I am so grateful that Liberty was invited to attend the “Magical Holiday” Winter Gala at Osborne Elementary. The school opened its doors to the families of its students and hosted a lovely event.  As Osborne’s Business Partner, Liberty was excited to help with the event so that the school could provide a magical experience for the children and parents. Four of us from Liberty joined in with the Osborne community this afternoon to enjoy a wonderful catered meal and celebrate the holiday season.

Esthela, Rebekah, and Lynn

Rebekah, Houston, and Esthela

I was so fortunate as to attend tonight’s Open House at Osborne Elementary School. Seeing the kids’ eager faces, the teachers’ dedication, and the parents’ support made me hopeful for this new school year.  It was an exciting night.  Their cheerleaders and dance team performed, and three bikes were raffled off to some very lucky kids!

Back in the Spring, Liberty Autos became Osborne Elementary School’s Business Partner, which means that we support Osborne students and faculty through volunteers, cultural enrichment opportunities, as well as provide equipment and supplies.

A few weeks ago, Osborne’s administration let me know that their students need books.  They have a nice library at the school, but many students don’t have their very own books at home.  Liberty Autos was happy to help.  I come from a family of readers who love to share books.  There’s something magical about stepping into the world of a book.  The Liberty team came together and provided over a hundred books for Osborne.

I was the lucky one who got to hand out the books at Open House tonight.  When kids passed by my table, they couldn’t believe that they could just take a book.  It was wonderful to see them choose which one they wanted.  Some kids carefully looked through book after book, while other kids took the one off the top of the stack and ran!  My joy at watching the kids was bittersweet though.  Several kids would take a book back to their table, read the whole thing, and then politely asked if they could switch it for another selection.  Those hungry minds were making the most of the opportunity to read as much as they could.  I wish I had a hundred books for every single kid there.  I’m glad we were able to give what we gave, and I heartily look forward to the next opportunity to support Osborne’s students and faculty.

Our third Liberty Star is very special to me: Jessica Hernandez.  We’re celebrating Jessica’s 20th anniversary at Liberty Autos! She has been and remains to be a priceless asset to our company. Not only is she a first class car dealer, she’s one of my closest friends. We’ve been together for many of the most important events in our lives. I was a bridesmaid at her wedding; I mourned with her at her mother’s funeral; she was with me when I went into labor with my twins. Jessica is the type of person who will stand by you no matter how tough things get, which has made her a sharp business woman and more than a good friend.

It was great to sit down with Jessica last Friday and talk about her two decades at Liberty. We laughed about getting Glamour Shots and had a hilarious stroll down memory lane. I’m so thankful to have Jessica as a friend and colleague. It was fun to interview her and remember her early days at Liberty.

When did you start working at Liberty Autos?

I bought a car, a red 1989 Ford Taurus, and came on Saturdays to make my payments.  One week, Mr. B. asked me if I knew anyone looking for a job. I said, “How about me?” He hired me right then, but I told him I needed two weeks before I could start so that I could take my mom to Mexico to see our family. He said ok, and the rest is history. That was May 9, 1995, and I was 20 years old!

What was the first car you ever sold?

It was 1993 Dodge Spirit.  I’ll always remember because almost half the cars we had at that point were Spirits.  We had them in every color too: red, blue, and even purple!

What is the most satisfying aspect of selling cars?

Showing the customer that we care and that we want to make them happy.  We work hard to get them into the car they want. There’s no feeling in the world like making that happen for someone. 

What do you like best about working at Liberty?

Liberty is a second home to me. We’ve grown up together, raised our kids together, made it through the bad times together, and celebrated the good times together. We really are a family.

I just want to send a huge thank you to Jessica for her twenty years of excellent service.  She’s been a game changer in our company and in our lives.  She’s helped thousands of people over the years, and they keep coming back to her every time they need a car. Jessica is a rare jewel, and we’re lucky to have her.