OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Community activist Larry Johnson understands the challenges that life can present, and how making the right decisions can make all the difference.
The founder of Kings in Brotherhood was recently recognized by his employer for 15 years of service as a manager. Johnson started at an entry level position two decades ago, but it has been his consistency as an employee that made a lasting impact, something he tries to share with the young men he mentors.
“Once you get to a particular point, customers begin to have certain expectations, especially being in the car dealership business,” said Johnson.
The community activist started out in the service department, and began his career washing cars, and five years later in Sept. 2010, he became a manager, and much of that came from his being consistent, being on time, his dedication and indefatigable work ethic.
“I used to be in sales while I was working for a clothing store in the 1990s,” said Johnson. “But when I went to the Jenkins Auto Group, I didn’t want to be involved with sales.”
However, Johnson knew what he was capable of and what he could bring to the organization. He became a detail manager and began to draw notice from the owner and the general manager. Johnson would go from one managerial position to another, for a different dealership under the same umbrella, as a lane manager for a service department.
“By observing other managers in other departments, you’re able to see what they do, and take from them what they do well, and avoid making the mistakes that they did,” said Johnson. “I try to do better than I did the previous day and perform at a higher level than I did the previous year.”
Johnson uses his organization, the Kings in Brotherhood as an outlet, to get kids off the street and giving them an opportunity.
‘They can come in, never having been in the car industry, and they can be a lot porter or lane porter,” said Johnson. “They can move up to being a service advisor or a tech. I’ve had several guys that I’ve brought and have got them away from the street life. My job and the Kings in Brotherhood go hand-in-hand. It’s a way to show these youth that there is a better way in life out there for them beside the streets. You can make money, but you have to be dedicated.”
