Parks Motors of Augusta

January, 2010....   When we say that 'Cowboy' John Hoefgen started selling cars at Parks Motors on January 2, 1980 and has never stopped in 30 years, you can take it literally.  John Hoefgen is known by all of his acquaintances, including his customers, family and friends, as "Cowboy John" because he always wears a cowboy hat.  The name was given to him when he was on KFDI's airwaves in ads and it stuck.  He has never called in a day sick, opens the doors at Parks Motors at 6AM even on his day off.  In fact, in 30 years Cowboy John was off one week when his daughter Jacque was killed in an accident. 

The auto business has changed over 30 years.  "The deals were based on a handshake, you wrote your own credit application and now I have a computer on my desk" says Cowboy John.  "Can play solitaire on it pretty good."  He's met a lot of good people including his close friend Pat "Crazy" Blasi and previous manager Ron Syers.  One hundred percent of Cowboy John's sales come from repeat and referral customers; he is as loyal to his friends as customers are loyal to him.  "Honesty goes a long way.  People know a lot about cars, more than ever.  The customers are well educated people and they know if you are telling them the truth."

According to John Culver, Principal and Owner at Parks Motors "Cowboy John's 30 years with Parks Motors is unheard of in today's automobile business.  I would guess he may have the local record for tenure."  When asked what makes Cowboy John so special "John has always had a unique understanding of a customer service after the sale.   I believe his follow-up habits are one of the reasons he has enjoyed such great success over his 30 years with the company."

When asked what it takes to be a good car salesman, he responds "Three things, God, friends and family."  But, after a moment he adds "also a good understanding Wife."  Cowboy John is surrounded by his children and grandchildren all who live in the area.  Their family extends to the St. James Parish in Augusta where they have been members "forever."  Cowboy John has been married to Donna for 44 years, employed by Parks Motors for 30 - some things are good when they remain the same.

Cowboy John ends with "when I stop having fun at work will be the time to say goodbye."

Additional Facts:

--Donna is a Kindergarten teacher at St. James Catholic School.

--Jenny (Daughter) and Richard have two children Jordan and Jake.  Jenny is manager at      the Fringe Salon at the Water Front.

--Nick (Son) and Amber have two children, Haylee and Miles.  Nick owns business, Equity Appraisal in Wichita.