Renee, Working in Nutley for 25 Years and Still Happy

Aug 11, 2015

We’ve interviewed Renee LaFiura, the controller of a Nutley Car Dealer for the past 25 years, as well as a local New Jersey resident. Let’s take a look at her story and her feeling about this town.

Can you briefly introduce yourself?

I grew up in Belleville, NJ and graduated from Belleville High School. I love spending time down the shore, going for walks and attending hockey games. I am a New Jersey Devils fan but mostly enjoy watching my stepson, Gerard play for the Nutley Varsity Ice Hockey Team. My older stepson, Richie, also played varsity for Nutley before he graduated last year. My career began in 1989 with Book Chevrolet Buick. I was hired as a receptionist. After a few years, I became an administrative assistant and a few years after that became Assistant Office Manager. When Jim & Anne purchased the dealership in 2005, I became the Controller in December 2005.

Working in Nutley for years, where is your favorite spot in Nutley? Why?

My favorite spots in Nutley would be the parks being I love to walk, they are a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. My favorite park would be Demuro as I love the track to walk on. It is also where the Relay for Life is held.

What do you feel about Nutley? Can you use three words to describe Nutley? Do you like it?

Nutley is a great place to live & work as most of the residents have been here for generations and they take pride in their town. The three words I would use to describe Nutley would be: parks, home & tranquil.

Working in Nutley Kia for over 25 years, what are the reasons for you to stay for such a long time?

I love Nutley Kia because we treat our customer’s right. We are definitely different from your “typical” car dealers. Our staff is knowledgeable, courteous and they treat people the way they would want to be treated. Most car dealerships operate more like a factory than wanting to understand their customer’s needs and wants.

What is your first car?

My 1^st car was a 1985 Pontiac Trans Am. It was given to me by my mom when I was 18. I loved my first car and miss it. Unfortunately until recently, I had intentions of restoring it but decided I had other priorities that needed to come first.

Anything you want to add or say to people in Nutley?

I addition to Nutley being a great place to live & work, it’s a great place to shop and dine. We have excellent restaurants , deli’s and stores. My nail salon is also in Nutley which I have been a customer of for over 15 years. I also hear there is a great place in Nutley to buy a car!