Brown Motors is seeking a professional Phone Receptionist to serve as the first point of contact for all inbound phone traffic. This role sits at the center of our operation and directly supports service leadership by ensuring every call is answered promptly, handled accurately, and routed with purpose.

The Phone Receptionist manages general inbound inquiries and performs essential Service BDC functions, including warm transfers and scheduling service appointments. Success in this role requires strong phone discipline, sound judgment, and the ability to stay composed in a fast-paced dealership environment.

This position is ideal for someone with proven phone experience who understands that how a call is handled sets the tone for the entire customer relationship. You will play a direct role in protecting customer trust, supporting service throughput, and keeping communication flowing efficiently across departments.

Brown Motors is a long-standing, process-driven dealership that values professionalism, accountability, and continuous improvement. If you take pride in doing things right the first time and understand the importance of every customer interaction, this role offers long-term opportunity and growth.

Salary Range: $15.00 - $18.00 per hour

Benefits

Hourly Base Salary + Bonus Opportunities

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Parental Leave

Hands on Training

Career Growth Opportunities

Retirement Plan

• Proven experience handling high-volume inbound phone calls in a professional setting. Automotive, service, or call-center experience strongly preferred.
• Clear, confident verbal communication skills with the ability to guide conversations and maintain control of the call.
• Demonstrated ability to multitask while maintaining accuracy, professionalism, and a steady pace.
• Strong organizational habits and attention to detail, especially when scheduling appointments and documenting customer information.
• Comfortable using multi-line phone systems and basic computer applications. Experience working within structured processes is required.
• Reliable and punctual with a consistent work ethic and accountability mindset.
• Ability to remain calm, solution-oriented, and customer-focused during busy or high-pressure periods.
• Professional judgment and discretion. This role requires knowing when and how to escalate, not when to shut a customer down.

• Answer every incoming call promptly and professionally, serving as the first point of contact for Brown Motors.
• Accurately identify customer needs and execute warm transfers to the appropriate department without dropping the call or creating friction.
• Schedule service appointments in accordance with service department guidelines, capacity, and availability.
• Support Service Management by handling general service inquiries and ensuring customers are routed correctly and efficiently.
• Maintain accurate customer and appointment information within dealership systems.
• Communicate clearly and confidently with customers, providing helpful direction without overpromising or giving incorrect information.
• Maintain focus and composure during high call volume periods while preserving a calm, professional tone.
• Contribute to a consistent, process-driven customer experience across all inbound phone interactions.

Since opening our doors in 1898, Brown Motors has been more than just an automotive dealership; we are a pillar of the Northern Michigan, community and a testament to the enduring legacy of family-operated excellence. Now in our fourth generation of Brown family leadership, our dealership has grown from humble beginnings into a trusted source for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram (CDJR), and Ford vehicles, while maintaining our commitment to the community, our customers, and our employees.

A Century-Long Commitment to Community and Service Our roots in the community run deep, reflecting over a century of growth alongside the people of Petoskey. Brown Motors believes in giving back, actively supporting local events, charities, and initiatives that strengthen our community. We are more than just a business; we are neighbors, friends, and advocates for the well-being of our town.

Dedication to Our Team At Brown Motors, we understand that our strength lies in our team. We are dedicated to fostering a workplace that values each member’s contribution, encourages professional growth, and supports personal achievement. Our commitment to our team has been a cornerstone of our longevity, creating an environment where expertise, respect, and collaboration drive us forward.

Celebrating Four Generations of Family Leadership Since our inception in 1898, Brown Motors has been a family affair. The passing of the torch through four generations of the Brown family has ensured that our core values of integrity, customer service, and community involvement remain at the forefront of everything we do. This lineage not only highlights our stability and reliability as a dealership but also reinforces our commitment to family values both within and beyond our operations.

Our Services and Commitment to Excellence Offering a wide selection of new and used vehicles, including the latest models from CDJR and Ford, Brown Motors caters to a diverse clientele. Our state-of-the-art service center and the upcoming expansion to include a commercial and heavy-duty shop demonstrate our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our customers and setting industry standards for excellence and innovation.

Join Our Legacy We invite you to experience the Brown Motors difference. Whether you are looking to purchase a new vehicle, require service on your current model, or wish to explore our contributions to the Petoskey community, Brown Motors is here for you. Join us as we continue our journey, building on a legacy of community service, dedicated team support, and family values that have stood the test of time.