December 16, 2024 • 18 mins
Discover the inspiring journey of Lexie Barker-Taplett from Mercedes-Benz of Virginia Beach as she shares how her background in psychology and child life studies seamlessly transitioned into her current role in the automotive industry. Influenced by her father, Charles Barker, and his legacy of community commitment, Lexie reveals how personal experiences, like the loss of a best friend, have shaped her unique approach to customer relationships. Explore her insights on redefining the car-buying experience to emphasize transparency and genuine connections, while also learning about her involvement with the Charles Barker Champions for Kids foundation, which supports youth in Hampton Roads.
Get ready to be captivated by Lexie's passion for cooking and how it mirrors her dedication to fostering meaningful relationships, both in her personal life and at work. This episode highlights the transformative power of personal growth and philanthropy in the automotive industry, as Lexie continues to make a positive impact through her roles at Mercedes-Benz of Virginia Beach and the Charles Barker Used Car Warehouse. Join us as we uncover the profound interplay between personal fulfillment and professional success, and how Lexie's journey can inspire us all to prioritize human connection in our endeavors.
Mercedes Benz of Virginia Beach
Charles Barker Used Warehouse
Champions for Kids
Lexie Barker-Taplett
Vice President
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
This is the Good Neighbor Podcast, the place
where local businesses andneighbors come together.
Here's your host, Denise Taylor.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
Hi, welcome to Good Neighbors Podcast, Virginia
Beach.
Today I am here with LexieBarker-Taplett with
Mercedes-Benz at Virginia Beach,and what's the other name of
the brand that you are currentlyworking with, Lexie?
Speaker 3 (00:27):
We are also Charles Barker Used Car Warehouse, so we
just opened that up in thefirst quarter of this year, and
where is that located?
We are located right next toour Mercedes bins dealership on
Virginia Beach Boulevard, abouta half a mile from town center.
Speaker 2 (00:48):
So first let's talk about your journey into the car
business.
You have a legacy with your dad, Charles Barker, so tell us a
little bit about that bit aboutthat.
Speaker 3 (01:09):
So my journey into the car industry was not so
straightforward.
I actually went to school.
My undergrad was in psychologyand in children's studies.
I always had a passion for it.
I found the world of psychologyreally fascinating.
I found people reallyfascinating, the world of
psychology really fascinating.
I found people reallyfascinating and I also just
always loved the idea of workingwith children one day.
So I took my passion for thateven a step further and I
(01:32):
decided to apply to grad schoolat the College of Charleston for
the degree which is known as achild life specialist so it's a
master's degree as a child lifespecialist.
And I completed my two yearsthere in undergrad or, sorry,
post-grad to get my master's.
And I did an internship here inVirginia Beach, which was a
(01:53):
required part of our curriculumat CHKD, the children's hospital
here, and I completed myinternship and I loved it.
I loved every minute of it.
But there is a small part of methat wanted to see what else was
out there and at the time I hadnever considered the car
(02:17):
industry.
Only because and this is thehonest truth Charlie, my father,
he always told me do what makesyou happy and do what makes you
the most passionate and don'tever think that you have to
enter this industry just becauseof me.
So for as long as I canremember, I honestly just put
the thought of working for himor working in the automotive
(02:38):
industry kind of on the backburner.
But I decided I wanted to givemyself a chance to see if it ran
in my blood and if I would loveit the way he did and I do.
And so I decided to shift focusand join the automotive
(02:59):
industry, specifically with mydad Charlie, specifically with
my dad Charlie.
But I will say that you know, Idon't feel as if my education in
psychology from Clemson or mymaster's in child life from
College of Charleston has goneto waste, Because one thing that
I found in the automotiveindustry is that this is really
a people business.
You are dealing with all kindsof different people from all
(03:22):
different kinds of walks of life, even just with our employees,
you know.
So this is really an industryof people.
Um, cars are just our productand of course they're beautiful
and we love to sell them.
Um, but I think that myeducation as far as um human
connection and justunderstanding people, it's
really um giving me a leg up andenjoying the automotive world.
Speaker 2 (03:44):
Well, we, we're excited you're here in Virginia
Beach.
Thank you.
Speaker 3 (04:04):
Can you tell us who the Charles Barker organization
the Barker since he started offwith his first dealership?
