How this Tampa power couple became a record-breaking sales duo

For some, working alongside your significant other could be frightening, but a husband and wife team out of Tampa, Florida is crushing their sales goals. Things weren’t always this way though. On today’s show, we’ve got an incredible story of triumph, we’re pleased to welcome Zeyad “Z” Altuama, sales and leasing consultant at Ferman Chevrolet and Nada Aldirawi, assistant at Ferman Chevrolet.

Z moved to the United States from Baghdad, Iraq in 2011. A few years later, he and Nada got married and began building a life together. The couple struggled to make ends meet, with Z reaching his breaking point when Nada asked for a $1 bottle of water and he couldn’t afford it. They then started to apply to multiple dealerships in the Tampa market. At every corner, the couple found rejection after rejection, with many dealers unwilling to hire Z or Nada due to their accent.

In 2015, Z was offered the opportunity he had been looking for. Ferman Chevrolet extended a position in sales to Z and later brought Nada on as an assistant. Z found immediate success, earning the award of Salesman of the Month every month since 2016. Nada began assisting Z as his deals continued to grow. Their tag-team effort was extremely successful as the duo sold 75 Chevys in March 2021, a store and state record. 

Z claims that a positive environment is a crucial element of building strong sales. Automotive salespeople should strive to have good relationships with their customers, colleagues, and managers. Z also says that separating work from home life has been huge in his and Nada’s success.

“Never drag home problems to work, and never drag work problems home,” said Z. “They have to be separated. This will free your mind from worrying about what your wife or your husband is complaining about. That stays home.”

Nada concludes by advising salespeople to stay positive and never give up. Z and Nada are confident that everyone is capable of overcoming difficult circumstances to find success. She says that the mindset of individuals in automotive sales should be the same every day.

Did you enjoy this interview with Z Altuama and Nada Aldirawi? Please share your thoughts, comments, or questions regarding this topic by submitting a letter to the editor here, or connect with us at newsroom@cbtnews.com.