Mike Furman Archives - Page 30 of 31

October 15, 2014

National Corvette Seller Mike Furman Nominated for the GM Mark of Customer Excellence Award

The thousands of Corvette owners he’s gone out of his way to make happy over the past 37 years don’t need to see an award to know what a great salesman Mike Furman is. They’ve seen with their own eyes what a great job he does for his customers. Still, though, Corvette’s No. 1 salesman […]

August 26, 2014

[VIDEO] Corvette Seller Mike Furman and Friends at Corvettes at Carlisle

While at the Corvettes at Carlisle show last weekend, we spoke with several sponsors of CorvetteBlogger to get their latest news and to see what we can do to help spread the word to our readers. Little did I know that three of them were working in cahoots to cross promote each other’s offerings at […]

July 23, 2014

Win a New Corvette Stingray and Help a Great Charity

Our friend Mike Furman at Criswell Corvette gave us some info on a great fundraiser to help fight cancer, but he also wanted to tell us why this time it’s personal. Read on to find out how you can help the fight against cancer through The Patty Pollatos Fund and maybe win a new 2014 […]

June 27, 2014

[VIDEO] Criswell Corvetteâ€™s Mike Furman Takes Delivery of His 2014 Corvette Stingray

Left to right is Criswell Chevrolet’s GSM Jason Witte, Mike Furman, owner Harry Criswell and GM Kevin Szot Long time national Corvette seller Mike Furman not only sells a lot of Corvettes (he’s currently over 3,100 and counting in his lifetime), but he has owned a lot of Corvettes personally as well. He recently sold […]

May 14, 2014

[VIDEO] CorvetteBlogger Talks with Criswell Corvetteâ€™s Mike Furman at the NCM Bash

[VIDEO] CorvetteBlogger Talks with Criswell Corvette's Mike Furman at the NCM Bash

During the National Corvette Museum’s Bash last month, we had the opportunity to speak to Mike Furman of Criswell Corvette. Mike has sold an astounding 3,100 Corvettes over his professional sales career and we liken him to be a modern day Bob Wingate. Mike is one of the star sales reps on the Corvette Forum and proves time and again that he will go the extra mile to ensure that your Corvette buying experience is as positive as it can be.

So what’s happening with Mike at Criswell? Delivering Corvettes naturally.

Between sessions at the Bash, we asked him about the trends he is seeing from buyers, as well as the excitement people have after seeing the new 2015 Corvette Z06. Mike was also happy to show off a bit of the new C7 Callaway Corvette as he is one of around two dozen Chevy dealers who works with Callaway Engineering. Finally, we all know about the brutal winter many folks endured, so we asked if he’s had a chance to get out and drive his own Corvette lately.

Here’s the interview with Mike Furman from the NCM Bash:

If you’re interested in putting Mike Furman to work on your next Corvette purchase, you can reach him by calling 301-212-4420 or via email through his website at http://criswellcorvette.com/mike_furman.aspx. In addition to setting up a local delivery at Criswell Corvette’s Gaithersburg, Maryland dealership, Mike can offer delivery though the Corvette Museum’s R8C program or he can arrange a courtesy delivery to the Chevrolet dealer in your home town.

Â© 2014 CorvetteBlogger.com. The article [VIDEO] CorvetteBlogger Talks with Criswell Corvette’s Mike Furman at the NCM Bash originally appeared on the website Corvette: Sales, News & Lifestyle at www.CorvetteBlogger.com. If you are reading this content other than our RSS feed or one of our select partners, then you’re on a website who is using this feed without permission.

February 4, 2014

[PICS] Criswellâ€™s Mike Furman Delivers a 2014 Corvette Stingray Convertible Premiere Edition

[PICS] Criswell's Mike Furman Delivers a 2014 Corvette Stingray Convertible Premiere Edition

When Chevrolet first announced there would be a special Premiere Edition of the Corvette Stingray Coupe back in June 2013, no one was certain whether or not they would also be offering the special limited edition Stingray as a Convertible. But that didn’t stop interested parties from contacting dealers and saying “I want it”. Sure enough, once the Stingray Convertibles started production, Chevrolet announced that 550 Convertible Premiere Editions in Lime Rock Green would be produced.

Criswell Corvette’s Mike Furman got that call from Bob D. in Annapolis, MD about putting a deposit down on a Stingray Convertible Premiere Edition just after the Coupe was announced and this week he was able to take the Lime Rock Green Corvette Stingray home.

