The Inspirational Journey of Guam's Automotive Leader Joey Crisostomo

Update Joey Crisostomo: A Champion of Community and Automotive Excellence Joey Crisostomo is not just an automotive dealer; he's a beacon of hope and dedication in Guam's business landscape. As the president and dealer principal of Cars Plus Guam, Joey's journey through the automotive industry is a testament to hard work, passion, and community involvement. His story inspires many, showing what it takes to succeed while uplifting others along the way. The Beginning: From Racing to the Business of Cars Joey's love for vehicles ignited at an early age. Starting with motorcycle racing at just eleven years old, he built relationships in the automotive world that would shape his future. His engagement with the sport led to working in a motorcycle shop where he discovered the thrill of customer interactions and the intricacies of running a business. “My journey began with Suzuki sponsoring me when I was 13,” recalls Joey. “It transitioned from racing to understanding the importance of customer service and management, paving the way for my career in the automotive sector.” His passion for speed transformed into a vision for leading a successful dealership. Building Cars Plus: A Dream Takes Shape In 1999, after years of hard work and learning from industry leaders, Joey opened Cars Plus. Starting as a used car dealership, his vision quickly evolved as he secured major brand distributorships and expanded services. Today's Cars Plus features a modern showroom and state-of-the-art service center, offering customers a comprehensive automotive experience. Joey's success story is intertwined with his belief in family and mentorship. “The support of my family, especially my wife Joyce, has been instrumental in this journey,” he shares. “I learned from every role I had, and I credit my team for believing in our shared values of hard work and integrity.” Impacting the Community: More Than Just Business Joey Crisostomo embodies the values of giving back. Not only does he focus on the success of his dealership, but he also emphasizes community responsibility. “A business should be part of the community—not separate from it,” he stresses. Through personal volunteer work and encouragement of his family's charitable engagements, such as with Make-A-Wish and local educational foundations, he exemplifies corporate social responsibility. The motto “Inafa Maolek,” meaning “making it good together,” resonates deeply with Joey. He believes that in the pursuit of success, collaboration within the community is essential. Cultivating the Next Generation of Dealers As a first-generation dealer, Joey acknowledges the importance of representation in the automotive industry. He strives to create pathways for future entrepreneurs, especially among Asian American and Pacific Islanders. “Access and mentorship are key,” he emphasizes. “When minority individuals see someone who looks like them succeed, it inspires them to believe in their potential.” Joey encourages those interested in the automotive field to understand that success requires commitment and hard work. “You have to love the business to thrive in it,” he advises. “Surround yourself with a good team and always prioritize customer care.” Advice for Aspiring Automotive Professionals From Joey's experience, aspiring automotive professionals can glean invaluable insights. He stresses the need for perseverance, saying, “This is not an easy road, but it’s incredibly rewarding if you're ready to invest your heart into it.” His advice resonates as a guide for the younger generation and those keen on pursuing the automotive industry as a career. Investing in systems and people development is also crucial, Joey notes. It allows businesses to scale successfully, equipping them for long-term sustainability. “I would focus on building a solid management structure sooner if I could do it all over again,” he reflects. Embracing Diversity in the Workplace At Cars Plus, diversity is at the forefront. Joey's team exemplifies the multicultural spirit of Guam, creating an inclusive environment for employees and customers alike. It’s a strategic approach that not only fosters a healthy workplace culture but also enhances the customer experience. “Inclusivity means opportunity,” Joey says, highlighting that promoting from within and investing in team growth is instrumental to their philosophy. This approach not only strengthens their business but also cultivates leaders for tomorrow. Conclusion: A Legacy Built on Community and Commitment Joey Crisostomo's journey through the automotive landscape is one of dedication, community support, and entrepreneurial spirit. He not only leads a successful dealership but also serves as a role model, demonstrating that with perseverance and a focus on community, one can achieve their dreams and make a significant impact. For those interested in the automotive industry, Joey's story serves as a powerful reminder that success is a journey that thrives on teamwork, inclusivity, and community engagement. His commitment to his business and the island of Guam shines as a beacon for future generations of automotive entrepreneurs.