Let’s talk about Career Opportunities within the Ferrari/Exotic Car World…

Just some points, from knowing others who have:

- They worked in the car industry a long time

- They eventually worked their way into more, upper scale products, BMW, Porsche etc.

- They knew cars.....or

- They knew finance....

- THey knew the back room mechanisms to make it all pull together: just being a salesperson who sits at a desk, and doesn't venture into mechanics bay finance office or doesn't smooz with all the players, isn't the 'in tune' person to make it all happen.

- They knew their models, and history, and everything about the offerings.

- They took their time and spent time with others.....a happy/educated customer is a potential buyer at the most, a repeat customer at the best, and at the least one who spreads the word.

there is much more...but being called away on MY job at the moment.

 

good luck, specially in this environment. Did you consider that with your career choice you may never be able to own a ferrari?

 

Why not? I know someone who is in the business and he owns Ferrari.

 

He's referring to the fact that most people who work for Ferrari don't can't actually afford or own there cars.

 

Alex--from your post, sounds like you can get your foot in the door. See if someone in ihe automotive area will take you on summers, then go for it after you've graduated. By all means finish your degree, no compromise there!

So you spend a year or two post-college in the car biz and it doesn't work out. Big deal, you're an intelligent-sounding young guy with some wiggle room agewise.

"Better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all."

 

Think outside the box.

What are you good at ? how can you take that and incorporate your interest in exotic cars ?

 

Great advice, what I do isn't for everyone but I love it. My wife and I own an enclosed auto transport company we started many years ago, we get to be around very cool cars, go to events like Monterey and many other car shows and auctions, and we own a Ferrari!

 

I started my own business to get in. I lost my shirt doing so but for the 10 years I had my own repair shop, it was more fun than pain and a great experience.

However, if you asked me to do it again I would say "are you crazy?"

 

Network, network, network. Try getting a job working for an auto group that owns an exotic store. After you build some experience and network, you can transfer over to the exotic dealership.

 

i see....thanks for clarifying.

 

Speaking from experience, sometimes you have to be careful that your job doesn't ruin your passion. If you are around exotics all day and can barely make a decent living they become just another part of your job and will lose their attraction. You have to find something positive that will help you to afford them or at least keep you happy being around them. It's like my friend who lived for fishing and decided to be a full time guide. Suddenly his passion became nothing more than work and the shine wore off the apple.

Considering the new 458 is going to be upwards of 300k I'd suggest doctor, surgeon, attorney, dentist, pilot, etc. if you want to buy one. The absolute best plan is to find a hot young rich girl and live off her money!

 

Best advice yet. Cars, for me anyhow, are a release. I am very passionate about them and detailing/maintaining them but I am afraid that I would lose my passion if I was surrounded by them constantly (ie work). I wish you all the best of luck finding your path!

 

+1. Being around exotics constantly could possibly hinder your interest/passion for them. I used to work at a bank a while back and in the beginning it was enjoyable since you get to handle mass amounts of money daily. That novelty wore out quick and money became just pieces of paper (really really dirty paper btw). It just became part of the job and loses its personal value.

 

I did work around exotics everyday and it was a blast, but certainly not the road to owning...

I'd further the business aspect of your degree and try to do some high-end financing or insurance.... a specialized claims guy for AIG or Travelers sees some awesome (albeit in bad shape) exotics and could probably afford his own

 

This is the best advice yet, Alex! Anyone telling you otherwise is lying! Seriously though, I have been with FoD for 13 years and I can probably count on one hand the amount of days I've woken up dredding the thought of going to work...I am still working towards Ferrari or Maserati ownership one day but since my career allows me to drive these cars on a daily basis it's not as important to me as it once was. The exotic car world is a tight knit community and you'll live or die with your reputation. If you decide that you want to sell cars knowledge is key but good people skills is a must. Good luck in whatever you decide, you are always welcome to stop by and pick my brain.

Derek

 

Another path: Maybe try working at a Mercedes or Porsche and get some experence. A while ago dealers were so desperate for mechanics they would pay for training. I am guessing but most ferrari service managers require some experence in any industry. The german electrical systems are more sophisticated and there are a bizillion more of them out driving around. In my town of 150k, there may be 20 ferraris. And it hard making a living fixing 20 cars. The great thing now is you buy a ferrari for 20-60K which is the price of a honda or minivan or truck and you can tear it apart in the comfort of your own garage and then friends need to work on their cars also. Good luck.

Jeff Pintler
89 348tb, 86tr

 

Mainly depends upon whether you wanna work 'around Ferraris' or 'own Ferrari(s)'.

Note that most people 'in the biz' don't make enough to own new/late model Fcars, so that should tell you something.

People like Dave Helms are on the rare side...

That said, used Fcars become more possible, as you'll be exposed to the market more, and can either cherry pick(the good ones), or pick up a fix-R-upper and refurb it for wholesale costs vs. retail costs.

I'd go along with the above comments about whether being in the biz might ruin any passion/interest you currently have.

I'd also go along with the above comments about getting into a profession that pays $enough$ for you to buy whatever you want. Best of both that way.

With the daily traffic you see there at the Boulder shop, you could bide your time a bit, scope out the clients who 'have it all'(nice guys/gals, some $$$, Fcar interest), see 'How They Did It' and formulate some strategies for yourself.

Working in any area/field is almost -never- the same as enjoying that same field as a hobby.

Also keep in mind that what a 20 year old guy values is likely to very much different that what a 40 year old guy values.

Nice toys, but don't plan your whole life around a car...there's a lot more stuff out there that's much more worthwhile. I found that out the hard way.

 

you are still young enough that you can make a mistake or two and still be successful in your lifetime. Go for it, the old adage "find a career that you love and you will never have to work a day in your life" is so true.

 

The only problem is they are all taken!!