In the 90s, he purchased aLexus dealership, but before
that he was mentored by JoshDarden, who is a legacy of this
community.
He was mentored by him atColonial Chevrolet, so he earned
(04:26):
his stripes with Josh atColonial Chevrolet, and then,
when the time was right, hebecame a partner with Josh, and
then, as he progressed evenfurther, he decided it's time
for me to try this out on my own, and so he purchased his first
dealership, which was Lexus,back in the 90s, and ever since
then, his you know his footprintin this community as far as the
(04:51):
automotive world has beengrowing.
I think at one time we've held14 franchises, which was under
the Charles Barker Automotivename, which you know.
That's the parent company, soto speak.
And so, aside from that, though,you know one thing that Josh
Darden always taught Charlie andall the guys that he mentored
(05:12):
is that cars, yes, they're ourbusiness, but children are our
future, and so Charlie's alwaysbelieved that, which is why,
just as excited as he is aboutthis industry, he's even more
passionate about helpingchildren and being philanthropic
, and many people don't knowthis, but the car automotive
(05:36):
world as a whole is probably oneof the most philanthropic
groups anywhere in the world andwe love to give back to the
communities that support us.
So I think you know justthrough his, his years of
earning his stripes and buildingfranchises and owning
franchises and I'm creating thecharles barker automotive legacy
(05:57):
, if you will.
Um, he's taught me a lot,certainly, um, and so he's
community has always been reallyimportant to him certainly, and
so he's community has alwaysbeen really important to him.
Speaker 2 (06:10):
This is all making sense now because everybody
knows that Mr Darden was one ofthe most philanthropic gentlemen
in Hampton Roads and in all ofthe state of Virginia.
Can you share a little bit moreabout how the organization is
involved in philanthropy andespecially what you guys are
focused on, which is soimportant to Virginia Beach,
Norfolk, Chesapeake, the entirecommunity?
Sure.
Speaker 3 (06:31):
So in I don't want to get us incorrect, but I'm going
to say late nineties Charliefounded what is now known as
Charles Barker Champions forKids, and what it essentially
does is it supports the academic, emotional and social
well-being of the youth of ourcommunity, and so through
(06:53):
Champions for Kids, we're ableto raise funds to support
organizations like the Boys andGirls Club or BB Home Now, or
Access College Foundation boysand girls club all over Virginia
, but, you know, mainly righthere in Hampton road.
So we he has created a, anorganization that solely cares
(07:18):
for the youth of our community,and I'm a part of that now as
well, and we have an amazingfundraiser every year golf
tournament and auction combinedwhich the main goal is to give
back to the youth of ourcommunity.
And we've done some reallyincredible things through our
organization, champions for Kids.
Speaker 2 (07:38):
How much did you raise this year?
Have you guys calculated howmuch you've raised through that
golf tournament this year?
Speaker 3 (07:45):
Because I was so in total, in the existence of
Charles Worker Champions forKids, it's over four million
dollars that we've been able todonate back to the community.
That's amazing.
So it's been really, reallyincredible to see how many
people in the Hampton Roadscommunity want to participate
with us and join our fight tobetter the emotional, academic
(08:09):
and social atmosphere for ourHampton community, for our youth
.
Speaker 2 (08:15):
Which affects all of us here.
It happens because of ourchildren, so we appreciate that.
Can you share a personal storyabout what you've rose above and
how that's impacted your workor daily life?
Speaker 3 (08:34):
Sure.
So I think the memory thatcomes to mind the most is
probably when I lost my bestfriend in high school, and this
goes back to, I think, mypassion for understanding the
human condition.
On the outside he seemed like anormal high schooler.
No, he smiled, he laughed, hewas part of a friend group.
(08:56):
He was probably the class clown, I would say so.
On the exterior he lookedseemingly normal, if you can
even call it that, but on theinside he was really struggling
and he had demons that werebigger than himself and bigger
than we, any of us, ever knew.
(09:27):
So when we lost him my junioryear of high school, it really
put it into perspective just howspecial human connection can be
and that we should never takeit for granted.
And I think that it taught mejust to understand and be a
little bit more forgiving andpatient with people, because you
never know what someone's goingthrough and you know suffering
is something that not a lot ofpeople can see from the outside,
is something that not a lot ofpeople can see from the outside.
