I am new to the Toledo area; coming from Sterling Heights, MI.; where I lived with my daughter and 2 sons. I have been in the automotive industry for over 5 years now. I am excited about joining the team here at Ballas because of their desire to provide exceptional customer service as well as their passion for excellence. I have learned that purchasing a car is an important decision and having a knowledgeable sales consultant is important. Sharing my knowledge is how I can help others. I pride myself on researching the market and knowing as much as I can about the product we offer. I will not pressure or hassle you doing your buying decision. Instead I will help you make an informed decision that will help you purchase a vehicle that meets the needs of your family.

In my spare time, I coach a semi pro football team in Wayne County, MI. I love sports and music, having been privileged to play both. I enjoy watching my boys play soccer and tap dance. I think that spending time with your family is very important. My mom taught me the old cliché you should play as hard as you work. I really am enjoying life and living my dreams. I look forward to meeting you and sharing in your automobile purchasing experience.

I started my automotive sales career at Ballas 17 years ago, after a long retail career at J.C. Penney Co.

Having been in the retail business for over 35 years, I have learned that unfailing integrity and a true commitment to “do what's right” are the keys to success. These are the attributes that first drew me to Ballas Buick-GMC and why I am working here now.

I was raised in Maumee and went to Maumee HS, eventually graduating from the University of Toledo in 1972 with a B. Ed. degree. In my free time, I enjoy gardening, fishing and spending time with my wife, Ruth. We have four children and eleven grandchildren between us and spend as much time as we can with them.

I enjoy working at Ballas Buick-GMC and look forward to meeting you. I promise to make your car buying experience easy and enjoyable. I also believe that my job doesn't end with the sale and to make your purchase “exceed your expectations”.

I was born and raised in Genoa, Ohio; but currently reside in the Berkey area with my husband; Rob, and three children: Chase (4) Kevin (16) and Emily (13). I love to cook, bake, work out and spend as much time as I can with my family.

After graduating from Genoa Area High School, I went on to Penta County Vocational where I studied cosmetology. Having professionally practiced that art for several years, I moved on into sales and marketing where I have traveled the country, opening marketing offices for a sports fitness and nutrition company.

Returning home tired of living out of a suitcase in 1998, I started my career in the auto industry. I recently joined the Ballas Team because I respected their mission of earning a customer by building a strong, happy customer relationship through the highest level of service - before and after the sale.

While purchasing a new vehicle should be a happy event, I understand often enough the car buying experience can be tedious and stressful. This is where I can make the difference! I will take the time to listen to you and understand your needs offer the right vehicle to fulfill your desires and structure reasonable financing without high pressure. I look forward to meeting you.

Watch Dana's presentation of the:

2011 GMC Sierra

2010 Buick Lacrosse.

Congratulations to Dana Kirk

Mark of Excellence

2010 Dealership

Performance Reward Winner

I am originally from West Monroe, LA, home of the television show Duck Dynasty and great high school football. I attended college at the University of Louisiana at Monroe, where I studied Business and Communication. I also competed in long jump, served as president of FCA(Fellowship of Christian Athletes), volunteered as a youth mentor, and was a member of SIFE(Students in Free Enterprise). I've also worked as a summer counselor for KAA(Kids Across America) in connection with Kanakuk Kamps. Between semesters I worked in every industry from Manual labor to food services to mortgages. But nothing satisfied me more than the world of sales. There is little more engaging than doing business face to face with people and adding value to their lives, their families and their businesses. I love that automotive sales allows me the opportunity to erase the stereotype of the used car salesman, and replace it with a dealer who cares about people, their pocketbooks, and their well-being. I'm absolutely thrilled to experience my path merge with Ballas Buick GMC. Whether we recognize it or not, value is an intangible that we all cherish. And through sales, service, and commitment, I endeavor to add value to your life, the life of your family and your business. I look forward to doing business with you.

