Spray named Rokstad general sales manager

PONDERAY — Jeff Rokstad, owner of Rokstad Ford-Mercury, has announced that longtime employee, Jerry Spray, has been promoted to general sales manager.

"Jerry is capable of performing every position in our sales department," said Jeff Rokstad.

"That, coupled with his hard work and dedication, made him very deserving of being promoted to this next level."

Spray and his wife, Carissa, have four children. He is a native of Sandpoint and has been at the dealership for more than 10 years. He started in sales and worked his way up to new vehicle manager, a position he held for approximately four years prior to his recent promotion.

"I started when it was Evergreen Ford Mercury Nissan," said Spray. "Since then I've had just about every job in the sales department."

Spray now oversees the entire sales aspect of the dealership. As general sales manager, he manages 11 employees and firmly believes his ties to the community will help him succeed in expanding sales in North Idaho.

"I think there is a benefit to being born and raised here," said Spray. "I understand the community and I have visions of the direction in which the dealership should go."

Spray said one trend that is evident in the car industry is the switch from sports utility vehicles to crossovers.

"The SUV market is dwindling and the crossover vehicles are starting to take off and ease out some of the bigger vehicles," said Spray, adding he believes a desire for more efficient gas mileage while still being able to carry up to seven passengers is behind the trend.

Spray said he is looking forward to working with Jeff Rokstad in the position of general sales manager.

"If you do your job, Jeff will stand by you," Spray said.

"I've never had a boss who supports me as much as Jeff does."

He added that working at the dealership is like being part of a big family.

"We spend a large amount of time together," he said. "When you spend that time together, you learn a lot about a person."