(09:50):
And so one thing that you knowI learned from Charlie actually
that applies to my situation,but that I think is a really
valuable lesson for everyone issomething that he calls the 10
foot rule, and so basically,what that is is that if you're
coming within 10 feet of anyone,even strangers, never pass them
without saying hello oracknowledging them or asking how
(10:11):
they're doing.
You never know if you're theonly person that day that's
acknowledged them, or you knowthat one conversation could
change the trajectory of theirday or maybe even their life.
So I think you know, all in all, just to appreciate the people
around you, because life's sofragile.
So it's really, you neverreally know and you just you
(10:34):
need to be considerate andcompassionate, as humans should
be.
Speaker 2 (10:40):
I really appreciate that, that personal antidote,
and it really just makes methink that you're an old soul,
because you know a lot of peopledon't even understand until
they're much older, especiallyafter having children, because
life really does just fly by andthe things that we kind of take
feel like so much pressure aswe're younger, seem so
(11:03):
insignificant and really justnoticing those moments is so, so
important.
What do you wish our listenersknew most about the organization
and what you guys are doing?
If you could just conceptualizeit in just one sentence or two.
Speaker 3 (11:25):
For Champions for Kids, or our organization being
our businesses.
Speaker 2 (11:31):
The businesses.
Speaker 3 (11:33):
So we are.
Actually I don't want to speaktoo much on this, I don't want
to give too much away, but weare really focused on curating
that first time buyerrelationship.
We want to be with you from Ato Z.
There is a lot of, there's alot of questions that come when
(11:54):
you're looking at buying a car,leasing a car, and it's almost
given the automotive world anegative shine, in a negative
light.
It's this big, daunting, scarytask, but it doesn't have to be,
and so what we're, what we'redoing and setting our sights on,
is trying to eliminate thatstigma and create a more
(12:15):
hassle-free, as transparent aspossible process for the buying,
leasing or even just questionasking when it comes to cars and
what you're looking forSomewhere along the way way.
We also were tasked with the umthat sales people were not as
(12:41):
honest as they should be, and Ithink that gave us a bad
reputation in the automotiveindustry.
But we're really.
We're really here to help.
We're here to help ourcustomers leave with the car of
their dreams that's tailored toexactly what they need, because
otherwise, you know, what are wehere for?
If we're not, if we're nottrying to help you, then we
(13:04):
wouldn't be here.
But basically what we're reallybelieve in is easing the fears
of our customers whilesimultaneously building lifelong
, lasting customer relationships.
So, in a roundabout way, Ithink that we're trying to not
reinvent the wheel, but maybe goback to the wheel where it
(13:25):
should have started and targetthose relationships early and
fostering those relationshipsearly, and take the pressure off
of if you walk into adealership we're going to make
you buy a car.
That's not true at all.
We want to provide you with allthe information possible so
that you're making a purchasethat you feel comfortable with.
Speaker 2 (13:44):
Yeah, because it is.
It's one of the biggestpurchases.
It is a home is.
Speaker 3 (13:55):
You know it is a home .
So, exactly, exactly.
So you know we're here toanswer questions.
Speaker 2 (13:58):
Um, and more on that soon.
I can't wait to hear about it.
Um, how can our listeners learnmore about one, your business,
and then also about thenon-profit?
Speaker 3 (14:09):
so we, our doors, are open Monday through Saturday.
You are happy to stop by andone of our salespeople, I'm sure
, will greet you and you know,just ask if you're here to ask
any questions of them or if theycan help you in any way.
But also we have our CharlesBarker Champions for Kids
website, which you can access,our Mercedes-Benz of Virginia
(14:31):
Beach website, which you canaccess, and also our Used Car
Warehouse website.
We've also made a leap into thesocial media world to connect.
You know, beyond just you knowour immediate community, so we
are all over social media.
We're on Instagram, tiktok,youtube, facebook, really any
(14:52):
place that you can imagine.
We're building a footprintthere.
So we're having a lot of funinteracting with our community
right now through social media,and it's gonna keep growing.
So if you wanna see the funside of what we do, I ask you to
take a look at our social media.
Speaker 2 (15:09):
Yeah, the Instagram reels are very entertaining.
Thank you.
Definitely gets a little insideview of what's happening down
at the dealership and with youguys personally.
Is there anything else youwanted to share that you think
would be important to ourlisteners?
