Why I Love ZOOM ZOOM
Me with Savvy the day I brought her home 🥰
I’m a Mazda Girl. Have been for more than 20 years. I got my first, a Mazda6, when I was living in Atlanta. The car I had been driving crapped out on me, but before it officially died, I had been thinking about what kind of car I wanted next. As I would drive back and forth to work, I started noticing other vehicles on the road. Every so often, I would see one and my heart would skip a beat. I would feel an instant rush of excitement and think, “Ooh! I love that car!” Every single time, it was a Mazda6. I knew that was going to be my next vehicle. And when I bought it, I was thrilled! The car was crimson red and sporty, a sleek four-door with ample room. I named her Sassy. Sassy was my literal ride-or-die for more than a decade.
When it was time for Sassy to retire, there was no question for me about what my next car would be. I was addicted to the ZOOM ZOOM. By this time, I was married and living in Albuquerque. I headed to University VW Mazda with a mission. I left with that mission accomplished. I was the proud owner of a new Mazda6, an updated model in that same sporty, show-stopping crimson. My signature car, in my signature color. I named my new ride Savvy.
Savvy in all her glory.
I’ve been driving Savvy for a decade now, and she still looks brand new and handles like a dream. And of course, I take her to University VW Mazda for her regularly scheduled maintenance and TLC. It’s been a long and lovely relationship. A few weeks ago, I was hanging out in the waiting area, enjoying some popcorn while Savvy got an oil change, and I had a thought – “I wonder if the dealership would be a WomenShine Expo Sponsor?”
There was only one way to find out. I headed to the office of Partner/General Manager, Bob Cockerham. Tall and friendly, he welcomed me into his office.
“What can I do for you?” he asked with a curious smile.
“Well, Bob, first I should tell you, I’m a Mazda Girl,” I said, gushing about how much I love my car.
Bob Cockerham, Partner/General Manager of University VW Mazda and a truly nice guy!
I started telling him about WomenShine, and our mission to bring busy women together each month to help our community. “We make doing good doable,” I explained. He liked the concept. I told him about our upcoming 2nd annual WomenShine Expo, and that we were looking for Sponsors. He thought it sounded great. And when I told him that a portion of the proceeds from the Expo would go to NM Child First Network, he said, “I haven’t heard of them - tell me more.” I shared that NM Child First is a local organization that supports and advocates for foster children and foster parents.
A thoughtful expression crossed his face. As it turns out, Bob has a real heart for children in the foster care system. “Let me see what I can do,” he said.
I learned that Bob is a doer. He started working at University VW Mazda in the 80’s, at 20 years old, as a Porter. It was his job to wash the cars on the lot, and do whatever else was needed. Bob worked his way up at this hometown dealership, and 15 years ago, he became Partner. Throughout his journey, community has been a focus for Bob and the other employees at University VW Mazda.
“We care what happens to New Mexico. It is where we live. We love our home and our neighbors,” he explained. “We feel like we are a part of this great community, our employees and our customers. We want to stay connected and grounded.”
My dog, Whisky, loves Savvy, too!
Being the doer that he is, it wasn’t long until Bob got back to me. He and his team were happy to be a Sponsor for the WomenShine Expo. When I met with him again, I got to meet several other staff members, and everyone was so nice and supportive of WomenShine’s mission.
Turns out ZOOM ZOOM isn’t just about the feeling you get driving a Mazda. It’s also the happiness you feel knowing that your dealership cares about the community you’re driving in. Thanks, Bob and everyone at University VW Mazda. I’ll see you at my next oil change!
If you love the ZOOM ZOOM, go see them!