As the leader of the Partner Success Team in the Southeast and Puerto Rico region at Tekion, my mission is clear: Ensure our Dealer Partners receive nothing short of a five-star experience. Each day brings new challenges, but my unwavering goal is to truly empower my team to drive success for our partners. At the core of our efforts lies the necessity for change management and the positive disruption of an age-old industry vertical.
My journey to Tekion has been a diverse one, including owning my own business for four years. Reflecting on my past, I’ve embraced principles that guide my leadership today:
- Inspect what you expect: Like a detective on the hunt for clues, I’ve learned to dive deep into what I anticipate, ensuring I’m fully prepared for whatever comes my way.
- Only expect what you have done and are willing to do: This one’s a bit like the golden rule of expectation-setting — I wouldn’t ask anyone to do something I’m not willing to tackle myself. It’s all about leading by example.
- Praise in public and counsel in private: Picture a cheerleader on one shoulder and a wise sage on the other. I believe in celebrating wins loudly and offering guidance with a side of discretion.
- Empower with the hope that one day they are above you: Think of it as a ladder of success where each rung represents someone I’ve helped elevate. I aim to empower others to reach for the stars, even if it means they might outshine me one day.
These principles drive my daily commitment to self-improvement and personal growth. In addition to my own principles, Tekion has played a significant role in shaping my development.
What distinguishes Tekion is our culture — a culture that cherishes each individual as both a person and an employee. From our CEO to every team member, transparency, accountability, and unity define our mantra of #OneTeam. I’m deeply engaged in shaping this culture, proudly serving on the Culture Champions Council, and actively promoting Tekion’s values in every endeavor.
From humble beginnings at a car dealership to leading sales teams to new heights, I’ve navigated various roles in the automotive industry. But my proudest moments stem from the impact I’ve had on people and places throughout my journey. However, at Tekion, I recognize there’s still much more to achieve. The possibilities are endless, and I’m just getting started.
Tekion’s disruptive approach has reshaped an industry resistant to change, proving that innovation knows no bounds. As I lead my team, I emphasize the importance of listening and valuing diversity.
My advice to aspiring leaders echoes what was once shared with me: “Be curious, lead from the front, and don’t be afraid to get little slaps on the wrist. You have a loud voice; use it.” The journey of learning and growth never ends, and I’m committed to continuous improvement — for myself, my team, and Tekion.
Outside of work, my passion for college football runs deep, but it’s my family that truly anchors my world. My wife, Melissa, and our five children bring boundless joy and fulfillment to our lives. As I gaze toward the future, I’m not only anticipating the next chapter in my journey but also eagerly embracing the exciting prospects that lie ahead for Tekion.
About the Author:
This blog is written by John Geittmann, Senior Manager, Partner Success at Tekion Corp.