Speaker 3 (15:31):
Well, I think so.
So I know there's so manyestablished automotive
dealerships in this area, butthe biggest question that I
think is important to answer iswhy buy with us?
Or, you know, even to pose thatquestion is why?
Why?
Why us, why the Charles Barkerfamily, why used car warehouse,
why Mercedes Benz, virginiabeach?
And I think, if I can speak tothat question, it's that, if you
(15:54):
consider our reputation ascommunity, that probably exceeds
most.
We are again family-owned, we'vebeen here for 30 years and now
that I'm part of the fold, Ihope to be here for 30 more.
But our used car warehousespecifically, which I really
want people to become familiarwith, we have incredibly
(16:16):
competitive prices.
We have quality, low mileagevehicles.
We do 72 point inspections onevery vehicle, 12 months, 12,000
mile, power train warranty,annual Virginia State
inspections for life.
So we offer really, reallygreat programs and I just want
to make sure that you know Iwouldn't leave today without
(16:37):
mentioning those things, becauseI think that's going to set us
apart in the automotive world aswe're trying to, you know, find
a unique footprint as we expand.
Speaker 2 (16:47):
I did forget to ask you, outside of learning all the
things you're learning rightnow I know this is a, this is a
big year for you what do you dooutside of work to you know for
fun?
Speaker 3 (17:02):
Yes, so for fun.
So we have, my husband and I,we have a he's just over two
years old now a yellow lab whokeeps us very, very busy, thank
you.
He also he's on our socialmedia, so if you want to see who
I'm referring to, we love to goon walks with him, spend time
(17:23):
with him outdoors.
We're very lucky that Charlieand my grandmother, susan, live
just around the corner from us,so we spend a lot of time with
them and we enjoy it.
We cook over there, but me,cooking is a passion of mine.
That's fun for me.
Most people, you know, wouldwouldn't say that's a passion or
fun, but that's really fun forme.
Um, and then just spending timewith our friends.
(17:45):
We have an incredibly specialgroup of friends here in
virginia beach and you knowbeing with them brings us both a
lot of joy, I know.
For me it fills my cup for sure.
Speaker 2 (17:57):
Good, we are so happy you're here, lexie.
I'm excited to see where youtake this organization Again.
Share the names of the threeorganizations, just so we have
that.
Speaker 3 (18:09):
Sure, yes.
So our nonprofit foundation isCharles Barker Champions for
Kids.
Our franchise dealership isMercedes-Benz of Virginia Beach
and our used car warehouse isour used car operations, which
is also Charles Barker used carwarehouse.
Speaker 2 (18:25):
Thanks for being here , Lexie.
Thank you for having me.
Speaker 3 (18:27):
Denise.
Speaker 1 (18:32):
Thank you for listening me, Denise.
This is the Good Neighbor Podcast, the place
where local businesses andneighbors come together.
Here's your host, Denise Taylor.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
Hi, welcome to Good Neighbors Podcast, Virginia
Beach.
Today I am here with LexieBarker-Taplett with
Mercedes-Benz at Virginia Beach,and what's the other name of
the brand that you are currentlyworking with, Lexie?
Speaker 3 (00:27):
We are also Charles Barker Used Car Warehouse, so we
just opened that up in thefirst quarter of this year, and
where is that located?
We are located right next toour Mercedes bins dealership on
Virginia Beach Boulevard, abouta half a mile from town center.
Speaker 2 (00:48):
So first let's talk about your journey into the car
business.
You have a legacy with your dad, Charles Barker, so tell us a
little bit about that bit aboutthat.
Speaker 3 (01:09):
So my journey into the car industry was not so
straightforward.
I actually went to school.
My undergrad was in psychologyand in children's studies.
I always had a passion for it.
I found the world of psychologyreally fascinating.
I found people reallyfascinating, the world of
psychology really fascinating.
I found people reallyfascinating and I also just
always loved the idea of workingwith children one day.
So I took my passion for thateven a step further and I
(01:32):
decided to apply to grad schoolat the College of Charleston for
the degree which is known as achild life specialist so it's a
master's degree as a child lifespecialist.
And I completed my two yearsthere in undergrad or, sorry,
post-grad to get my master's.
And I did an internship here inVirginia Beach, which was a
(01:53):
required part of our curriculumat CHKD, the children's hospital
here, and I completed myinternship and I loved it.
