Breaking records, both in and out of the dealership, is Roger Neff’s style. Neff has spent the majority of his life in gyms as both an athlete and a coach. Before selling cars, he had a successful career in wrestling, and in 1988 and 1992, he was a United States wrestling alternate for the Olympics. Later, he fought his way into the world of mixed martial arts (MMA).

Until just over three years ago, before tearing a muscle in his arm, Neff was fully engaged in MMA, fighting in far-away places like the UK and the United Arab Emirates. The arm injury is partially responsible for his entry into the automotive sales business. During the years before the injury, Ray Routh (an employee at Dave Smith Motors and a MMA pupil and teammate of Coach Neff) had been trying to convince Neff to sell cars, but like many, he was hesitant.

Fighting for a living takes its toll on the body, and it isn’t exactly a career someone can continue until age 65. Neff, who’s now 40, knew returning to MMA would be out of the question after his injury. Shortly after having surgery on his arm, Routh called him again about selling vehicles. This time, Neff said yes, and it wasn’t long before he’d grappled his way to the top of the 100-person sales team at Dave Smith Motors.

While he didn’t begin his career at the very top, Sales Manager Karl Lakey said Neff was in the top 20 sales associates from the get-go, and it wasn’t long before he was leading the pack. He’s been at Dave Smith for over three years now, and for the past two years, Neff’s been number one for the dealership and for Chrysler. In 2007, he sold 373 vehicles and still took over five weeks of vacation. So, when he wasn’t vacationing, he averaged just under eight cars per work day. In December 2006, he sold 64 units, his personal best and the dealership record.

Success doesn’t go unnoticed at Dave Smith Motors. Neff has received an all-expense paid trip to Maui for the past two years for his outstanding performance. He has sold 40 or more vehicles in six months during the last three years.

When Neff isn’t working, he’s training for his new competitive sport of choice—power lifting. The next record he’s going for is the U.S. men’s record in the deadlift—a form of power lifting. To beat that record, he’ll have to deadlift over 813 pounds. He’ll have a chance at the record very soon at the 2008 Olympic trials, which starts in April. To crack the top six nationally he estimates he will have to lift 800 pounds.

While there aren’t many things a professional fighter could carryover to a career in auto sales, Neff brought his competitive spirit and tireless work ethic, for which Lakey strongly commended him. He said of Neff, “He’s very competitive, and I think that really drives him. In his mind, he has to be number one, and he’ll work until he is—literally … He’s self-motivated. I let him do whatever he wants.”

Neff’s work ethic is a major reason for his success, but his love of people also plays a huge role. According to Lakey, Neff’s very direct and honest with customers, and his customers appreciate and respect that. In three short years, Neff has built his repeat and referral customer base to comprise an estimated 80 percent of his sales. “He’s awesome; there’s just no doubt about that,” said Lakey.

Congratulations to Roger Neff, our Sales Professional of the Month, and thank you to Karl Lakey for bringing Neff to our attention.