After getting injured at a previous job, Leticia spent two years recovering. Being unable to work for so long had Leticia pretty down emotionally, not to mention financially. When she started at Jiffy Lube of Indiana’s Valparaiso store, she threw everything into the job and got promoted to Manager within a relatively short period of time. As Leticia said, “the bills don’t wait for you just because you’re hurt.”
It’s hard to fully explain just how upbeat and cheerful it is to talk with Leticia Alverez. And when it comes to her employees, customers, and animals, she is doubly upbeat!
What are some of your priorities as Manager?
I really try to keep it fun and interesting. We like to keep everything flowing nicely, but also have fun doing it. It’s work, but I like for everyone to think of it as a little getaway from home where you can leave any personal problems behind. I tell my employees when they come here they can get away from it all, have fun, and make some money in the process.
As for my priorities with the customers, I just love them. I love talking to them. And I love hearing their stories and letting them know how we can help them with their vehicle needs.
What are your thoughts on the Growing People Through Work training program?
Growing People through Work is actually pretty cool. First of all, you get to meet with Steve [Sanner, Owner] and Lonnie [Hinkle, VP of Operations]. You get to see how down-to-earth they are. They aren’t just corporate people that don’t care about you. They like to interact with their employees and that’s very cool. They really know us all individually. It feels like a family.
Do you feel you’ve benefitted from Growing People Through Work?
At the end of the program, they ask you to write down a little about yourself, your goals, and where you see yourself going. I wrote down that I wanted to advance to manager. And now, here I am! I’m so thankful to Steve and Lonnie. They gave me the chance and I ran with it. It’s almost like they knew me forever the minute I met them. They welcomed me with open arms.
Why should someone take their vehicle to Jiffy Lube?
You get the best service! We do so much more during oil changes than other places. We check for EV-ER-Y-THING. At this store, we even do brakes and tires in addition to all kinds of repairs. The only thing we can’t do at my center is anything with exhaust, since we don’t have welders. If there is something up with your car, believe-you-me, we will find it. And you are not obligated to get it fixed here. It’s just my job to let you know what it is.
Do you guys get any kind of commission?
Absolutely not. There are some places that will try to sell you things you don’t need. But here, we just do the right thing—no matter what that is.
If you’re our customer, I’m going to let you know what you need. And if you get it repaired here, wonderful. But if you decide to get it repaired somewhere else, that’s fine as well.
Would you recommend working for Jiffy Lube?
Working for Jiffy Lube is very cool. The upper management is awesome. If you need anything, you can go to them. My employees don’t even have to go through me. They can go straight to Steve and Lonnie. It’s a fun place to work and it feels like family.
Are there any fun facts about you that someone might not know?
No, probably not! [Laughter] I think everyone knows all the fun facts about me! I’m not shy at all and I don’t have secrets. But sometimes, I have to stop and tell myself that there is more to life than work. I try and stop and smell the roses. I love to go to beach and collect rocks. I love walking my dogs. I love animals. I will rescue a dog any day of the week. Yes, I am that person!
Thank you, Leticia, for letting us get to know you a little better! Next time you’re in your local Jiffy Lube of Indiana, look for Leticia!
For more information about any of our Jiffy Lube of Indiana locations, click here.
