The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo be- gins next month and it is exciting and fun for all ages. There is shopping, livestock exhibits, a petting zoo, pig races, great food, a carnival, a variety of exhibits that are sure to educate and entertain and of course, cowboys and cowgirls competing in the actual rodeo every night. Also, don’t forget the calf scramble, the mutton busting and the nightly superstar performances! Just trying all the different foods that can be battered and deep fried could keep you busy for the whole day! Be sure to visit one of the biggest and best rodeos in the world and enjoy it right here in Houston, Texas at the Reliant Complex.

Below is this year’s line-up of stars.

• The 2012 HLSR performance lineup Alabama on Feb. 28
• Kid Rock on Feb. 29
• Lady Antebellum on Mar. 1
• John Legend on Mar. 2
• Luke Bryan on Mar. 3
• Big Time Rush on Mar. 4
• Eli Young Band on Mar. 5
• Enrique Iglesias on Mar. 6
• Blake Shelton on Mar. 7
• ZZ Top on Mar. 8
• Reba McEntire on Mar. 9
• Chris Young on Mar. 10
• Duelo, La Original Banda El Limon on Mar. 11
• Zac Brown Band on Mar. 12
• Miranda Lambert on Mar. 13
• The Band Perry on Mar. 14
• Jason Aldean on Mar. 15 Train on Mar. 16
• Brad Paisley on Mar. 17 Alan Jackson on Mar. 18

• Always change your oil every 3 months or 3,000 miles. This is prob- ably the single most important thing you can do to maintain the “health” of your vehicle. While you’re at it check for loose cables, air or gas filters and spark plugs in need of replacement.
• Keep your car neat and clean. This helps you to enjoy your car and ap- preciate its beauty.
• Follow your scheduled maintenance as listed in your owner’s manual. For your safety change your brake pads and wipers as needed or suggested in the manual.
• Check your tires for wear/uneven wear and check your tire pressure on a regular basis. Rotating your tires on a regular basis will lengthen the life of your tires as will keeping them at the recommended pressure. Uneven wear may be a sign of other problems such as alignment issues.
• Don’t drive crazy! Erratic and reck-kind to your car and it will be kind to you. If you hear a rattling noise, have it checked out; it may be as simple as a loose bolt.
• Always use a reputable repair shop.
• Never sign a blank authorization form for repairs to be done. Always ask for an estimate.

Durrett Motor Company would like to congratulate Candelario Garcia for 20 great years of service. Cande is the shop foreman here at Durrett and is an inval- uable part of our team.

Cande settled in Houston in 1989 after moving here from California and began his career at Durrett Motor Company in February of 1992.

Married since 1995, Cande and his wife Liz, have 3 children; Brianna 18, Marco Antonio 15, and Gael 2. He enjoys spending time with his family, working on challenging projects, and playing soccer.

We asked Cande what he likes most about his job and how he feels he makes a difference here at Durrett. His answer was no surprise to us. He enjoys being Craig’s right hand man and making everything look shiny and perfect. Can- de, we know how big of a job that really is! Cande describes Durrett Motor Com- pany as a fun and wonderful place to work and says he has enjoyed being taught by Craig Durrett, “immensely”. “He is an excellent mentor and encour- ages me to continue learning with an open and positive mindset,” Cande said of Mr. Durrett during our interview.

Looking into the future, Cande says he’d like to travel someday and enjoy some rest and relaxation while taking in the sights.

We gave Liz the opportunity to let Can- de know how proud she is of him for reaching this 20 year milestone. She said, “I am so proud of my husband’s 20 years of service and dedication to his job and even more so of the man he is at home. He is responsible and he is as dedicated to his family as he is his job. He always stays busy whether at home or at work. He just can’t sit still too long.” Here at Durrett we call that hardworking, and Cande, we love that about you! Congratulations and we look forward to working with you for many more years to come.

Craig & I have enjoyed watching Cande- lario grow up over the last 20 years. He was so young when he came to work with us. Now to see him responsible for a beautiful wife, three (3) wonderful children and owning his own home makes us so proud of him.

We can always count on Cande to do things right. He can fix just about any- thing, and he never does a job half way. He does so much for Craig and me. We can rest assured that when Cande is “on it” it will get done right the first time.

Thank you for 20 years of dedicated service, undying loyalty and your many hours of hard work. We would not be here without you. –Paula & Craig

Visualize

It’s that time of year again… FOOT- BALL—–AND, more importantly New Year’s GOALS!

Set any yet? You might even be asking yourself if setting goals is really im- portant. You bet it is!!!
Remember– “The goals you set are the goals you get!” If you set none, you’ll reach none. It’s as simple as that. How’d you do with those goals from last year? What were they and where is that list? Man, where did the year go? We may only be a few weeks into this year, but it’s a great time to check on goal progress and/or goal setting.

Lots of people set goals this time of year and lots of people talk about setting goals. You have to ask your- self right now, “Which will I be? Am I going to be the doer or the talker?” Act now! Choose to do it and you’ll soon be enjoying the many rewards of your efforts. Don’t let the excuses of the moment hold you back. Im- agine how ridiculous those excuses will sound five years from now. How would they sound if you had to ex- plain them to your mentor or some- one you respected?

