WEST HERR WEDNESDAY: Karen Roetzer

For this week’s #WestHerrWednesday, we headed over to West Herr Toyota in Williamsville to meet Finance Assistant and Title & Billing Clerk, Karen Roetzer! Karen has been with West Herr for about 20 years now!

Karen’s career at West Herr started when she was 18 at our West Herr Chevrolet of Orchard Park store. She began as a Greeter & Cashier, thanks to her sister who at the time worked in our HR department! After working for a few years, Karen wanted to try something new, so she left West Herr to try out a new venture. After some time, Karen found her way back to our Toyota store in Williamsville where she’s been for the last 17 years now!

Karen mentioned there was no rhyme or reason why she decided to enter the automotive industry other than the fact she was newly graduated and just needed a job! She mentioned that a huge reason why she’s stayed for so long is because of the people. “Working for Beth Hollis was great. She challenged me and always pushed me to do my best and try a little harder,” Karen mentioned. At the time, Beth Hollis was Karen’s General Manager at the Toyota store but then went on to become the Vice-President of Variable Operations for West Herr!

Karen says that one of her favorite memories from her time on Team West Herr was when she went into labor while working at the dealership! Karen was pregnant with her son, Michael, and unexpectedly went into labor while on the clock. Her General Manager at the time, Beth Hollis, and Sales Consultant, Jessica (Hollis) Allen, both kept her calm until her mom came to take her to the hospital!

Aside from having great management, Karen mentions a huge reason why she’s stayed working for West Herr for so long is because of the culture and the people. “Everyone that I’ve worked with up until now has been wonderful,” she says. Karen also adds that West Herr is big on work-life balance, which she appreciates with having two kids.

“My daughter actually just got a job at our Toyota store in Rochester!” Karen says. Her daughter Karly started attending college at St. John Fisher College and was looking for a part-time job, and Karen knew just the place to recommend to her!

Karen says that when she’s not at work, she’s kept busy by her kids! Her son, Michael, dirt bike races, so Karen says she and her family are always at the moto track. She and her husband, Mike, have a boat that they love to spend time on. Her and her family are avid Bills fans and love to watch every game. They also love to travel! Karen and her family have a cat named Stella and a Chocolate Lab named Latte!

Karen mentions that in her twenty years of working at West Herr, there are so many people that have impacted her and help guide her along the way. “There would be way too many honorable mentions!” Karen jokes.

Karen says that one of her favorite parts about her job is that nothing is ever the same, each day brings a new challenge. “I’m a big problem solver, so I like fixing the issues that just come along with the process,” she says.

Karen has been a true asset to #TeamWestHerr, and we are so thankful for her hard work and dedication over the last twenty years. Keep up the amazing work, Karen!