Mike says:

“He (Bob) put down a deposit and neither of us knew details… but once he viewed #18 in person it was pure enthusiasm from moment one. Bob traded in his 4LT GS with 8,100 miles and couldn’t wait to take possession of his Premiere Convt in Limerock Green Metallic!

The Premiere Edition Convertibles come loaded with the 3LT trim package and optional chrome wheels and they showcase nearly all the options available as well as some of the cool dealer installed options. The MSRP for #18 was around $77,000.

Here’s are photos showing the delivery of the #18 of 550 Corvette Stingray Convertible Premiere Edition to Bob:

A few days after the delivery, Mike received this note from Bob:

I have been a Corvette person for many years, but have not had a dealership relationship for a long time. Mostly because with the Internet the Corvette inventory in the entire country is basically at hand and I thought the choice of a dealer / sales person was not as important as it once was. That was before I met Mike Furman at Criswell Chevrolet.

In 2012 I bought a loaded Blade Silver Grand Sport (that I found several states distant via the Internet). I expected to have it for some time, but then there was the announcement of the C7 and later that of the Premiere Editions. After months of reading everything I could find I decided I wanted to get a Premiere, the only decision being a coupe or a convertible.

So I needed a Corvette dealer to help me since the Premiere Edition is not orderable. Since I knew that not all dealers would get a Premiere Edition I thought is best to go to a high volume dealer.

First I went to a local dealer and found friendly people, but not a friendly deal. So I searched for Malcolm Konner because in the past they were the Worlds Largest Corvette Dealer. Finding that Konner had changed I searched for the current largest Corvette dealer and found information about Mike Furman and Criswell Chevrolet.

Mike told me that he could take a down-payment on a Premiere Edition but could not make any promise or guarantee that I would get one, only that he would do his best.

At the time I did not know that Mike’s best is as good as it gets. I talked to Mike several times over the months and got to know him a bit – he is surely the most dedicated, helpful and sincere Corvette person I have known.

So getting my Premiere Edition Convertible from Mike was really like getting it from a friend. My guess is most who buy from Mike feel the same way.

Thanks Mike!

If you’re serious about adding a 2014 Corvette to your garage and you want a sales rep that is knowledgeable and will go the extra mile to make it happen, call Mike Furman at Criswell Corvette at (301) 212-4420 or visit him online at http://criswellcorvette.com/mike_furman.aspx. Mike has sold over 3000 Corvettes over his professional sales career and that 35 years of experience shines when dealing with each and every new customer.

Source:
Mike Furman at Criswell Corvette

January 22, 2014

[VIDEO] Criswell Corvetteâ€™s Mike Furman Delivers His 3,000th Corvette

[VIDEO] Criswell Corvette's Mike Furman Delivers His 3,000th Corvette

Congratulations to our friend and CorvetteBlogger sponsor Mike Furman of Criswell Corvette who earlier this month delivered his 3,000th Corvette to a customer. Mike’s first Corvette sale goes all the way back to July 26, 1978 when he sold a 1978 Corvette to Cassius De la Victoria. Some 426 months later, Mike delivered his 3,000th Corvette to a customer from Potomac, MD.

Mike started his automotive career at the age of 17 when he began working for one of the storied Chevrolet dealers, Malcom Konner Auto Group in New Jersey.

He says that each of the 3,000 Corvette is memorable, but one of the things he misses with his nationwide sales is that he doesn’t get to personally meet every owner that is delivered a new Corvette.

His attention to the details – both large and small – is usually what endears him to his customers. Earlier this year, he was able to coordinate the R8C Museum delivery of two Corvette Stingrays for a father and son who reside in different states. And just last month, he was able to schedule the build and delivery of two Stingrays for two friends in New Mexico who also wanted to take delivery together at the National Corvette Museum.

Since the Corvette Stingray arrived on his showroom floor last fall, Mike’s been working on a record pace to get them to their owners. In October 2013, he delivered 57 Stingrays to customers, a number that GM says is a record. Mike says that should have been 61 Stingrays sold, but four of the deliveries were credited to September by his sales manager.

Mike’s record setting delivery was also commented on by John Fitzpatrick, Marketing Manager for Chevrolet Performance Cars. John sent Mike a note saying “Congrats. 3,000 Corvette deliveries… A great accomplishment and a great example of how you are a true ambassador of the brand.” Corvette Assembly Plant Manager Dave Tatman’s Executive Assistant Christine Cartwright also commented on Mike’s sales achievement. “Congratulations on an incredible number and your dedication to Corvette! It’s no wonder you have been so successful over the years – your customer service is A-1… you do what you say you will and you follow through. I can attest to that personally. That’s a rare thing these days.”

