysler. Although she didn’t have much sales experience, she got the job, and has stunned the team with her almost-immediate success.

What do customers think?

While her customers are often surprised by her presence on the lot, Jusczak has only had positive experiences thus far.

“Customers say they’re surprised that a woman assisted them,” she said. “After all, most car salespeople are older gentlemen. I’m young, and I’m a woman, so I know I have to prove my worth, and prove that I know what I’m talking about. I feel like I have to work harder to earn my customers’ trust.”

Jusczak takes a much more low-key approach to sales than many of her peers. “While I’m definitely a competitive person,” she said, “My sales strategy is very laid-back, and not pushy. I understand that a vehicle is the secondbiggest purchase a person will make (after their house), and I’m aware that it’s a serious decision that takes time. My customers and I walk through the car-shopping experience together.”

This strategy has paid off. Jusczak enjoys a great rapport with her customers and a genuine love for her work. It’s not uncommon for Jusczak’s customers to send her a Christmas card or to thank her with a hug. “When Monday morning rolls around, I just can’t wait to get back to work,” she said.

While Jusczak is well-versed in the models she sells and knows a bit about what’s going on under the hood, her true expertise is in technology. She enjoys helping her customers pair their devices to their car’s U Connect System (the standard option found in Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler and Ram vehicles), and delights in teaching them about all the bells and whistles their new vehicle has to offer.

Support from colleagues

The staff at Superior Chrysler has been supportive of Jusczak since day one. “I’m the only woman on the sales staff, but they all feel like my brothers,” she said. “My colleagues have always made me feel welcome and respected here. And, if I’m out on the lot with someone I feel uneasy about, I always know they are looking out for me.”

Jusczak’s boss, Superior Chrysler co-owner Dave Clusiau, shared these thoughts:

“Adri Jusczak is an essential team player at our dealership. Having someone knowledgeable and professional like Adri is a true benefit to our customers. She's in tune with today's buyer, driven for success, and does it all with a smile on her face. She has brought a new light to our store by creating live Facebook videos and participating in local networking groups to connect with the community. She is truly a special person, and we couldn't be more proud to have Adri on our team.”

Goals for the future

While Jusczak never planned to become a car salesperson, she has discovered that it’s a brilliant fit for her skills and personality. She continues learning more about her craft by speaking to employees in all areas of the company, gaining useful sales experience through assisting her customers, and working 50-hour weeks. Her main goal for the future is to earn positive referrals from previous customers.

And, if you’re wondering what this 21-year old car saleswoman drives, it’s a 2017 Jeep Compass. “They’re pretty easy to sell,” she said. “In fact, they practically sell themselves.” D

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