Think about what you say to your child when they give you excuses. No, don’t let the weakness or frustra- tion of the moment keep you from your goal. Project your thoughts into the future and visualize your victory. How great will that feel??? It’ll feel awesome, amazing, and exhilarating! You’ll be so proud of yourself that no one will be able to slap the smile off your face! YES, that good!
Let’s break it down. Setting goals doesn’t have to be a big scary task. Here are some easy steps to guide you–courtesy of the all time great motivational speaker and author Zig Ziglar.

• Write down your goal(s). Keep your goals simply stated and well defined. Don’t make it too vague. Set it up so that you can easily meas- ure your progress towards complete success.  For example, if your goal is to lose weight, write down a specific number of pounds you will lose and by when.
• Date it and set your completion date/deadline. Goals aren’t meant to show up on your list year after year. If it’s a long term goal, break it down into a manageable, measureable chunk or two that can be completed this year. Maybe you need mini-goals; weekly or daily goals on your way to the big goal. Continuing with the weight loss example, your goal may be 2 lbs a week, 10 lbs a month, or 30 pounds this year. This is just an example, not exactly a suggestion.
• List the obstacles you will have to overcome to reach your goal. You know your weaknesses; you know your pitfalls. Write them down and vow not to fall into their trap. Speak only positive words of power and encouragement to your- self.
• List the resources you will need to reach your goal. Is there some- one that can help you obtain your goal? Is there someone who could join you because they have the same goal? Are there materials you will need to accomplish your goal?
• Write down your plan of action. What’s the game plan? How are you going to accomplish your goal? Again using the weight loss example– I will pack my lunch and not eat out. I will no longer buy or keep junk food in my home.
• List the benefits you will enjoy when you reach your goal. Other than gloating rights, self pride, and fulfillment…If there aren’t benefits, then it probably shouldn’t be a goal

Ask yourself; does reaching the goal make me happier, healthier, more prosperous, win me more friends, give me peace of mind, make me more secure, and/or improve my relationship with others?

One more tip. Tell others about your goals; they will help you and hold you accountable. They might even join you!

“A goal properly set is halfway reached.”

“Remember failure is an event not a person…If you learn from defeat you have not really lost.”

“People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well neither does bathing; that’s why we recom- mend it daily.”- Zig Ziglar

Read our January newsletter, click here to download

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It was back in 1985 when my partner and I were in your shoes. We knew the type of vehicle we wanted — very much like the 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo that is in Durrett’s inventory. We were very adamant that we were not going to be swayed by the salesman’s persuasion as to why we should get this Cherokee over here. Oh my, why do people make abrupt decisions?

You can probably already guess where this story is leading you, can’t you? That salesman was so, SO persuasive and made that one Cherokee sound SO enticing that we ended up paying interest on our very own cash that we paid as a down payment AND paid high monthly payments to boot!

So let’s take a brief look at some of the reasons people make abrupt decisions and why you can trust Durrett Motor Company to provide you with the best information on that vehicle:

• Pushy salespersons — Take your time. Our salespeople will not push you; they are very patient and will spend all the time you need to ensure you get the vehicle you really want.  The owners of Durrett will stop at no less than having a car dealership where you can feel comfortable and be treated as a member of the family.
• Love at first sight — Durrett Motor Company has a wide selection of makes and models of used vehicles that fall within a multitude of price ranges. While I can’t guarantee that you will fall in love with that first vehicle you see on Durrett’s car lot, we certainly have an inventory that is certified by Auto Exam Automotive Services.  We are not limited by a specific manufacturer, and it is fun to shop around.
• But it’s beautiful! — Yes, Durrett has some beautiful-looking vehicles. Come see!
• But, I’m just SO excited! — Well then, what are you waiting for? You can trust the knowledge and expertise of Durrett’s sales staff to provide you with good sound advice and help you find just the right car for you. Need help finding us?

Get directions to Durrett Motor Company here

So why do people make abrupt decisions? I would probably say that people just get afflicted with the “I want” syndrome. They don’t take the time to make an informed decision for their particular situation. In many instances they end up regretting the choice they made for all the wrong reasons. For example, they bought a vehicle thinking they could make the payments just by getting a second job. That’s the wrong mindset. We don’t want that to happen to you. It’s important that you stop, do your research, and then make an informed decision — one that you will be happy with in the long run.

Come in and look around. Interested in knowing more about our used car specials or simply to learn more about our Houston used car dealership? Why not pick up the phone right now and call 1.866.699.6974. We’ll look forward to your call.

We are excited to announce the newest member of our management team.  Kristi Trevino joined us on September 26, 2011.  Kristi is a dynamic, accomplished Office Manager with over 10 years of management experience.  She is an innovative thinker with strong business and strategic planning abilities. 

What will you bring to Durrett Motor Company?

I have excellent communication skills with a record of fostering solid relationships with peers and customers.  I’m also an effective leader in creating cohesive teams and providing the tools and motivation to achieve goals.

Where are you from?

I am originally from Nederland, which is located in Southeast Texas near Beaumont.  I moved to Houston in 1995 and it has been my home ever since.

Tell us about your family…

I recently got married this past July.  We do not have any children yet, but we plan on having some in the future.

Where did you attend HS and college?

I attended Nederland High School in Nederland, TX.  I received my bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston Downtown.

What are your hobbies/interests?

In my free time, I enjoy traveling and visiting with family.

How do you make a difference?

I try to put a smile on each person’s face.  Whether it be lending an ear or helping out whenever I can, I try to be a person everyone can depend on.

What would you like for us to know?

I am excited to join the Durrett team and looking forward to working with everyone!