Sales and Leasing Consultant at Jefferson City Autoplex, formerly Corwin Auto Group
Jefferson City native Nathan Hays uses his sense of humor when he explains how he got into the car business. As a new member of the Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals group, he stood up and shared that he was unemployed with a college degree during a meeting with 70 of his peers. He says people he knew let out a chuckle, and his current boss approached him.
“He told me, ‘If you have the stones to tell a room that you’re unemployed and laugh about it, you should sell cars,’” Hays says. “My grandfather owned multiple automotive dealerships in mid-Missouri before I was born, and he encouraged me to look into it more seriously. I interviewed a few weeks later, and the rest is history. Hays, who works as a sales and leasing consultant at Corwin Automotive Group, has a Bachelor of Science in wellness from Lincoln University with a minor in recreation from Missouri State University.
Devin Fischer, who nominated Hays, says Hays has quickly become one of the most well-known and respected car salespeople in town.
“He works hard to excel every day and exceeds expectations for all his customers,” Fischer says. “Everyone else’s needs come first, and Nathan is constantly looking for ways to help others.”
Hays says his favorite part about his job is trying to turn a process that is typically seen as bad or stressful into something that’s fun and enjoyable.
“I have tons of repeat customers, and many people call me weekly and ask, ‘Hey, do you still sell cars?’” Hays says. “When I say yes, I always hear a sigh of relief. That means a lot to me. I love to network, and I just enjoy helping people make buying a car fun.”
Family: Wife, Amanda, and daughters, Emily and Sophia
Charity of choice: The United Way of Central Missouri
The United Way provides assistance to seniors, children and the underprivileged in the community by promoting education, health and financial stability.
“I’m involved with so many organizations,” Hays says. “Recently, I’ve tried to become more involved with the United Way as a whole because they cover a lot of ground.”
Community involvement: Hays is part of the Leadership Jefferson City Class of 2014, Jefferson City Day Care Center Board of Directors, Special Olympics of Missouri Flamin’ Fellas, Boys & Girls Clubs: Men of the Club, Boy Scouts of America Great Rivers Council Executive Nomination Committee and Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals. He is president of the Mid-Missouri Referral Alliance and is involved with Capital City Connections, Friends of the Parks, Partners in Education, State DECA judge, Cole County Mr. Relay for Life, Jefferson City Jaycee and Trunk or Treat participant, Special Learning Center Golf Tournament, Youth Sports coach, West Main Pizza Fan Club, Lincoln University Alumni Association,
Missouri State University Alumni Association, Helias Alumni Association, Jefferson City Salute to America, State Employee Recognition Day, Child’s Play Gaming Fundraisers and Hope on Wheels.