I loved every minute of it.
But there is a small part of methat wanted to see what else was
out there and at the time I hadnever considered the car
(02:17):
industry.
Only because and this is thehonest truth Charlie, my father,
he always told me do what makesyou happy and do what makes you
the most passionate and don'tever think that you have to
enter this industry just becauseof me.
So for as long as I canremember, I honestly just put
the thought of working for himor working in the automotive
(02:38):
industry kind of on the backburner.
But I decided I wanted to givemyself a chance to see if it ran
in my blood and if I would loveit the way he did and I do.
And so I decided to shift focusand join the automotive
(02:59):
industry, specifically with mydad Charlie, specifically with
my dad Charlie.
But I will say that you know, Idon't feel as if my education in
psychology from Clemson or mymaster's in child life from
College of Charleston has goneto waste, Because one thing that
I found in the automotiveindustry is that this is really
a people business.
You are dealing with all kindsof different people from all
(03:22):
different kinds of walks of life, even just with our employees,
you know.
So this is really an industryof people.
Um, cars are just our productand of course they're beautiful
and we love to sell them.
Um, but I think that myeducation as far as um human
connection and justunderstanding people, it's
really um giving me a leg up andenjoying the automotive world.
Speaker 2 (03:44):
Well, we, we're excited you're here in Virginia
Beach.
Thank you.
Speaker 3 (04:04):
Can you tell us who the Charles Barker organization
the Barker since he started offwith his first dealership?
In the 90s, he purchased aLexus dealership, but before
that he was mentored by JoshDarden, who is a legacy of this
community.
He was mentored by him atColonial Chevrolet, so he earned
(04:26):
his stripes with Josh atColonial Chevrolet, and then,
when the time was right, hebecame a partner with Josh, and
then, as he progressed evenfurther, he decided it's time
for me to try this out on my own, and so he purchased his first
dealership, which was Lexus,back in the 90s, and ever since
then, his you know his footprintin this community as far as the
(04:51):
automotive world has beengrowing.
I think at one time we've held14 franchises, which was under
the Charles Barker Automotivename, which you know.
That's the parent company, soto speak.
And so, aside from that, though,you know one thing that Josh
Darden always taught Charlie andall the guys that he mentored
(05:12):
is that cars, yes, they're ourbusiness, but children are our
future, and so Charlie's alwaysbelieved that, which is why,
just as excited as he is aboutthis industry, he's even more
passionate about helpingchildren and being philanthropic
, and many people don't knowthis, but the car automotive
(05:36):
world as a whole is probably oneof the most philanthropic
groups anywhere in the world andwe love to give back to the
communities that support us.
So I think you know justthrough his, his years of
earning his stripes and buildingfranchises and owning
franchises and I'm creating thecharles barker automotive legacy
(05:57):
, if you will.
Um, he's taught me a lot,certainly, um, and so he's
community has always been reallyimportant to him certainly, and
so he's community has alwaysbeen really important to him.
Speaker 2 (06:10):
This is all making sense now because everybody
knows that Mr Darden was one ofthe most philanthropic gentlemen
in Hampton Roads and in all ofthe state of Virginia.
Can you share a little bit moreabout how the organization is
involved in philanthropy andespecially what you guys are
focused on, which is soimportant to Virginia Beach,
Norfolk, Chesapeake, the entirecommunity?
Sure.
Speaker 3 (06:31):
So in I don't want to get us incorrect, but I'm going
to say late nineties Charliefounded what is now known as
Charles Barker Champions forKids, and what it essentially
does is it supports the academic, emotional and social
well-being of the youth of ourcommunity, and so through
(06:53):
Champions for Kids, we're ableto raise funds to support
organizations like the Boys andGirls Club or BB Home Now, or
Access College Foundation boysand girls club all over Virginia
, but, you know, mainly righthere in Hampton road.
So we he has created a, anorganization that solely cares
(07:18):
for the youth of our community,and I'm a part of that now as
well, and we have an amazingfundraiser every year golf
tournament and auction combinedwhich the main goal is to give
back to the youth of ourcommunity.
And we've done some reallyincredible things through our
organization, champions for Kids.
Speaker 2 (07:38):
How much did you raise this year?
Have you guys calculated howmuch you've raised through that
golf tournament this year?
