Ardeen "Deno" Muller has been helping people find vehicles at Eide Ford for nearly 25 years. Our team takes pride in providing a friendly environment for our customers, and Deno brings valuable experience and professionalism to the showroom here in Bismarck.
In 1991, Deno walked out onto a car lot here in Bismarck and helped a customer purchase a pre-owned Pontiac LeMans. It was his first sale.
"It was the very first person I ever dealt with. I remember walking out onto the lot and being nervous as heck," he said. "I just didn't know what I was doing at the time, but I managed to close the deal."
For his customers and coworkers, it's hard to imagine Deno in this situation. Nowadays, he exudes the professionalism and confidence of someone who knows what he's doing – because he truly does.
Deno came to Eide Ford in October of 1993. He's grown out of the nervousness. In fact, he's our record holder for both the Salesman of the Month award and the Salesman of the Year award, which he won this past year.
His big secret? He doesn't have one.
"It's really just about taking care of the customers," said Deno, who estimates that 90% of his business comes from referrals or repeat sales. "I make sure they're satisfied. That's really the biggest thing."
"It's clear that [Deno] is an exceptionally great salesman," said General Sales Manager Casey Neumann. "He really is the heart and soul of our sales team here."
Casey also appreciates Deno's customer service skills.
"People come to Deno becuase they know he's going to take care of them," said Casey. "He's very sincere and truly cares about his customers. He's always willing to go the extra mile."
Q: How long have you been on the Eide Ford team?
Deno: I've been here for almost 25 years now.
Q: You're no stranger to the Salesman of the Month Award. What's your secret?
Deno: There really isn't a secret. I think [as a salesperson] you just need to go above and beyond for people. Everyone appreciates attention to detail.
Q: What has changed most in the sales process since you started here in 1993?
Deno: Biggest change in sales process is just the technology in the vehicles. But aside from the product, I would say nothing has really changed. You've still got to just take care of people.
Q: How is the sales team at Eide Ford different from those at other Bismarck auto dealers?
Deno: I think it just comes down to the experience we try to give to every customer who walks in the door. And honestly, it's not just here at the store. Even when we each have a day off – we're still available to our customers. Just this weekend I got three texts and two phone calls. Our team knows how to take care of people, and really, just being there is a valuable thing.
Q: Is there anyone you would like to thank for the Salesman of the Month Award?
Deno: I really want to thank my wife. We'll be married 30 years in October. Also, thanks to the management team at Eide Ford, and especially to my wonderful clients.
Next time you're in need of a vehicle, come on by! Or check out the other folks working to give you an experience that is: "Time Saving. Hassle Free. Fair Price."