As the dealership opens its newest branch, it carries with it not just vehicles, but the hopes, memories, and dreams of those who have made it more than just a place of business—a true home.
AS Atkins Kroll Saipan marks significant milestones—including team members celebrating decades of service and welcoming new leadership—AK Saipan continues to drive forward with a commitment to excellence.
Liza Taylor
Liza Taylor: Two decades of automotive passion
Liza Taylor’s 20-year journey with AK Saipan is not just about selling cars, but about building relationships across generations.
“Every transaction with my clients is memorable and rewarding,” Taylor says.
In a career that spans 20 years, she has witnessed the automotive world transform before her eyes.
“We can see the changes through the way cars are being built then versus now,” she explains. “Vehicles have seen significant advancements in safety features, specifications, designs, and fuel efficiency.”
Even more profound are the changes in customer behavior. “In the past, people were more focused on the look and feel of the car. Today, buyers are much more conscious of safety features and technology, often prioritizing these aspects when making their decisions.”
Her secret to longevity? “Dedication, hard work, providing unique customer service, and loving what I do,” Taylor reveals. “The sales industry is ever-changing, and it’s important to continuously learn about the products to stay ahead.”
One story stands out among her many memorable moments. “I first helped a family purchase their very first car when they were expecting their first child,” she recalls. “Years later, they returned to upgrade to a larger vehicle as their family grew.
“Another memorable moment was helping a longtime customer purchase a car for their child when they reached driving age,” she said.
What truly sets Atkins Kroll Saipan apart, according to Taylor, is its commitment to relationships—its focus on delivering great experiences and customer service excellence.
“The AK team has created an environment where co-workers become family, embodying our ‘Better Together’ philosophy,” she adds.
Dexter Brennan
Dexter Brennan: A legacy continued
For Dexter Brennan, Atkins Kroll Saipan is more than a workplace; it’s a second home.
“Having pretty much grown up at Microl Corporation (AK Saipan), it felt natural to give the automotive industry a try,” he explains.
Following in his father Doug’s footsteps wasn’t without its challenges. “At first, it was a bit intimidating trying to follow in his big footsteps. My father was—and still is—a well-respected, influential, and dependable man.”
His earliest memories are vivid snapshots of a bustling dealership.
“My earliest memories of the dealership when my dad was [general manager] include walking in and seeing familiar faces like Frank Tudela, the late Richard Jones, Tom Aguon, and our veteran Parts Team: Resti, Freddy, and Jun Palacios. Back then, the only cars on the lot were the ones in the showroom, and business was booming.”
One memory particularly stands out: the way his father interacted with his team. “The way my dad would light up when these people walked in. His lively interactions with them set the tone for the business, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and mutual respect. As a leader, he knew how to make everyone feel valued, which left a lasting impression on me.”
The Parts Department has transformed dramatically under Dexter’s watch. “We’ve moved from manual inventory counts to using barcode scanners for receiving, binning, and inventory checks,” he notes. “Paper filing is a thing of the past, as we now utilize digital shared files for audits and verifications. Practically everything we do can now be done digitally, except for unloading parts from the delivery trucks.”
Safety is paramount in Brennan’s role. “The most important aspect of Safety Management is prevention,” he emphasizes. “If we can prevent incidents from occurring, we can eliminate risks altogether. Daily safety checks are integral to our safety culture.”
His father’s lessons continue to guide him. “One lesson my father taught me is that the automotive industry is ever-changing, and we as a dealership must adapt and evolve with it,” Dexter reflects. “Another valuable lesson is to not take anything to heart; everything is a learning experience that we can use to better ourselves and create better interactions with others.”
Tracy Guerrero
Tracy Guerrero: Coming home to lead
Returning to Saipan as General Manager is more than a professional milestone for Tracy Guerrero; it’s a homecoming.
“[It is] more than just returning to my roots; it’s a heartfelt journey home,” she explains. “I’ve always had—and always will have—a profound love and deep connection to this community.”
Her experience in both Guam and Saipan markets provides a unique perspective.
“Working in both Guam and Saipan has been invaluable in shaping my perspective,” Guerrero notes. “Guam’s larger market and diverse customer base taught me the complexities of managing expansive operations and thriving in a competitive environment. Saipan’s tight-knit community emphasizes the importance of building trust, nurturing relationships, and listening to the people we serve.”
Her vision for Atkins Kroll Saipan transcends traditional business goals. “I want AK Saipan to not only continue delivering this trusted Toyota experience but also to embrace our island’s unique heritage,” she says. “Representing the vibrant, culturally diverse fabric of Saipan—deeply rooted in our Chamorro and Carolinian heritage—is at the heart of our mission.”
Vincent Tudela
Vincent Tudela: 25 years of service excellence
Service is more than a job; it’s a calling, says Vincent Tudela.
With 25 years of experience behind him, including 18 years as a technician, Tudela has witnessed the automotive industry’s remarkable technological transformation.
“Technology has advanced at such a fast pace that we continuously train ourselves to improve service quality and provide a faster turnaround time for our customers,” he explains.
The most significant changes, according to Tudela, have been in technology and safety.
“We’ve heavily invested in training and resources for our technicians, just as manufacturers have invested in designing safer vehicles for everyday commutes.”
Tudela’s journey through automotive service has been marked by dedication to technical expertise and customer trust.
One defining moment in his career illustrates this exceptional commitment. Faced with a perplexing case of a car that wouldn’t start, Tudela’s persistence proved crucial.
“Eventually, I discovered a very small wire cut in the key cylinder; it was almost impossible to see. Once I reconnected the wire, the vehicle started right away.”
This experience embodies his philosophy of going “the extra mile and troubleshooting every possibility to get our customers back on the road.”
Integrity drives Tudela’s approach to service. “We acknowledge our mistakes and always strive to make things right within our capabilities,” he says. This commitment to transparency has been key to building customer trust and ensuring vehicle longevity.
As a mentor, Tudela sees training the next generation as a critical mission. “With today’s industry, skillsets are becoming harder to find, leaving a smaller pool of talent,” he notes. “We need to inspire and entice the younger generation to understand that trade skills are just as valuable and important as earning degrees.”
What truly motivates Tudela is seeing his team at the Service Department succeed. “Seeing my team succeed in their career paths is incredibly rewarding,” he reflects. “As their manager and leader, we face challenges together and overcome obstacles as a team. Witnessing their growth and accomplishments reaffirms why we work so hard.”
Collaboration, for Tudela, isn’t just a concept; it’s a way of life. “Collaboration is at the core of what we do. It’s the Inchcape way, and we live it every single day.”
As the dealership opens its newest branch, it carries with it not just vehicles, but the hopes, memories, and dreams of those who have made it more than just a place of business—a true home.
