Kevin Sornet: The son also rises
They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. And for young Kevin Sornet, he puts his best foot forward as he embarks on his own journey in the automotive realm. Taking on the mantle as general manager of Nissan Sta. Rosa, he eagerly follows the footsteps of his own father, Tey.
After graduating from Ateneo de Manila University with degree in information technology and entrepreneurship in 2024, he first gained experience working in Philippine Digital Asset Exchange as a senior associate for strategy and investor relation.
“After one year, I joined the family business, initially as a assistant general manager back in Nissan Alabang. Eventually, I was given the position of general manager when we aquired , Nissan Santa Rosa,” Kevin divulged.
Valuable lessons from the legend
Doroteo “Tey” Sornet has been in the automotive industry for more than four decades and his career in motoring circles is considered to be exceptional, if not legendary. “Under the mentorship of my father, I’ve learned the big valuable lesson of people management, not just people under you, but the people beside you,” he shared.
For him, it’s very important to have really good relationships with bank partners, with OEMs, and not even just within the circle of Nissan, but beyond, such as different brands.
“Basically, he taught me the value of being sociable in the auto industry in general, and finding ways to interact with more and more people.”
Meeting the targets
“In terms of operations, I’ve learned from my dad that having a set target, that you always have to go above and beyond targets,” the young Sornet added. “I always remind them every day of the steps that we have to take to reach those targets. And I’m always putting myself available for anything, for any support that they need.”
He also shared that he manages a 2,290-sqm dealership, with a showroom that can display up to eight cars. “We also have a nice lounge here. And we have three booths for the agents to work with the clients and for our service is around 1608 square meters with about seven lifters and 11 work days. So, we offer the full 3S service facility,” he said.
Moreover, he also strives to meet the sales target of 50 units per month, with the Nissan Terra and Navara driving their sales. “Eventually, we look forward to selling the X-trail and the Kicks.”
Shoot for the stars
“One thing I learned from my dad is that you always have to shoot for the star,” he elated.
Carrying the same firm and composed yet friendly demeanor as he his old man, Kevin said that he plans to bring back Nissan Sta. Rosa to its former glory days. “I think we would be able to maximize strategic advancements in the key areas within Sta. Rosa.”
He said that they are able to push the right models for the right set of people.
“ We are always able to target the right markets and be able to keep up with the times. With the rise of electrified vehicles, we strive to find the right market for the right cars and be able to help our customers find which unit would be able to best serve them.” To cap off, they aspire to achieve the dealer of the year accolade.
He added, “Once we reach that, we’ll target the global award.” Just exactly what his father did.
