We sat down with Chris Giammona, Production Manager for Midway Group, to talk about his role and what he loves most about his job. Plus, we couldn’t help but ask him a few fun questions. Bet you’ll never guess what he almost did for a living before getting his start in the automotive industry.
Keep reading for the full Q&A, and click below to watch a few of our favorite moments with Chris.
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How long have you worked with Midway Group?
I have been working with Midway Group for 15 awesome years, it’s been quite a wild ride. I could probably write a book about it and make it on the New York Times bestseller’s list. Pretty fascinating stuff.
What gets you excited about starting your day?
I like what I do. That really helps. Doing my job better every day – better than the day before – motivates me. Everything comes together so much easier when you love what you do. You can drive into work with a smile on your face, and watch the time fly by because you’re having fun.
What’s your favorite thing about your job?
Every day is different and every day holds new challenges. The cars I’m asked to find are typically the latest, hottest, most rare on the market. It can be a very difficult process in securing a particular vehicle. But once the vehicle is delivered, it is a great feeling unlike any other.
What are you most proud of?
Honestly, I am proud of my track record. I feel I do my job better than most, and definitely better than our competitors. I have lost count of all the times a client has called us last minute because some other company they trusted failed to deliver and it makes me proud that I can give the client the car they need when others could not.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was growing up I never really knew what I wanted to be, like most people, I think. I got to a point where I was just out of high school, had to start college and figure out a direction. I got into the mortuary science program at the local college and I was studying to be a mortician, of all things. At first, I thought it was cool … driving a hearse. Plus, I was into heavy metal a lot back then and it seemed interesting, but I ended up trying something else.
Where did you grow up?
I was born at Long Beach Memorial Hospital and raised in North Long Beach. Music and skateboarding kept me out of trouble.
Do you have any hidden talents? Hobbies?
Believe it or not … I can rap! Hahaha. I spend most of my free time thinking of cool concepts to draw, paint or write about. Putting words together that rhyme and turning them into songs is kind of like assembling a huge puzzle. Once it’s all together, it’s pretty magical.
Five questions in 30 seconds or less:
Dream car? My 1965 Cadillac Sedan De Ville parked in my garage.
Spirit animal? Great white shark.
Favorite movie? Mad Max 2 – The Road Warrior.
Favorite quote? “Wanting to be someone else is a waste of who you are.” – Kurt Cobain
Any final thoughts?
We hold something here at Midway Group close to our hearts … a mantra: whatever it takes. I live by that phrase: whatever it takes.
