Today we’d like to introduce you to Deana Ismajli.
Deana, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My dad came here from Albania with just a suitcase and a dream. Growing up, I watched him and my mother work hard towards their dreams. He now a successful business man and my mom working many years in retail now enjoying retirement. When I think of where my story begins, it definitely begins with them and their generous hearts.
God, Family, Career & Community:
My faith is a big part of my life and what I think is the reason of my success. I was taught at a young age how important family was. My life wasn’t perfect by any means, but I was shown unconditional love. My family is the reason why I have always worked so hard. I couldn’t pour into my job and the community the way I do without their support.
I was a young girl with Ferrari posters hanging on my wall. My dad used to tell me when I graduated college, he would get me one. (Maybe I should’ve done that and held him to it 😂) I remember my first time buying a car; the finance manager was dressed to the nines, the pictures in his office showed family, vacations, and his cars. I thought to myself, this is my dream job. The one thing I noticed many years ago, there was no women in those offices. At that point, I felt like that dream couldn’t become reality. Many years later, a good friend of mine asked me if I ever thought about being a finance manager. I interviewed with her, got the job, thanked God and it’s been amazing ever since. At the time she was one of the only female finance directors and I one of the few female finance managers in the company grew into something so much bigger than us. As we advanced in our careers in the automotive industry, we hired and trained more women to come up behind us. I am so fortunate to work for an automotive company like Group 1 that particular focuses on growing women in the workplace. To think, that young girl in that finance office couldn’t see herself in there one day and here I am. Thriving, being mentored by women that cleared the path and mentoring women that I am clearing their path. I want young ladies to see what I do, how I treat people, and how I carry myself and say to themselves, I can do the same.
Throughout my life, I always wanted to have a positive impact on my community. I focus on the youth as they are our future, young women as I once was, where they are. Working with a company where community involvement is equally important to them as it is me, is a dream come true. I’ve volunteered with Dress for Success, the YMCA, Communities in schools, Children at Risk, Kids Meals, Friendswood Blue Santa Program, Devereaux, local youth sports teams and many other local organizations. We as a society, have to do a better job of pouring into these organizations so we can positively impact more people.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Smooth Road? Not at all. I’ve had many bumps, roadblocks, detours, dead ends, along the way. When I came across a hurdle, I would pray and after that, I would just keep going. I am very fortunate to have a strong faith and a strong circle of family and friends I can always count on for support.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am the Pre-Owned Director at Sterling McCall Lexus Clear Lake. I am most proud of the culture I have helped create at our dealership. Since I have started in the automotive industry, I have built lifelong relationships with our customers. I treat people like family; that’s how I was raised. My parents know, no stranger. Recently, I had a customer stop in just to introduce me to their new puppy. (Which is a requirement I have with all my customers I must meet the new family additions even the furry ones. 😂) The people I come across know they aren’t just a car sale. They are way more that. They’re family.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I’ve learned a lot of lessons along the way. The one that stands out is “They’re watching.” When my general manager, Lyza, took over the store years ago. She sat me down and told me as a female in the automotive industry, especially in management the young ladies you come across in the dealership and out of the dealership are watching. They are watching how you speak, how you handle obstacles, how you carry yourself, it’s important to always be their role model. Even if they don’t tell you, they’re watching.
I was in the Chick-fil-A drive-thru a couple nights ago and a young girl got out of her mom’s car and came to my window to tell me “I had to tell you; your car is soooo nice. What do you do for a living?” I told her I sell cars. That was so special to me, as I hope she saw herself in me one day. I hope she chases her dreams no matter how crazy it may seem.
We host an International Women’s Day luncheon every year. This year I brought a young lady, senior at Clear Brook HS to the event. I wanted her to see women in all different roles in our industry discussing the adversities they faced, overcame and about the people who inspire us and support us. That is one of the most impactful luncheons I could ever ask to be apart.
One person at a time, I want to change the world. I want it to be a better place. I want to make a positive impact. I want to change someone’s life. I hope to have inspired someone reading this. It’s not too late, it’s not too far fetched.. CHASE YOUR DREAM! While you’re chasing yours, help make other people’s dreams come true as well. Much Love!
Contact Info:
- Website: Sterlingmccalllexusclearlake.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deana.ismajli
