The S.B. Questionnaire: Walt Branscome

I always had this idea of a car salesman as Bela Lugosi in the original Dracula, and I’d panic before going into a dealership because I feared dealing with one.

But Walt Branscome, who is the sales and leasing consultant at Santa Barbara Auto Group, does not fit this stereotypical view of a car dealer. He’s super friendly without being smarmy, very laid back, and one of the funniest people you’ll meet. Most thankfully, he’s not pushy at all.

It took me a while to understand that this jolly fellow is more interested in your long-term satisfaction with his product than a quick sell, and I’ve been impressed that he calls me year after year to wish me a happy birthday.

Below, Walt answers the Proust Questionnaire.

What is your motto?

Treat people the way you would like to be treated.

What do you like most about your job?

When a client gets the car of their dreams and the expression on their faces and the excitement they feel and I feel.

What is your favorite car and model?

Porsche! This is the best built car in the world and most fun to drive. Any year of the Boxster or Cayman.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

Ben Franklin. A little crazy and marched to his own beat. But loved his country.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Being healthy and enjoying time with family and friends.

What is your greatest fear?

Not being able to enjoy life to the fullest.

Who do you most admire and why?

My Mother. She was the kind of person we should all try to be. Never judge another person until you have spent some time in their shoes because you never know what that person has been thru in life. Trust your gut instinct it’s a higher power talking to you.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Cars and wonderful wine.

What is your current state of mind?

I love life and all its wonder. People are always amazing me with their generosity.

What is the quality you most like in people?

Honesty! Just tell it like it is!

What is the quality you most dislike in people?

Dishonesty!

What do you most value in friends?

They let me be me and don’t judge me and we can discuss any topic without any repercussion.

What is your most marked characteristic?

What you see is what you get.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

Really!

Which talent would you most like to have?

Musical. I would love to play the piano.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

Take better care of my physical self.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Having traveled to all 50 states and seen much of the beauty the country has to offer and the many diverse people.

Where would you most like to live?

Anywhere along the Central Coast of California!

What is your most treasured possession?

My family and my health.

Who makes you laugh the most?

My friends. There have been many people over the years, too many to list them all.