Motorworld and Caribbean Auto will host its annual sizzling Hot Summer Sale Car Show on Saturday, September 2, at Motorworld’s new landmark showroom in Cole Bay. Sales Director Manisha Amjad tells us about herself and the must-visit car show in this week’s Hot Seat.
Who is Manisha Amjad?
I am the Sales Director at Motorworld Group of Companies. I’m a daughter, a sister, a friend, a wife and most importantly a mother. I’m a very simple and fair person. I believe in finding a balance in life. I love spending quality time with my family, but also working hard.
How did you end up on The Friendly Island?
I was born in Guyana. At the age of four, my parents made a risky decision to move our entire family to St. Maarten for a better life. Luckily, they made the right choice.
Education?
Unfortunately, I did not have the chance to attend college. I graduated from St. Dominic High School at the age of 17 and actually went to a job interview at Motorworld for a temporary job with one main goal of saving money for college. At that time, I didn’t realise that I was being interviewed by my future husband and I would one day become the sales director of that company.
What do you like about being in the car dealership business?
I like meeting new people. At Motorworld, we meet so many different people with different personalities and stories.
How would you describe your personal management style?
I consider my team to be a family so it’s very important that everyone is happy working together. Managing a sales team and working together, we have many unpredictable days so I generally try to give clear directions and stay hands-off. I make myself available to any staff member or clients with an open door policy to offer guidance and help when needed. I always listen and allow my team members to voice their opinions and try new strategies.
What are some of the challenges you encounter?
Our main goal at Motorworld is to make all customers happy and satisfied. Sometimes we’re faced with the challenge of not having a vehicle in stock that someone is excited to get now. This brings so much disappointment to a client and their family. We’re constantly working on improving and ordering more and more vehicles.
What’s your all-time personal favourite vehicle and what do you drive currently?
I love pretty and fast cars. My favourite car is any Lamborghini. One day I will get to drive one.
Tell us about the upcoming car show.
On September 2, we will be hosting our Hot Summer Sale Car Show at Motorworld. Six major banks will be on the spot. We will have all the models we sell on display with amazing deals. There will also be live music and free food and drinks.
Motorworld and Caribbean Auto have a summer car show every year; what is different about this one?
With the new showroom this year, our car show will be mainly indoors. So you can now view most of the cars in the comfort of an air conditioned environment.
Why is now the perfect time to purchase a vehicle?
There’s no better time than now. You will be eligible to receive discounts – three months’ free loan payments with participating banks and a free gift.
What message do you have for youngsters who want to follow in your footsteps?
Always respect and listen to your elders. I have many role models. However, I definitely wouldn’t be the person I am today if I did not listen to my mother-in-law Rena Amjad. She taught me to be a strong and fearless woman in this auto business that’s headed by men.
What else are you involved in outside of business?
I find myself so busy from the office to home – my sweet 18-month-old baby girl Zara and my family – that I have limited time. However, I’d love to become more involved in the community, when time permits in the future.
Hobbies?
I enjoy listening to music, watching TV in bed and reading novels, but nothing beats playing with my daughter, baby Zara, and my husband. Hearing her little laugh makes everything better.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years, I’m hoping that my husband and I will continue to successfully manage the family businesses together. I’ve always wanted a big family so there will definitely be more kids in our future right here in St. Maarten.
Pet peeve?
I cannot stand seeing things dirty. It could be a person or a thing.
Philosophy on life?
My parents struggled, but did their best to raise me and my two brothers. Because of that, I’ve learned that patience truly is a virtue because the best things in life are worth waiting for and you should never take anything or anyone for granted.
Favourite quote?
Enjoy life today; yesterday is gone; and tomorrow may never come.
What’s your favourite type of music?
I love music. I enjoy listening to all types of music: R&B, Pop, Reggae, Spanish, Indian, cultural, Rap, you name it. All I need is a good beat and beautiful lyrics.
If you could ask any three persons (dead or alive) to a dinner party, who would they be and what would you serve them?
Robin Williams, Celine Dion and my husband Tariq Amjad. My mom’s chicken curry is the best I swear. I’d have silly jokes, beautiful music, the love of my life and yummy food in the same place.
