Tyrell Evans is a distinguished Canadian sales manager in the automotive industry, renowned for his transformative impact on vehicle and parts sales strategies. Based in Toronto, Ontario, Evans has carved a niche for himself through his adept management skills, commitment to the automotive community, and notable philanthropic efforts. Born in 1988 to Caribbean immigrant parents, he was instilled with strong values and a leadership spirit from an early age, attributes that have propelled his professional journey.
Evans graduated from Ryerson University’s Ted Rogers School of Management with a degree in Business Management, concentrating on Entrepreneurship and Strategy. His academic tenure was marked by numerous accolades, such as Dean’s List recognition and the Ryerson Leadership Award, underscoring his commitment and capability in his field.
His career began at AutoNation Inc., where he quickly ascended from a Junior Sales Associate to significant roles such as Sales Manager at Prestige Automotive Group and later, Regional Sales Director at Elite Motors International. Evans is not only a Certified Automotive Sales Manager (CASM) but also a valued member of the Canadian Automotive Dealers Association (CADA). His leadership has led to unprecedented sales growth and enhanced team performances, reflecting his innovative approach to sales management.
Outside of his professional life, Evans is married to Maya, a graphic designer he met during his university years. Together, they have two children and reside in Toronto. An avid supporter of local sports teams, Evans enjoys photography and running. He actively participates in charity marathons, advocating for educational and environmental causes, showcasing his commitment to community welfare.
Evans’s numerous recognitions, including AutoNation’s Rookie of the Year and various leadership awards from Ryerson University, highlight his professional excellence and innovative strategies that have consistently driven his teams to achieve record sales figures. Tyrell Evans remains a prominent figure in the automotive sector, admired for his professional acumen and dedication to societal contributions.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My day begins early with a quick run; it’s not just for physical fitness but also to clear my mind and prepare for the day ahead. Once at work, I prioritize checking the metrics from the previous day and setting clear objectives for our sales team. I make it a point to spend time on the floor, engaging directly with the team and our customers, which I believe fosters a positive sales environment and helps in understanding firsthand the dynamics at play. The afternoon usually involves strategy meetings, either focusing on long-term goals or addressing immediate needs. I wind down my day by reviewing achievements and setting preliminary goals for the next day, ensuring a continuous cycle of productivity.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Ideas are brought to life through collaborative brainstorming sessions with my team. We often use these sessions to challenge each other’s thinking and refine our strategies, ensuring robustness and innovation in our approach. Once we settle on a potential idea, we conduct small-scale tests to assess viability and impact. Successful tests lead to a structured rollout, where we monitor progress and make adjustments as necessary. It’s a dynamic process, but staying agile and receptive to feedback has always served us well in staying ahead.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The integration of AI in automotive sales and customer service truly excites me. AI’s ability to analyze data and predict consumer behavior presents a unique opportunity to personalize customer interactions and streamline the sales process. By adopting AI, we can enhance customer satisfaction and increase efficiency, positioning our business at the forefront of the automotive industry’s technological evolution. This trend not only promises to reshape how we interact with customers but also how we manage our internal processes and training methods.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Setting and reviewing daily goals is a habit that significantly increases my productivity. Each morning, I list my top priorities and throughout the day, I check my progress against these goals. This practice not only keeps me focused but also gives me a clear benchmark for daily achievement. It helps in managing time effectively and ensures that I am not just busy, but also productive. Reflecting on these goals at the end of the day provides a sense of accomplishment and a clear direction for the next day.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to embrace every opportunity to learn, no matter how small or seemingly inconsequential. Early in my career, I sometimes passed up opportunities because they didn’t align perfectly with my expectations. I’ve since learned that every experience has value and contributes to your growth. Additionally, I would stress the importance of networking and building relationships within the industry from the start. These connections can provide support, insight, and opportunities that are invaluable as you advance in your career.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I firmly believe that traditional selling techniques are still as relevant today as they were decades ago, despite the digital transformation in sales. Many professionals argue that digital tools and online engagement are all that matter now, but I maintain that personal interactions and building trust face-to-face with customers cannot be fully replicated by technology. This blend of old and new school methods is what I advocate for in my training sessions, much to the skepticism of my peers who favor more modern approaches exclusively.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
One practice I consistently follow and recommend is reflective journaling. Each day, I take time to write down what went well, what didn’t, and what I’ve learned. This not only helps in personal growth but also enhances professional decision-making by providing clear insights into past actions and their outcomes. It’s a powerful tool for continuous improvement and helps in maintaining emotional and mental clarity.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I step back and take a short walk to reset my mind. Disconnecting momentarily from the immediate pressures allows me to return with a clearer perspective and renewed focus. I also find discussing my concerns with a trusted colleague or mentor helpful as it provides new viewpoints and reassurance. These strategies collectively help in regaining my focus and effectively managing stress.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Building a strong team culture has been a cornerstone strategy in advancing my career and the businesses I’ve managed. By fostering an environment where each team member feels valued and integral to our collective goals, we’ve achieved remarkable engagement and efficiency. This culture encourages innovation, accountability, and a high level of performance, which in turn drives business growth and personal career advancement. Leading by example and ensuring open communication have been key in cultivating this productive workplace culture.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
One significant failure in my career was an overly ambitious expansion strategy that I pushed for in a previous role, which did not account adequately for regional market variations. This oversight led to underperformance against our projections and a costly recalibration of our operations. I learned the hard way the importance of comprehensive market research and the need for adaptable strategies. This experience taught me to value thorough analysis and to embrace flexibility in planning and execution.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A business idea I’d love to share is an app that matches prospective car buyers with personal car shopping assistants. These assistants would provide advice, find deals, and negotiate on the buyer’s behalf, leveraging technology to streamline the buying process. This service could be particularly appealing to those who lack the time or expertise to navigate the car buying process and would value a trusted advisor in their corner.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Trello is a key piece of software that boosts my productivity. It’s a project management tool that helps organize tasks, track project progress, and manage deadlines effectively. I use it to coordinate with various teams, ensuring everyone is aligned and aware of their responsibilities and deadlines. It’s incredibly user-friendly and facilitates a clear visual of the workflow, which enhances team collaboration and efficiency.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
One of my favorite books is “Good to Great” by Jim Collins. It offers profound insights into what differentiates merely good companies from those that achieve greatness. The concept of the “Flywheel Effect” and the emphasis on disciplined people, disciplined thought, and disciplined action have shaped my managerial philosophy and approach to business strategy. This book has been a guiding star in pursuing excellence in my career.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently enjoyed watching “The Founder,” which is about the story of Ray Kroc and the expansion of McDonald’s. This movie highlights the complexities of entrepreneurship, the moral dilemmas in business, and the relentless pursuit of success. I found it particularly inspiring and thought-provoking, reminding me of the importance of innovation and persistence in business. It’s a fascinating exploration of ambition, power, and the American Dream.
Key learnings:
- Emphasizing a balance between traditional selling techniques and modern digital tools can enhance customer relationships and sales effectiveness.
- Cultivating a strong team culture that values each member’s contribution is essential for driving business growth and fostering a productive work environment.
- Reflective journaling is a powerful tool for personal and professional development, helping to clarify thoughts, learn from experiences, and improve decision-making.