There's three visits most men dislike - visiting the dentist, visiting the proctologist, and visiting car dealers to purchase a vehicle. The common denominators for all three are they are uncomfortable, they are painful, they are very expensive, and men consider all three to be unnecessary pains in the ... ah, neck.

Recently, I visited several car dealerships in hopes of finding our Holy Grail of a reliable and dependable mini van which would simplify evacuating for hurricanes, as well as for our international cancer project which takes us to countless cancer events. Mom and I encountered all of the typical car salespersons ploys of the car being clean (55,000 miles with tons of sand), better hurry up and buy before someone purchases the vehicle (unlikely in this poor sales environment), you can use the van all day (lap dog), and other sales ploys, tricks and techniques.

A neighbor suggested we visit Nancy or Harry at Bergeron Motors. I dreaded going to yet another dealership, but decided to visit Bergeron. The receptionist was extremely friendly when we entered the dealership. She immediately called Nancy to assist us. Nancy was personal and professional. She used the most important sales technique any person can use... she LISTENED to us to learn our needs. This was a major departure from sales persons at other dealers who did not listen, but who told us what they thought we needed with no consideration for our real needs. Nancy worked diligently with us to ensure those needs were met. Unfortunately, Bergeron did not have the color mom wanted, so Nancy researched other Dodge dealers to track down the vehicle which was in Slidell and had the van ready the first thing the next morning. Joe, in the finance department, was also very friendly and did an awesome job. Joe gave us a variety of warranties to select from, as well as other options. He did not pressure us to purchase a warranty, but explained the practicality of a warranty. We will likely still purchase a warranty. When several employees of Bergeron walked past us, each and every one of them smiled and told us hello. This speaks highly of the caliber of employees at the dealership and of the dealership.

We are pleased with the Grand Caravan we purchased from Bergeron even though I really wanted the "Hero" model with all of the extras to provide a little comfort on longer trips to cancer events. We have been pleased with Nancy, Joe and all of the employees at Bergeron, We have shared our wonderful experience at Bergeron with family and friends who have been considering purchasing a new vehicle. Out of the three visits men dislike the most, Bergeron has erased our discomfort of going shopping for a new vehicle. I'd be happier than heck if the remaining two visits - dentist and proctologist - were just as easy as shopping at Bergeron. Nancy and the Bergeron team scored high in my book not only as professionals, but also as new friends.

As a part of our cancer project, I give away free packets of four-o'clock flower seeds. If anyone at Bergeron would like some, please contact me. View the website at www.symbolofhope.com