Meet Deana Ismajli | Clear Lake Car Connect

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

Hi Deana, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I’m from South Florida, grew up in South Atlanta, moved to Houston with my family many years ago, My dad a first generation immigrant from Albania has taught me how you can build a whole lot with very little. His persistent work ethic and hustle combined with his humbleness and loving heart are engraved in me. My mom always working whether at home or work, she is one of the hardest working people I know. My step parents both hard working individuals in their field. My uncle, retired from the Marines and then LAPD. My aunt whom I was very close to, had 3 jobs. That’s a whole other story in itself. I mean, how can I not work hard? How can I not give 100% in what I do? With all these people in my life, from all different backgrounds have cleared their path and helped clear mine.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I think what sets me apart is I truly care about people. I don’t take my customers for granted. I appreciate every car purchase, every referral, every random visit just to say hello. I treat people like family. They know I am one call away. I want to always be their “car connect”, I want to be their families “car connect”.

What I want the world to know? I’m all about God, family, community, and cars. I want people to know I will pray with/for them, I will volunteer to help charity events, I will help them with credit questions, and most certainly I will find them their dream car. Or buy their car! (yes shameless plug 🤣) I talk about being the Clear Lake Car Connect, but I want to be so much more than that. I want to bring people together to build a stronger community.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Wow such a good question…

First I would take her to Pier 6 for a nice brunch. The view, environment and vibe is the best!

Next you know we have to take a trip to Galveston. Visit all the spots. Moody Gardens, Pleasure Pier, Putt Putt, and then a bike or slingshot ride down the seawall. Stop at Murdochs and do a little shopping.

Head into Houston at some point and have dinner at Brenners on the Bayou. Maybe visit the rooftop cinema. There are so many things to do in our city. Of course you know you have to pick up that new ride at Sterling McCall Lexus Clear Lake.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost – All mighty God deserves all the shoutouts, of course my family, they provide all the encouragement, love and support anyone could ask for.  Group 1 Automotive has changed my life. There are a lot of people in this company I could name that have made sure to assist in the advancement of my career: from Our CEO Daryl Kenningham, to my General Manager Lyza, our Sr. VP Pete DeLongchamps, regional finance director Lindsay, our market director Dan. Everyone in my dealership. Each department I’ve managed, (past and present) my team definitely deserves all the recognition. This company as a whole provides an unlimited amount of support from all areas, as you grow in your career. We have succession planning, women’s support groups, community outreach groups and many more to name. Lastly I’d like to shoutout all my failures because that’s where I’ve learned the most, got back up and kept going.

Website: www.sterlingmccalllexusclearlake.com

Instagram: dee_car_connect

Facebook: Deana Ismajli