We are proud to recognize Garrett Steele as the July 2025 Jim Ellis Client Champion! Garrett is a Service Advisor at Volkswagen Kennesaw, and he was nominated for this award in recognition of his kindness, quick thinking, and extraordinary commitment to helping a customer in need—all while embodying the Jim Ellis Promise.
Since 2014, the Jim Ellis Client Champion award has been presented monthly to a team member who exemplifies what it means to deliver the Jim Ellis Promise. With more than 1,700 team members across the organization, being selected as a Client Champion is a true testament to an individual’s character, compassion, and dedication to service.
Here’s the story that led to Garrett’s nomination:
One evening, just as the service drive was closing, a woman on a road trip to visit her mother arrived at the dealership in a panic. Her dashboard lights were illuminated, and she was worried about continuing her journey. Despite it being right before closing time, Garrett welcomed her warmly, checked her in, and began the write-up for her vehicle. Wanting to resolve the issue quickly, he didn’t stop at the paperwork—he rolled up his sleeves and joined technician Silvia in the shop to assist with the diagnosis, even getting his white polo and hands dirty in the process.
Initially, Garrett hoped the problem would be an easy software update, but when that didn’t fix the issue, he continued to troubleshoot alongside Silvia. After persistent effort, it became clear the vehicle required further diagnosis and could not be repaired that evening. Recognizing the woman’s distress and her need for a place to stay, Garrett took the initiative to personally drive her, along with her two daughters and their Border Collie, to a hotel for the night—ensuring they were safe, comfortable, and cared for.
Garrett’s actions perfectly illustrate the Jim Ellis Promise in action. He treated this customer and her family as if they were his own, showing remarkable empathy, dedication, and professionalism. By going far beyond his normal duties—staying late, assisting in the shop, and personally escorting the family to safety—Garrett turned what could have been a stressful and overwhelming experience into a moment of compassion and support.
Congratulations, Garrett! Thank you for being an example of what it means to lead with intention and heart. We are honored to have you as part of the Jim Ellis family.