On a sunny, warm day in Atlanta, I had the pleasure of experiencing a test drive in a stunning white Porsche Taycan 4S. Darvee, Porsche Atlanta Perimeter’s Brand Ambassador, took me through the Porsche Advanced Cockpit and away we went. This Porsche is fully electric and handled like a dream. Getting this baby from 0 to 60 took nothing at all!
Our Senior Sales Manager, Karyn Slovin took one for the team and test drove the Taycan 4S, recommended to her by Porsche Atlanta Perimeter General Manager Mike Boyd. He and his team recognize that women are very important to their business and are designing events and managing inventory to boost this important market segment.
“Our Drive What You Deserve, a by-invitation event for women, is now an annual event with empowerment speakers, luxury retail exhibits, networking opportunities and of course a chance for women to get behind the wheel of a Porsche sports car,” said Boyd.
Every day at Porsche, women are contributing to the business. Meet three women who make the dealership run smoothly and fuel the company’s growth.
Valarie Cobb
Having arrived in Atlanta as of November 2020 from Cincinnati, I am happy to have become a part of the Jim Ellis family. Sharing some of the enthusiasm for cars as my brothers did growing up, I fell in love with Porsche, having even displayed a Porsche 911 Turbo poster on my wall as a child. In my process of becoming a Porsche Certified Brand Ambassador I have learned so much about the history of Porsche and the brand, which I find very prestigious and fascinating. I am excited about continuing to learn, meeting more Porsche enthusiasts, introducing others who are new to the brand and becoming a valuable asset to my clientele. My ultimate Porsche to date is the 2016 911 R. A girl can dream, can’t she?
Carol Duster
In 1998, I was a bartender and had been for roughly 15 years. Feeling a serious burn out from my years in the food and beverage industry, I knew that there had to be more for me out there. I recall picking up the AJC Sunday edition, which is how you found a job in 1998. In the help wanted section I noticed that there were several car dealerships who were willing to hire and train me. The ads read “Wanted: self-starter, motivated, energetic.” Well, that describes me! I walked into Jim Ellis VW, sold myself and landed the gig! I learned about cars, how they work, the brand and the competition quickly. I also learned that people buy cars from people, and if I don’t listen to the client and make every attempt to fulfill their needs, they do have other options.
Fast forward, one year into my new career, I was awarded salesperson of the year by out-selling my 17 counterparts in 1999. So, I guess girls do sell cars. There have been many accolades over the years, but I must say that being a team member and manager here at Porsche Atlanta Perimeter, as part of the Jim Ellis Automotive Group, has been the most fulfilling in my auto industry career. I have the opportunity to interact with the most amazing clientele and help them realize their Porsche dreams. I know that for many women, diamonds are their best friend, but for me personally, Porsche’s are my diamonds. My favorite diamond is the 911 Cabriolet.
Lis Miranda, Service Advisor
Born in New York, New York and raised by immigrant parents, I watched my dad work on cars and eventually open his own repair shop. I always enjoyed learning about the inner workings and engineering of cars. This passion grew with the years and turned into a career. Now with over ten years in the automotive industry, I am able to to bring my exceptional knowledge of German engineering and extraordinary customer service skills to Porsche Perimeter. My goal for the future is to run a luxury dealership and continue my father's dream.
Karyn is pictured here with the new Cayenne Turbo GT. The Cayenne and Cayenne Coupe: both boast a striking appearance and impressive performance, with up to five seats.