Friends, the world of alternative fuel vehicles has lost a powerful advocate in the passing of John Dolan, Tuesday November 14. John worked at Smart Toyota in Madison, WI. I met him at Hybridfest, later Green Drive Expo. Though he was there as a Smart representative, he was more than just a car salesman. John brought his own Prius to the car show and would put it on display. He had an easy way with people, listening to their concerns with a compassionate ear and answering all their questions. As an owner and daily driver, he was fully invested in green tech and believed in his core the importance of moving away from fossil fuels. At an event like Green Drive Expo, there are many cars on display. One person I remember was looking at the Prius Plug-in (gen1). He explained to John that the range wasn't enough to meet his needs. John the Toyota salesman directed that person to the guy with the Chevy Volt. It's better to have someone loving the tech that meets their needs than to push them into something they will regret for many years. John knew the alt fuel movement is bigger than him making a sale. When I decided to purchase a Prime, there was only one person I wanted to talk to. We did all the reservation business via text and email. It wasn't until my wife and I took a trip to Madison that she met him. I lamented that I wanted her to see a Prime but they didn't have one on the lot. He corrected me and went to get the keys. When he returned, he handed me the keys to his Prime, charging out front. Personally, I was looking forward to stopping by to compare notes and talk shop. John was an avid Priuschat stalker (and other forums) who often took me to task with how much he knew about the alt car world. John Dolan will be truly missed.
Truly a rare treasure among salesmen. Hopefully he trained some other staff at the dealership well to carry on the legacy. My preferred salesman & his Gen 1 Prius are not quite at that level.
rip john, the world is lesser without you, but heaven has gained a friend. i only wish i knew someone like him at a toyota dealership.
I bought my first two Toyotas through an auto broker (now retired) and my Gen 4 through a dealership. I'm not sure how knowledgeable he is about hybrids and green cars, but he was straight with me. I don't like to deal with people who , especially with a major purchase. Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
My local clueless salesman would not deal and did not even know what interior colors were available for Trim Two. He said black was the only choice. Of course, I drove 150 miles to someone who has a clue and is not afraid to use it.
