Jack Cameron
08 October 2024
At P+B, it’s our exceptional service that sets us apart from the competition. We may sell cars (really nice ones), but what interests us far more is the people that drive away in them.
That means if you’re going to drive our cars, it’s important you learn who drives us. That’s why we’re introducing our new ‘Meet the Team’ series!
First up in this series of articles is our new Relationship Manager, Leona Kieran. Leona brings 18 years of experience in managing relationships in the car industry and was keen to move away from the traditional dealership model and be part of our mission to change the way people buy cars.
Without further ado, let’s find out more about Leona and why she’s the perfect fit for P+B.
Tell us a bit about yourself?
There are a few things you should know about me. First is that I was born and raised in County Meath in Ireland (which you’ll figure out as soon as you speak to me). I grew up with my parents and two younger brothers, but I have a large extended family, massive in fact. I’m the oldest of 41 grandchildren! That’s a lot of Christmas cards. We’re also a very active family who are really into sport. I’ve played Gaelic Football (GAA), running, cross country and even tried boxing for a while.
I made the switch from Ireland to Scotland in 2023, after falling in love with the city from numerous visits. On my first ever visit, I met my current partner, and we started a long-distance relationship. Edinburgh was on a long list of places I had always wanted to visit, and I was really enjoying spending time in the city when I came to see him. I received an offer to continue my career in Edinburgh, and before you know it, I was here permanently. I live in Leith now and I love it.
In terms of my role at P+B, I would describe myself as a mix of people and product. Maintaining and building relationships with my clients is one of my key motivators. That’s why P+B was the perfect fit for me. I pride myself in being the best version of myself that I can be.
I think I’m a very pragmatic person. I just get on with things. Whether it be the highest of highs or lowest of lows, nothing is permanent. Even at my lowest, I kept going. A good quote to summarise how I think is the famous saying “This too shall pass”.
What inspired you to pursue a career in this industry?
I love everything about cars, from watching them to selling them. My family are big into cars too, and I always wanted to work with them in some way. I used to think only men sold cars, as there weren’t many women in the industry back then. A lot of people would assume only men could do it, but that didn’t stop me.
My career in the motor industry began in 2006. I was working in a phone shop at the time, when a distant friend pulled up outside in a brand new Mini. After a brief conversation, it turned out the person she had bought it from was leaving that job. I handed in my CV that same day, and three interviews later, my foot was officially in the door. I’ve been in the motor industry for almost 20 years now, and haven’t looked back since.
Why did you want to work at P+B?
What attracted me to P+B was the breakaway from the traditional dealership model. I wanted something different, and P+B offered me it.
The dealership model over here in Scotland is slightly different to at home in Ireland. The dealership model in Ireland has the customers’ needs put to the forefront. The model wasn’t perfect back home by any means, but a lot of what we did was based around relationship building, with high referrals and repeats. We almost had people coming to us looking for cars we didn’t even sell, just so they could get it through us! Maybe the attraction to work here was that it reminded me of home a little bit. This role is a lot more customer focused.
I came across the job advert for P+B one day and it piqued my interest instantly. P+B don’t tend to hire people from a dealership background, but it was our matching motivations for moving away from the old method which landed me the role. Having a little bit of background knowledge on the industry certainly didn’t hurt either.
I’ve had good teams and got on with people throughout my whole career, but there is a lovely and warm environment here. If a customer walked into the office, they’d see busy people who talk to each other and get on well. The competitive elements of selling cars are still there, but there is a better sense of camaraderie than in a normal dealership.
“I love everything about cars, from watching them to selling them. I’ve been in the motor industry for almost 20 years now and haven’t looked back since.”
Why should people buy a car from you?
People should come to me for their car needs because I am someone who is relaxed, personable and easy going. I am someone who cares. Someone who understands the customer’s needs. I have always been a woman of my word, and I do what I say I’m going to do. Having a satisfied client is just as important as the sale itself.
I am still navigating this new role a little, but a lot of the same skills are still there. I keep up to date on the newest car technologies and trends. I also make sure I understand the needs of my clients before I sell them anything. I thrive in that busy environment and don’t often get too stressed.
Our founder, Piers, is very much about people over product. I believe I’m an equal mix of both.
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
I think it’s my enthusiasm. Coming in and doing my job to the best of my ability has never been a challenge to me. That’s just what I do. I’m also really happy to be here. I’m so thrilled to be given this opportunity which is going to make a huge difference to my overall life. A job is a job as they say, but why work in a job if you’re not really enjoying it? I’ve never understood that. Here I have a good work life balance, and I enjoy what I do.
I also just love cars, and I still wanted to be able to look after people. That was very important to me. I’m also a salesperson, so finding a role that would fulfil both needs was important to me. That and my alarm.
It’s great to have you on board, Leona. If you’d like to find out more about how Leona can help you get the car you dreamt of, you can contact her below!
