Rivera Pitches Autos in New Mount Kisco Dealership
Mariano Rivera arrived in Mount Kisco recently to provide a spark to his new team.
His pep talk had nothing to do with baseball, but rather to help his sales staff at Rivera Toyota and Scion of Mount Kisco, the new car dealership he opened last month on North Bedford Road.
The legendary Yankee reliever, who lives in Purchase, had a meet and greet with his employees, hoping to see them close on car sales as well as he finished games for the Bronx Bombers.
Rivera’s business partner, Alex Muscarella, said Rivera Toyota employees were thrilled when they met the retired star.
“Everybody went crazy,” said Muscarella, who mentioned that Rivera has been at the dealership on five occasions.
Rivera apparently inspired his employees after meeting with them on July 21. General sales manager Liam Tully said 100 cars were sold in the dealership’s first month, double the number by the former Toyota dealership at the same location last July.
Muscarella, who is also a dealer manager at Acura of Westchester in Larchmont, said Ken Hicks, general manager of that dealership, has known Rivera about 20 years. The former Yankee great informed Hicks that he wanted to get into the car business, Muscarella said.
Rivera’s influence is visible. The dealership’s walls have been painted New York Yankee blue and white and are adorned with several photos of Rivera in game action.
Since Rivera’s operation replaced another Toyota dealership, the only approval needed from the village was from the zoning board of appeals for a new sign at the building’s entrance, Muscarella said.
To spread word about the new venture, Rivera Toyota has been advertising on local cable television and on YouTube, Tully said. There is also a dealership Facebook page.
An official grand opening for the dealership will be held in early September.
Rivera Toyota and Scion of Mount Kisco is located at 325 N. Bedford Rd. For more information call 914-666-5181.
