Grambling native, Louis Allen, is a prime example of what hard work and dedication can achieve. He has risen through the ranks to become the top salesperson at Karl Malone’s Toyota of Ruston. Highly respected by his peers, we sat down with him recently to find out his “secret sauce” for being so good at his job.

TGC: How long have you been with Karl Malone Toyota of Ruston?

Louis: I’ve here 4 years and 10 months.

TGC: Were you in auto sales before you came here?

Louis: No, this is my first auto sales job.

TGC: So, tell us more about your background?

Louis: I’m actually from Grambling. I went to Alma J. Brown Elementary, then Grambling Middle School and High School. Then, I went to Grambling State and graduated in 2003.

TGC: What did you do after graduation?

Louis: I got offered a job at Walgreen’s right out of college so I started there first.

TGC: So, you’ve always been in sales?

Louis: Yes, retail sales and then auto sales.

TGC: Ok, so, after Walgreen’s, you came here?

Louis: Yes.

TGC: Since you’ve been here, what have been some of your accomplishments?

Louis: My first year, I was top salesperson… so I did that, and really just learning, that ‘s been my thing. I consider myself a sponge.

TGC: We’ve spoken with your manager and he speaks very highly of you, so what do you think it is you do that makes you stand out?

Louis: I don’t have to be told to do something. You know, you have some people when they come to work, and you have to tell them what to do. I’m someone that… I naturally come in and I know what to do. If I have a customer coming, I know how to take care of my customer. I make the car buying process, which a lot of people say is stressful, make it as much fun and easy as I possibly can make it. It, also, makes my Manager’s job easier to not worry whether, this person is coming in or that person. It’s makes everyone’s job easier when people do what they’re suppose to do.

TGC: What is it about working in this market that you enjoy?

Louis: I love it! I mean, people can always go to a bigger market but in a bigger market, you might go to a dealership and they might have 20 sales people or, you know, ok, there’s a dealership here, but then there’s one [next door], and [across the street], they’re all on top of each other… Like, I’m from this area so I market myself really well and I get referrals from people that know me personally. And, also, different customers that I’ve met, they’ll call me up and say, “Hey Louis, I gave your number to this person or I need you to call this person.” I get a lot of that so it’s helps being from here.

TGC: So, what are your future goals?

Louis: Just to continue to move up, maybe someday be a general manager… you know, having that team where everyone loves to come to work and have fun. I mean, we know we have business to do but it’s also important that people enjoy coming to work.

TGC: Ok, any parting words you’d like to say to our readers?

Louis: If you come here, we’re going to have fun. Instead of going through a process that a lot of people hate, we want them to enjoy it. And for people who want to work here, you have to come in and be willing to learn because every customer is different and you have to learn how to deal with different personalities. And a lot of it is in the way you come across to them. You have to treat every person like they matter.

TGC: What would you say is great about coming to Karl Malone as oppose to other dealerships around?

Louis: I feel like you’re not going to get a better price and you won’t have a better experience [anywhere else].

TGC: Ok, well, thank you for sitting down with us and for sharing your story with our audience.

Louis: Thank you for having me.