Mike’s 3,000th Corvette sale to Richard of Potomac, MD was a Lime Rock Green 2014 Corvette Stingray Z51 Convertible with the 3LT package. An interesting sidebar to the story is that Richard has recently restored his father’s car, a 1974 Jaguar E type that is nearly identical in colors to the Limerock Green/Kalahari Stingray. Here’s a video that Criswell Corvette put together to honor the momentous occasion.

So again, a big congratulations to Mike Furman. If you are interested in a new Corvette Stingray or any of the offerings from Callaway, Mike Furman is the man to call. You can find him at Criswell Corvette in Gaithersburg, MD at 301-212-4420 or via email at MFurman@CriswellAuto.com.

Source:
Corvette Forum

October 27, 2013

[PICS] Father and Son Take Museum Delivery of their 2014 Corvette Stingrays

Here’s another great delivery story from our friend Mike Furman of Criswell Corvette about a father and son who just took delivery together of their new 2014 Corvette Stingrays at the National Corvette Museum.

Mike sets up the story with this thread on Corvette Forum:

Dave called me back in January and asked about Museum delivery of two Stingrays…he said he lives in Minnesota and his Father (former Corvette race car driver) Carl who lives in Tenn wanted to fulfill a dream of taking delivery together at the Corvette Museum. I felt this idea was so cool I just had to make it happen one way or another. Both Stingrays were ordered together and Lori at the Museum was great about getting it done! This past week as you can see by the pictures their dream became reality. The whole experience came off perfect.

Dave and Carl both comment on the forum thread about their experience with taking delivery together of the new 2014 Corvette Stingray as well:

First of all I want to thank Mike for helping to make this happen. For anyone looking for Corvette I would highly recommend working with him. His strong ethics and commitment to the customer is second to none. Also I want to thank Lori and Shane for helping to make it a reality. For those of you who have not had the experience of Museum Delivery, you are missing out on something special. Its is well worth the cost and who doesn’t like being treated like royalty for a day. Lastly, I want to thank my father for all he has done for me over the years and continues to do. Thanks dad!

The new Stingray is UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!!!!

I’m the other part of the story, and I also thank Mike for all he did to make it happen . I have two wonderful sons, that make me very proud to be their father. They have both accomplished much, and should be very proud of what they have done. To answer the other question, David’s vin is 2079, and mine is 2217.

Proud Father

If youâ€™re serious about ordering the new Corvette, make sure you call Mike Furman at Criswell Corvette at (301) 212-4420 or visit him online at http://criswellcorvette.com/mike_furman.aspx. Mike is the consummate professional with nearly 3000 Corvette sales over his professional sales career and that 35 years of experience shines when dealing with each and every new customer.

Source:
Corvette Forum

September 26, 2013

[VIDEO] The 2014 Corvette Stingrays Arrive at Criswell Corvette

Mike Furman of Criswell Corvette sent us a very cool video showing the arrival of the 2014 Corvette Stingrays to his dealership in Gaithersburg, MD. His first two cars received are a Black Stingray and a Lime Rock Green Stingray. In another post on the forum, we read that the black Corvette Stingray is already on its way to a customer on the west coast who will take delivery at a Chevy dealership in Oregon.

After Mike attended the Stingray Academy out at Spring Mountain and experienced the 7th generation Corvette first-hand, he is raring to get his customers into their new 2014 Corvette Stingrays.

If you’re serious about ordering the new Corvette, make sure you call Mike Furman at Criswell Corvette at (301) 212-4420 or visit him online at http://criswellcorvette.com/mike_furman.aspx. Mike is the consummate professional with nearly 3000 Corvette sales over his professional sales career and that 35 years of experience shines when dealing with each and every new customer.

Source:
Mike Furman of Criswell Corvette

September 19, 2013

[PICS] Corvette Seller Mike Furman Attends the C7 Corvette Stingray Dealer Sales Academy

Chevrolet wants its dealers to know the new 2014 Corvette Stingray inside and out so they created the Stingray Dealer Sales Academy, a three day mini-camp for Corvette sellers to experience the 2014 Corvette Stingray in the classroom and on the track.

The Stingray Academy is being held out at Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch in Pahrump, NV. Corvette sales professional Mike Furman @ Criswell Corvette in Gaithersburg, MD attended the school earlier this week and he provides us with pictures and his review of the 2014 Corvette Stingray.

