UGM Motors: Reselling Cars, Rebuilding Lives

Get to know Curt Woodard: Salesman at UGM Motors

If you browse the sales lot at Union Gospel Mission Motors, there’s a good chance you’ll be greeted by a slender man with silver hair, a quick smile and a hearty handshake. It's nice to know a bit about the man with whom you're about to make a major transaction, so read on for the inside scoop on Curt. He's not your typical used car salesman.

Tell us a little about your background. Where do you come from?

I was born and raised right here in the Inland Northwest at the north end of Newman Lake on a cattle ranch. I am one of 11 children. I have five older brothers, two older sisters and three younger sisters. My parents raised us in the Roman Catholic Church, and we went to private schools - Saint Mary’s in the Spokane Valley and Gonzaga Prep. I went directly into the work force after high school, doing heavy highway, excavating, grading, underground utilities and site development. I made a career in that for 30 years, 26 of which I was an owner or part owner in three different companies.

Who inspires you?

The individual who inspires me is my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I often wonder what the world would be like if we were all like Him. Christlikeness is one of UGM's core values. I don't always succeed, but that's definitely my goal.

How did you end up at UGM Motors?

I started working in a part-time sales position at UGM Motors in April 2008. It turned into a full-time position immediately when General Manager Jim Stroh had a life-threatening motorcycle accident.

What does a “typical” workday look like?

Greeting and meeting customers by phone or people who come onto the lot looking for a used vehicle. I help them find one that best meets their needs. I also help process vehicles from the time they're donated until the time they're sold.

What keeps you going day to day?

Jesus Christ keeps me going day by day. I can’t do anything apart from Him. With Him by my side, I try to encourage others to be all they can be in Christ and His kingdom, to make the church and the world a better place. I am constantly asking Him what I can be doing for His kingdom and how can I be doing it better. I want to be a part of the solution, not a part of the problem.

What is something people may never guess is a part of your normal workday?

Praying. Bible study. Picking up trash and garbage from the parking lot and grounds of the facility.

What do you want people to know about what you do?

It’s not about the cars we sell. It’s about the relationships. How can we help our customers and our donors? How can we serve them? Not everyone who calls here or comes onto the lot is in need of a car. Sometimes what they really need is a friend. Sometimes they just need a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, a word of hope.

What’s most important to you in working with a customer at UGM Motors?

Honesty! Purchasing a vehicle can be very challenging and difficult for someone who does not know much about cars. I enjoy helping them through the process. I keep asking myself: “Would I sell this vehicle to my mom or daughter?” That helps me keep things real and truthful.

What’s your favorite way to spend your time off?

My favorite way to spend my time off is with my most wonderful wife, Winnie. We enjoy each other immensely, and we both enjoy projects, so doing things around the 1904 home we are remodeling in the West Central neighborhood is a lot of fun!

Though it goes without saying, I love my children and grandchildren a great deal. Winnie and I are very intentional about spending time with them and encouraging them in their walk with the Lord and the things of life. I have to confess though, they have more influence and impact on me and my walk than I think I do on theirs.

You went on a mission trip recently. Where did you go? What did you do? What did you learn?

I took a 13-day trip to South Sudan in late March/early April of this year (2014). The purpose of the trip was to meet key individuals who would assist a team from Spokane in developing land for sustainable food and cash crops in agriculture and forestry. While we were there, we surveyed the plot of land that the community of Kala is offering to develop for that purpose. Winnie and I are now waiting on the Lord for the next move. 

Tell us about one of your most moving experiences at UGM.

I received a phone call from a customer who was in a lot of distress, so I had the opportunity to pray with her over the phone. Later, I received a letter from her thanking me and letting me know how much that prayer helped her in her time of need. 

What is one key word you’d use to describe UGM?

Family.

Any last thoughts?

“Let’s give `em heaven for the good Lord knows they need it!”

Editor's Note: This post was originally published on August 20, 2014 and has been thoroughly updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.