Visalia Auto Dealership Hosts a Job Fair | ABC30 Fresno

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By ABC30

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Visalia, California A Visalia dealership did something unusual by hosting a free job fair for 36 full-time positions. Dealership President /*Don Groppetti*/ says he wants to change some perceptions that the car industry is suffering.

"There's plenty of bad press right now about the car business and we actually saw a decrease in people coming to apply for jobs," said Groppetti.

Groppetti says his company has weathered the economic storm at a time when automakers are asking for federal bailouts. He says sales have been steady the last few months, and the new hires will help his business, and the local economy.

"It's a combination of knowing that there's people that are out there that need some help and that we need some help and we hope that it can be a win-win situation for everybody," said Groppetti.

The jobs that were being filled ranged from car technicians to commission-based sales people and offered retirement and medical benefits. Hundreds of people showed up to the job fair hopeful they'd finally find a job.

Lori Galaviz said, "Oh it's real hard I mean three years and I've had interviews I've done applications and it's just really difficult."

Matthew Villanueva said, "It's good they have a job fair to get more jobs and hopefully I get a position and get hired on."

Groppetti employees were not only interviewing but also hiring on the spot. Victor Casas left with a new job in the service department.

"I'm hoping to stay there for a while and start making some more and ... move out of parents house," said Victor Casas.

Don Groppetti says he may even hire more than 36 people by the end of the day.

Job Fair Held by Groppetti Automotive