Here is Mike’s first hand account of his experience with the 2014 Corvette Stingray:

How do you begin to try to inform your fellow Corvette Enthusiasts as unbiased as possible what I just experienced for 3 days of non stop driving and classroom tech sessions on the new Stingray? I have owned 13 Corvettes and 44 Muscle cars and have Sold Corvettes for just over 35 yrs now and I have learned that you can never run out of superlatives when you get to witness greatness…sheer greatness on a level that you thought would be yrs away if ever! I am talking about a World Class Sports car in every single way. I said this the other day and these classroom and driving sessions just confirmed my thoughts…you could add up all the technological advances from the previous 6 generations and times them by 3 and even then I am not sure it would equal what the new Stingray brings to the street. When I say street, I mean any level of driving in any weather condition. Pro drivers have spoken of learning how to heel toe drive and how it took them 20+ yrs to really learn…they all spoke on how this new C7 makes heel toe driving obsolete…that the new C7 is capable of the average driver being above average and the above average near perfect at handling this 7th generation Corvette called the Stingray.

Let me just touch on a few of the high lights. Active Rev Match~ is all of it and then some. This is technology that anticipates gear selections and matches engine speed for perfect shifts every time. I went down the straight away at 110 mph and down shifted from 4th to 3rd for the 1st hair pin turn and all the guys back at the starting line (1,000 ft away) heard the roar of the exhaust…I heard it too but better than that was the complete control of the car while down shifting at high speeds and turning tight to the apex of the turn. Z51 Performance Pkg~ This increases the performance capabilities and in this pkg is the electronic limited slip differential, dry sump oiling system, integral brake,differential and transmission cooling among other items. This is not just for the track…most capable for street use especially in Tour mode with Magnetic Select Ride. Aluminum Frame~ 57% stiffer than the C6 and 100 lbs lighter…Wow!

The Stingray design is not only beautiful but very functional. Race proven aerodynamics reduce lift for high speed stability…now with that being said, Yes…the faster you go the more functional it becomes. Every line and surface has been optimized to enhance over all performance…that line was drubbed into us. There is an active hatch vent and box that provides a one way path for air flow out of a pressurized cabin but does not allow the entry of rainwater spray and/or fumes. It improves airflow in the cabin and results in especially reduced efforts for closing the hatch.

The GT seats along with the interior is everything that the car magazines had been begging for all these yrs. Very well thought out and comfortable in every way you plan on driving your new Stingray. Having air cooled vented seats while driving fast in the desert sun is a plus…especially when the cool air comes out at a steady speed. These GT seats will give you road touring comfort and plenty of support for spirited driving.

Get ready…the sound out of the Bose audio system in the 2/3LT is like you are sitting in a symphony. 10 speaker Bose Centerpoint surround system includes a 9 inch ND woofer with a 14 liter bass box in the rear of the trunk. It also has audiopilot noise compensating technology!

One thing that impressed me is the ZF electric power steering. For the 2014 Stingray features a rigidly mounted electric steering gear which replaces the hydraulic system used on the 2013 Vette. What this does is reduce or eliminate the “road shake” that can occur with large performance orientated tires. Which leads into the next generation Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. These past three days we put them thru obstacle courses, tight turning circles, wet down track circle 8′s and road racing at high speeds with elevation changes under all conditions…and I will tell you there is no better tire for the 2014 Stingray then these as they are specifically designed for this car. Not as wide as last years model but they don’t need to be. They are tuned specifically for the 2014 Stingray and will wear better (last longer) then in previous yrs.

Here is a big plus…the center console tube is taller and wrapped with an aerogel insulation (NASA Technology/Space program). It also is used to allow more interior room and provide a full range of seat motion. Great for taller people who like to put the seat back just a tad more.

We drove the Porsche 911 Carrera S and the Porsche Boxster S in short track form along side of driving the C7…what a great experience hopping from one car to another so that you can really appreciate how great a value the Stingray really is, especially at a fraction of the cost of those two Porsches.

I truly don’t have enough time to go on and on…so I am including a ton of pictures with my own take on some of them.

Criswell Corvetteâ€™s Mike Furman has been selling Corvettes for 35 years â€“ thatâ€™s four generation changes and nearly 3,000 Corvette customers worth of experience. Mike has one of the largest allocations in the country so if youâ€™re in the market for the next generation Corvette Stingray, call him today at 301-212-4420 or visit him at online at criswellcorvette.com/mike_furman.aspx.