First generation Mexican American, Tony Ramirez says his family came to this great country to succeed in every aspect of life. Tony was the son of immigrant parents and grew up in East Toledo and Rossford then attended the University of Toledo and played college baseball. Tony's mother, Diana Flores, still lives in the area and is employed at the International Institute.
While attending the University of Toledo Tony was elected President of the Alpha Psi Lambda fraternity. This was the nation's first co-ed fraternity based on the principles of family and inclusiveness. Tony was also on the executive board of the Latino Student Union, and he was awarded the Diamante Award for community service.
After college Tony continued to be active in his community serving as a Freemason. He is also a member of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and is on the Executive Committee to the Chamber's local job exposition.
Tony loves cars, sports of all kinds and he loves to dance the Salsa. In fact, Tony was an instructor of Latino dancing and has participated in various Latino dance events.
When asked what he is most proud of in life, Tony quickly responds, "My beautiful children, Angelina, Makaylah and Andrew". He adds, "I am proud of my culture and it is fun to pass along the traditions to my children. I really love the times when the family is all together and we are all speaking Spanish".
About his job, Tony says he loves working with and meeting the people. "It is just inspirational to hear about their lives and their trials and the success stories". "At Ballas we think Tony as a success story and we are very proud of him and his accomplishments", says Marianne Ballas.
Watch Tony Ramirez' presentation of the:
2011 GMC Sierra

I was raised in a small town in Illinois. For many years, I traveled all over the United States in the construction business making schools safe for children. After getting tired of living in hotels, I decided to settle down. My parents had relocated to Ohio, so wanting to be near my family, here I am. But the question remained, what to do about a new career? All of my friends, family, and everyone at church said, "you would be great in sales." So here it is 12 years later and I love what I do. I can't begin to tell you the feeling I get when I help a family get a new vehicle. I have truly found my calling in life. So please, call, text, e-mail me or just stop by. I promise to do everything I can to give you a friendly, caring, honest purchasing experience. See you soon!

Jennifer Rudey has joined Ballas after many long years in the retail industry. She worked many long hours, rarely a day off and constantly missing out on time with her family. After years of the grueling hours she decided a change was due. Their loss is the gain of Ballas. Jennifer is a mother to little girl and enjoys dancing with her husband. In fact, she and her husband met while dancing. Jennifer has been a pleasure to get to know and work alongside.

Rob Quinto's parents; Angel and Lolita Quinto; always wanted their son to follow in dad's footsteps and become a physician, but Rob wasn't sure. So after graduation from Sylvania High School and taking a few college courses, Rob enlisted in the U.S. Army and became a field medic, stationed on the DMZ in Korea. After a year in the Field Hospital it became clear to Rob that medicine wasn't for him. When Rob returned to Toledo, he enrolled at the University of Toledo taking business courses. This led to Rob's career in the computer industry where he worked for fifteen years in networking, sales and training technology before coming to Ballas Buick GMC in 2001 working in sales and technology.

Rob's technology skills are showcased on the Ballas company website. He designs, updates and is continually bringing the latest improvements to the site. "This is my favorite job that I have ever had", says Rob. "It has challenges and variety, the change is constant and I can see results" he adds. "It is obvious that Rob loves his job", says Marianne Ballas. "You can walk by his desk at any time and he is taking on-line classes and listening to on-line broadcasts to keep up on what is happening in the industry, then he applies it to our business", she adds.

In his spare time, Rob is a "family man". He and his wife of 26 years, Pat, are proud of their three sons, Joseph, Michael, and Anthony. In addition to being the soccer coach for his sons, Rob and Pat have made it a mission to introduce them to musicals and musical theatre. The family also shares a passion for the Boston Red Sox and they made a vacation trip to Fenway Park in Boston to enjoy a game together.

Kate is a graduate of Siena Heights University, with her degree in Business. While in school; she was bestowed a Leadership Award. Kate has two adult children Shane and Gina. She is very involved with her grandchildren who live in Toledo. She loves to try all kinds of food but her favorites are Italian, Chinese or Lebanese. She loves gourmet cooking, so if you have any recipes to swap, give her a call. Any spare time Kate has is spent helping with Heroes in Action military support group and in various volunteer roles through the women's ministry in her church.

Kate has been in retail sales her whole life. She came to join the Ballas team in 2000. She maintains her Buick and GMC Sales Professional status through satellite; web based or hands-on classes. She is also our Child Safety Seat/ Safety Technician through SAFEKIDS.ORG. She really enjoys talking with her customers and making their total experience with Ballas Buick GMC a pleasant memorable one.

Watch Kate's presentation of the 2011 GMC Sierra.

Congratulations to Kate Zanella

Mark of Excellence

2010 Dealership

Performance Reward Winner