Moorpark students get a taste of salesmanship
By Sylvie Belmond belmond@theacorn.com

TEST DRIVE- Left, Krystal Chilton, 18, portraying a salesperson, introduces Josh "Fly" Smith to some features of a vehicle for sale. The Moorpark Business Academy at Moorpark High School hosted a mock dealership on Wednesday to familiarize students with the business of buying and selling cars.

The carbuying experience became real for students who attended the mock Moorpark Business Academy car dealership event at Moorpark High School on Wednesday.

The business academy is one of two academies offered at Moorpark High that helps students connect with possible future careers.

Students eagerly navigated the MBA Speedway lot, which featured several new and used vehicles provided by Bunnin GM Supercenter of Oxnard.

While those students role-played customers with different income levels, credit ratings and family lifestyles, MBA students worked at the mock dealership in the sales, finance or parts and service departments. They had to determine what each "customer" could actually afford and what type of loan they qualified for.

"The knowledge gives students an edge when they go out to buy a car," said Ginger Brandenburg, director of the academy. Students learned about the importance of a good credit rating. "Credit takes time to establish,said Michael Angelo Olinyk, manager of Bunnin GM Supercenter.

STICKER SHOCK- Left, Lilia Tejada celebrates her 18th birthday by "buying" herself a new convertible from receptionist Brenda Herrera, 18. The Moorpark Business Academy at Moorpark High School hosted a mock car dealership on Wednesday as a way for students to learn about and role play the business of buying and selling cars.

O l i n y k suggested that high school students should obtain a secured credit card and use part of their savings to pay for charged items. That would help them to establish credit, he said.

The mock dealership was managed by senior Hilary Lesiak, who oversaw the simulated operations. She plans to become an elementary school teacher.

"We learned a lot about dealing with customers and how first impressions are important in business," said Alli Mickens, who was assigned to work for the parts and service department.

In addition to being personable and prepared, "to close a deal suc

cessfully, you cessfully, you must be knowledgeable and know your product," she s a i d . Mickens is a senior who plans to study art in Mexico after she graduates.

The students "sold" about 80 cars during the event.

"This is a great learning experience for students in MBA pertaining to the real world by helping prepare us for what is ahead," said Grant Wright, who was responsible for public relations.

'We learned a lot

about dealing with

customers and how

first impressions are mportant in business'

- Alli Mickens