Speaker 3 (07:45):
Because I was so in total, in the existence of
Charles Worker Champions forKids, it's over four million
dollars that we've been able todonate back to the community.
That's amazing.
So it's been really, reallyincredible to see how many
people in the Hampton Roadscommunity want to participate
with us and join our fight tobetter the emotional, academic
(08:09):
and social atmosphere for ourHampton community, for our youth
.
Speaker 2 (08:15):
Which affects all of us here.
It happens because of ourchildren, so we appreciate that.
Can you share a personal storyabout what you've rose above and
how that's impacted your workor daily life?
Speaker 3 (08:34):
Sure.
So I think the memory thatcomes to mind the most is
probably when I lost my bestfriend in high school, and this
goes back to, I think, mypassion for understanding the
human condition.
On the outside he seemed like anormal high schooler.
No, he smiled, he laughed, hewas part of a friend group.
(08:56):
He was probably the class clown, I would say so.
On the exterior he lookedseemingly normal, if you can
even call it that, but on theinside he was really struggling
and he had demons that werebigger than himself and bigger
than we, any of us, ever knew.
(09:27):
So when we lost him my junioryear of high school, it really
put it into perspective just howspecial human connection can be
and that we should never takeit for granted.
And I think that it taught mejust to understand and be a
little bit more forgiving andpatient with people, because you
never know what someone's goingthrough and you know suffering
is something that not a lot ofpeople can see from the outside,
is something that not a lot ofpeople can see from the outside.
(09:50):
And so one thing that you knowI learned from Charlie actually
that applies to my situation,but that I think is a really
valuable lesson for everyone issomething that he calls the 10
foot rule, and so basically,what that is is that if you're
coming within 10 feet of anyone,even strangers, never pass them
without saying hello oracknowledging them or asking how
(10:11):
they're doing.
You never know if you're theonly person that day that's
acknowledged them, or you knowthat one conversation could
change the trajectory of theirday or maybe even their life.
So I think you know, all in all, just to appreciate the people
around you, because life's sofragile.
So it's really, you neverreally know and you just you
(10:34):
need to be considerate andcompassionate, as humans should
be.
Speaker 2 (10:40):
I really appreciate that, that personal antidote,
and it really just makes methink that you're an old soul,
because you know a lot of peopledon't even understand until
they're much older, especiallyafter having children, because
life really does just fly by andthe things that we kind of take
feel like so much pressure aswe're younger, seem so
(11:03):
insignificant and really justnoticing those moments is so, so
important.
What do you wish our listenersknew most about the organization
and what you guys are doing?
If you could just conceptualizeit in just one sentence or two.
Speaker 3 (11:25):
For Champions for Kids, or our organization being
our businesses.
Speaker 2 (11:31):
The businesses.
Speaker 3 (11:33):
So we are.
Actually I don't want to speaktoo much on this, I don't want
to give too much away, but weare really focused on curating
that first time buyerrelationship.
We want to be with you from Ato Z.
There is a lot of, there's alot of questions that come when
(11:54):
you're looking at buying a car,leasing a car, and it's almost
given the automotive world anegative shine, in a negative
light.
It's this big, daunting, scarytask, but it doesn't have to be,
and so what we're, what we'redoing and setting our sights on,
is trying to eliminate thatstigma and create a more
(12:15):
hassle-free, as transparent aspossible process for the buying,
leasing or even just questionasking when it comes to cars and
what you're looking forSomewhere along the way way.
We also were tasked with the umthat sales people were not as
(12:41):
honest as they should be, and Ithink that gave us a bad
reputation in the automotiveindustry.
But we're really.
We're really here to help.
We're here to help ourcustomers leave with the car of
their dreams that's tailored toexactly what they need, because
otherwise, you know, what are wehere for?
If we're not, if we're nottrying to help you, then we
(13:04):
wouldn't be here.
But basically what we're reallybelieve in is easing the fears
of our customers whilesimultaneously building lifelong
, lasting customer relationships.
So, in a roundabout way, Ithink that we're trying to not
reinvent the wheel, but maybe goback to the wheel where it
(13:25):
should have started and targetthose relationships early and
fostering those relationshipsearly, and take the pressure off
of if you walk into adealership we're going to make
you buy a car.
That's not true at all.
We want to provide you with allthe information possible so
that you're making a purchasethat you feel comfortable with.
