Team Auto Group’s Kristin Dillard Honored by Automotive News
as One of 40 Under 40 Up-and- Coming Retailers

Team Auto Group, a Chevrolet-Buick-GMC-Cadillac dealership in Salisbury, announced that Kristin Dillard, a partner with the group, was recently honored by Automotive News and named as one of 40 up-and-coming retailers under age 40. The leading North American source of business news compiles this who’s who of future leaders on an annual basis.

Dillard originally started in the auto industry to spend more time with her father. She quickly learned that if she wanted to see more of him, she needed to work with him in his store. “Once I entered, I fell in love with the challenge that each day brings — a new target to reach, a new process to build, a new life to touch,” said Dillard. “I love that our business allows endless opportunity for all who enter so long as they are willing to work hard and stay committed. We as a dealer body are innovative, crave growth and love our teams as a family. You can’t find this in
any other industry,” Dillard continued.

According to Dillard, her father continues to be her mentor and role model to this day and both parents have always supported her career path, “I am endlessly grateful to both my father and mother for always believing in me and being a constant source of support,” Dillard stated.

Starting at the bottom in detail and reception at age 15, Dillard worked her way through every department, crediting her father for showing her how to be a strong leader. She became the general manager in 2014 and prepared the store for the changing market ahead.

In July 2015, Dillard moved the store’s entire marketing budget to digital. While at first the drastic change was scary for the store, the shift to digital marketing helped increase sales volume and control costs, since employees could efficiently target in-market customers and measure results and consumers have increasingly shifted much of the research and purchase process online.

“From the first moment Team Automotive opened its doors, we have been on a course to be at the cutting edge of available technology. In a nutshell, we aim to provide almost every service available at our physical location, online,” said Dillard.

Dillard is also passionate about the automotive industry as an excellent source of careers for other young people. In 2009, she helped start the North Carolina Automobile Dealers Association’s Next Gen group for younger dealers and general managers. Later this year she will also begin working with the local Chamber of Commerce and county commissioners to bring more awareness to high school students about the opportunities in vocational fields, particularly automotive.

Dillard is proud of how well Team Auto Group is doing and thankful for the loyal business of the local community, which is driving sustained growth for the group. It is on track to grow by between 15 to 18 percent in new vehicle sales this year while maintaining outstanding customer service scores.

“I would personally like to thank our local community for their continued support of Team Auto. Our customers have always been and will continue to be our No. 1 priority and I look forward to many more years serving the community that I truly love,” said Dillard.

For more information visit http://www.teamchevync.com.

Heidi Billotto to host a cooking class at Fading D Farms on July 30

Fading D Farms is a unique water buffalo ranch and creamery in Salisbury. Faythe and David DiLoreto will be the hosts as Billotto cooks with the lean water buffalo meat and cheeses to make a four-course meal. Between courses, the class will also enjoy a cheese-making demonstration and tour of the cheese room and milking parlor. Due to the milking schedule, guests won’t be able to taste or buy any of Fading D’s fresh cheeses, (the mozzarella and ricotta).

Staff from Assorted Table Wine Shoppe in Uptown Charlotte will be on hand to pair a wine with each course. The Olive Crate — based in Waxhaw — will be at the class with their organic ultra premium Greek Kores estate olive oils and their line of organic vinegars and herbs. Wines, olive oils and vinegars will also be available for sale to take home and enjoy.  

Cost for the class is $85 per person (adults only, please). Each class participant will receive a gift bag which includes packet of recipes, assorted coupons and samples from some of Billotto’s favorite culinary spots, along with other items.

To make reservations for the class — or if you have any questions — email Billotto at HLNC@carolina.rr.com. Payment will confirm your reservation.

All of Billotto’s cooking classes can be found at her website, HeidiBillottoFood.com.

The class will take place from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 30, at Fading D Farms, 295 Fading D Farm Road.