This employee is our F&I Manager and a seasoned veteran in the Russell Barnett Automotive Family – Anthony Spears.
Anthony is also a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He was already serving when the towers fell on 9/11, and he was among the first troops sent overseas in response to it.
Anthony was born and raised in Manchester, and he has been working at our Tullahoma Ford dealership for over thirteen years. He spent most of those years working as a salesman, and a VERY valuable one, to say the least. Throughout nine years on the sales floor he was the highest producer nearly every single month! His experience, knowledge, and, most importantly, his level of care for his customers eventually earned him a sales manager position. Most recently, he has worked his way into the business office where you can find him helping customers get financed and making sure every ‘i’ is dotted and every ‘t’ is crossed on their paperwork.
Thanks, Anthony, for continuing to be such a valuable member of our automotive family, and for always showing our customers the high level of care they deserve!
Our employee appreciation spotlights are posted on a monthly basis by each of our dealerships. They are typically chosen by the general managers; however, they are often referred to them by other managers, employees, customers, and sometimes even Russell, himself.
A good employee is more than just someone who performs their job well. They embody qualities that make them valuable, respected, and appreciated by employers, coworkers, and customers alike. At the core, reliability and responsibility stand out. Employers value individuals who consistently show up on time, meet deadlines, and take ownership of their tasks without constant supervision. Dependability builds trust, which is vital in any workplace.
Equally important is a positive attitude. Employees who remain upbeat, even during challenges, uplift the morale of the team. Their willingness to collaborate and help others fosters a strong sense of camaraderie among coworkers. Being approachable, respectful, and a good listener helps create a workplace where communication flows smoothly and everyone feels heard.
Adaptability is another key trait. Work environments often change, and employees who are flexible and open to learning new skills or adjusting their approach are indispensable. They don’t resist change—they embrace it and often help lead the transition for others.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills are also essential. Whether dealing with a supervisor, teammate, or customer, good employees know how to speak clearly, listen attentively, and resolve conflicts professionally. For customer-facing roles especially, empathy and patience are critical. Customers feel valued when they’re treated with respect and care, which leads to stronger loyalty and positive word-of-mouth.
Finally, integrity and accountability define truly exceptional employees. They do the right thing, even when no one is watching, and they own up to their mistakes rather than placing blame. This level of honesty reinforces a company’s values and builds long-term credibility.
In essence, a good employee balances competence with character – delivering results while building meaningful, respectful relationships across all levels of the organization.
Click here to see Anthony’s spotlight and other posts on our Facebook page, and please give us a “like” and follow us to stay in the loop!
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