Meet Dennison Rivera | Internet Sales Manager

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dennison Rivera and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dennison, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I’m from Houston, Texas, and I spent my childhood in Alief as the first-generation American in my family, which is of Honduran and Colombian descent. My upbringing in the great state of Texas and my mixed background have impacted me by teaching me some extraordinary life lessons about culture and individuality. Discovering your place in the world and who you are can be challenging. As a curious person who questions everything, I struggled with English as a child, feeling like Ricky Ricardo (from “I Love Lucy”), who was confused by the pronunciation of “Ough,” which made English seem all the more tricky.

Naturally, I questioned the status quo when social pressures made me feel like I could only fit into the “Hispanic box”. I felt like my individuality didn’t matter, and despite my ignorance about my true roots, I was expected to conform to what was perceived as the “right way” for Hispanics to act and think. The truth is, I couldn’t relate to so many kids who were taught about their parents’ culture, and despite there being many dialects of Spanish, my accent was never good enough. I didn’t even know my own customs or holidays from my family’s home country, let alone other Mexican and Hispanic cultures.

Texan pride was ingrained in me, and I admired the courage, patriotism, and hope displayed in its history. Growing up in Houston exposed me to diverse cultures, allowing me to make friends from different ethnicities and learn about their customs. This exposure fostered an open mind and facilitated learning about different ways of doing things.

What defines you is not your roots, but your everyday choices. Your culture is a decision you make, whether you inherit, make changes, or pass it forward. The influences around you are just that – influences. Your actions determine their impact. I have come to terms with accepting what the Lord has given me as an individual. I do not need to conform to a social identity but rather live my own culture.

From my experiences, I’ve learned to embrace my Spanish accent and only take the positive aspects of my cultural roots. The responsibilities I learned while living in Montana, life-changing lessons from Canada, my family who raised me, and the faith and instruction the Lord has given me are all integral parts of who I am.

As a parent, I feel grateful for the opportunity to share my culture with my children and teach them the values and beliefs that have shaped me. I hope that they will draw inspiration from these teachings but also have the freedom to explore their unique personalities and make their own choices in life. It’s important to me that they learn to navigate the complexities of the world and make decisions based on their own experiences and wisdom rather than succumbing to societal expectations or peer pressure.   

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I began my career selling cars at Gillman Honda in 2013. Over the years, I achieved many milestones that helped me establish a solid foundation in sales. Although challenging, I learned that dedication, hard work, and consistency are key to success in sales. Sales can be emotionally turbulent, with performance fluctuating from month to month. I overcame these challenges by staying productive, efficient, and optimistic. The lessons I also learned along the way are to be adaptable, organized, and always eager to learn.

As an accomplished Internet Sales Manager, I take pride in my proven performance at Gillman Honda Houston. I specialize in providing VIP service to my clientele, managing inquiries made online, and ensuring a no-hassle car buying experience. My clients appreciate my ability to work independently and provide concierge service, which sets me apart from others in my field.

With over ten years of experience in high-level sales across different industries, I have earned a reputation as a notorious car salesman in Houston. However, what truly inspires me is making a difference in people’s lives. I strive to find solutions to problems and make things more efficient, whether it’s in my work or personal life.

Customer service has always been my top priority, and I believe it’s the best transferrable skill anyone can have. I approach every client interaction with a great attitude, listen carefully, and advise them with my expertise. Going above and beyond to ensure client satisfaction is what sets me apart and drives my success.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If you’re visiting Houston and want to experience a variety of attractions, consider purchasing the Houston City-Pass. This pass allows you to choose five attractions to visit within nine days, including Space Center Houston where you can learn about NASA, Downtown Aquarium where you can touch stingrays and enjoy an underwater dining experience, Houston Zoo with its new Galápagos Islands exhibit, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston with its amazing collections, and Kemah Boardwalk with its seafood restaurants and sights.

One place dear to my heart is having lunch or dinner at Mi Pueblitos Colombian Restaurant. I’ve been going there since I was little and I would strongly recommend “Sobre Barriga” with a “Jugo de Mango con Leche.” You can’t leave Houston without trying real Texas Barbecue, make sure to add that to your list.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, I would thank the Lord for His provision and the blessings He has given me in my life. A shoutout to my wife, who always supports me in all my endeavors, and to my little one, who is my bundle of joy and whose smile always brightens my day.

Website: https://www.shopautoshouston.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopautoshouston/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennison-rivera-57395398/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopautoshouston

Other: https://calendly.com/gillmanhonda/new-car-consultation-voyage-houston

Image Credits
Gillman Honda Houston