Speaker 2 (13:44):
Yeah, because it is.
It's one of the biggestpurchases.
It is a home is.
Speaker 3 (13:55):
You know it is a home .
So, exactly, exactly.
So you know we're here toanswer questions.
Speaker 2 (13:58):
Um, and more on that soon.
I can't wait to hear about it.
Um, how can our listeners learnmore about one, your business,
and then also about thenon-profit?
Speaker 3 (14:09):
so we, our doors, are open Monday through Saturday.
You are happy to stop by andone of our salespeople, I'm sure
, will greet you and you know,just ask if you're here to ask
any questions of them or if theycan help you in any way.
But also we have our CharlesBarker Champions for Kids
website, which you can access,our Mercedes-Benz of Virginia
(14:31):
Beach website, which you canaccess, and also our Used Car
Warehouse website.
We've also made a leap into thesocial media world to connect.
You know, beyond just you knowour immediate community, so we
are all over social media.
We're on Instagram, tiktok,youtube, facebook, really any
(14:52):
place that you can imagine.
We're building a footprintthere.
So we're having a lot of funinteracting with our community
right now through social media,and it's gonna keep growing.
So if you wanna see the funside of what we do, I ask you to
take a look at our social media.
Speaker 2 (15:09):
Yeah, the Instagram reels are very entertaining.
Thank you.
Definitely gets a little insideview of what's happening down
at the dealership and with youguys personally.
Is there anything else youwanted to share that you think
would be important to ourlisteners?
Speaker 3 (15:31):
Well, I think so.
So I know there's so manyestablished automotive
dealerships in this area, butthe biggest question that I
think is important to answer iswhy buy with us?
Or, you know, even to pose thatquestion is why?
Why?
Why us, why the Charles Barkerfamily, why used car warehouse,
why Mercedes Benz, virginiabeach?
And I think, if I can speak tothat question, it's that, if you
(15:54):
consider our reputation ascommunity, that probably exceeds
most.
We are again family-owned, we'vebeen here for 30 years and now
that I'm part of the fold, Ihope to be here for 30 more.
But our used car warehousespecifically, which I really
want people to become familiarwith, we have incredibly
(16:16):
competitive prices.
We have quality, low mileagevehicles.
We do 72 point inspections onevery vehicle, 12 months, 12,000
mile, power train warranty,annual Virginia State
inspections for life.
So we offer really, reallygreat programs and I just want
to make sure that you know Iwouldn't leave today without
(16:37):
mentioning those things, becauseI think that's going to set us
apart in the automotive world aswe're trying to, you know, find
a unique footprint as we expand.
Speaker 2 (16:47):
I did forget to ask you, outside of learning all the
things you're learning rightnow I know this is a, this is a
big year for you what do you dooutside of work to you know for
fun?
Speaker 3 (17:02):
Yes, so for fun.
So we have, my husband and I,we have a he's just over two
years old now a yellow lab whokeeps us very, very busy, thank
you.
He also he's on our socialmedia, so if you want to see who
I'm referring to, we love to goon walks with him, spend time
(17:23):
with him outdoors.
We're very lucky that Charlieand my grandmother, susan, live
just around the corner from us,so we spend a lot of time with
them and we enjoy it.
We cook over there, but me,cooking is a passion of mine.
That's fun for me.
Most people, you know, wouldwouldn't say that's a passion or
fun, but that's really fun forme.
Um, and then just spending timewith our friends.
(17:45):
We have an incredibly specialgroup of friends here in
virginia beach and you knowbeing with them brings us both a
lot of joy, I know.
For me it fills my cup for sure.
Speaker 2 (17:57):
Good, we are so happy you're here, lexie.
I'm excited to see where youtake this organization Again.
Share the names of the threeorganizations, just so we have
that.
Speaker 3 (18:09):
Sure, yes.
So our nonprofit foundation isCharles Barker Champions for
Kids.
Our franchise dealership isMercedes-Benz of Virginia Beach
and our used car warehouse isour used car operations, which
is also Charles Barker used carwarehouse.
Speaker 2 (18:25):
Thanks for being here , Lexie.
Thank you for having me.
Speaker 3 (18:27):
Denise.
Speaker 1 (18:32):
Thank you for listening me, Denise.
Popular Podcasts
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.