Dennis also participates in the PPG Certified First program and is actively engaged in Certified First Round Table discussions. He is a proponent of and plans to implement the PPG 'TPM' system in his shop. TPM - through put management - is a process developed to help get 40% of work through the shop and out the door in 72 hours.

As a member of the Certified First program, Dennis became involved in the insurance agent Continuing Education program. His "Ethics Class" is certified by the state of Texas and all agents in attendance get credits towards their continuing education.

Manager Dennis is involved in dealership operations as well as the collision repair center as one of three directors who oversee operations for the entire dealership. His wife, Donna Dennis also works at Planet Ford, managing the 'Autotainment' department of the business.

Louisiana transplant

Dennis is from Lake Charles, Louisiana, and his Cajun wit and charm matches his background and knowledge to make him a popular speaker with Texas insurance agents. He was invited by the, Professional Insurance Association (PIA) to speak at last year's annual convention. His message and popularity have earned him an invitation to speak at this year's convention as well.

Mike and Donna Dennis moved to Houston from Lake Charles because good friend Steve Stravoski told him about Planet Ford. Stravoski is parts manager and another one of the three dealership managing directors. Randall Reed, owner of Planet Ford, is the reason Stravoski encouraged the Dennis family to make the move. And it was the right move.

Reed encourages Dennis's insurance agent programs."Randall Reed is the best person anyone could ever ask to work for," stated Dennis emphatically."He gives so much back to this community. He is always asking the question - how can we give back?"

Personally, Dennis - also known as the "Louisiana transplant" - is humbled by Randall Reed's commitment to his employees and community. "I was a stranger in a new community and Randall Reed supported my efforts to belong to this dealership and make it my home."

Dennis and his team run the Planet Ford collision repair center with attention to customer satisfaction and - well, the service is just out of this world!

Janet Chaney has been in many facets of the collision industry. She is serving the best interest of her clients through Cave Creek Business Development. She can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it