By DeAnn Lubell
Photos by Lani Garfield
There is an endearing phrase in Korean culture known as Son-Nim. It means treating customers as cherished guests with respect and hospitality. The newly opened Genesis of Palm Springs adheres to this philosophy one hundred percent. Son-Nim was evident on November 14 at the evening of its grand opening party where more than 200 invitees received a sneak preview of skillfully designed and luxury-crafted Genesis automobiles. These innovative vehicles were displayed in a modernistic, spacious glass, and steel showroom of architectural brilliance where tradition meets tomorrow.
Guests were first greeted at the valet entrance by talented young members of the Palm Springs High School Symphonic Orchestra performing as a string chamber ensemble, along with the school’s Director of Strings & Choral, Dr. Jason Powell. The organization also received a $10,000 grant from the Genesis Inspiration Foundation in partnership with Genesis of Palm Springs.
Once inside, attendees were ushered into the avant-garde showroom where a lineup of entertaining attractions and activities awaited them. Everyone was invited to join in a scavenger hunt by finding clues throughout the building and filling in a trivia questionnaire. The grand prize was a Bang & Olufsen Emerge speaker won by Charles Borromeo. Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge provided an open bar and an assortment of delicious tray-passed delights. Brandini Toffee served up delicious ice cream topped with toffee bits and F10 Creative offered hot apple pies paired with Coachella Valley (CV) Coffee; all were a big hit. The crowd was captivated as stunning models graced the showroom, presenting gorgeous fashions from Grayseful El Paseo. Their striking presence and elegant ensembles added an extra layer of glamour and sophistication to the event, leaving attendees thoroughly delighted.
Also, showcased in a private alcove at the dealership was lovely guitarist and singer Brooke Martin, who entered the music scene when only 13 years old. Brooke, currently a resident and student at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, is known for her unique voice and musical style having performed on television and at concerts in Branson, Nashville, Little Rock, and her hometown of Hot Springs, Arkansas. Just outside the dealership was a conversation firepit area where folks attending the event could gather around and chat while enjoying the beautiful evening.
And then there was live artist Greg Kalamar, who initiated his artistic exhibition by applying a brush of paint to a blank canvas that methodically developed over the course of the night into a masterful work of art. It was almost hypnotic to watch the painting come to life during its various stages. The final piece is now hanging in a special area of the Genesis of Palm Springs showroom.
Another great attraction held in a private room was a tea ceremony called darye originating from ancient Korea. The ceremony was performed by the elegant and beautiful Hanna Kim from South Korea, who was dressed in an exquisite authentic Korean costume. Her delicate ceremonial presentation was like watching poetry in motion as she sweetly described and demonstrated each step of the process. Those partaking in the ritual were given a choice of two specially curated teas just for Genesis. The goal is to relax the participants and enhance all five senses. It worked.
Jerry Johnson, Dealer Principal of Genesis, warmly welcomed guests, visiting Genesis dignitaries (some who came in from as far away as Korea), and Genesis of Palm Springs team members. He acknowledged the Hickingbotham family headed by Frank D. Hickingbotham of the Hickingbotham Family Limited Partnership. Todd Hickingbotham took to the podium to thank those in attendance for their support. He also thanked Genesis general contractor, Chris Hector of HEC Development, and Alex Bishop of Goree Whitfield Architects for the facility’s outstanding architectural design and construction.
Perhaps one of the most touching and interesting moments was the offering of a stunning Korean white porcelain Moon Jar gifted by Jacob Hung, Genesis Motors America, Chief Executive Coordinator. The history of the Moon Jar travels back in time to the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). The name comes from its shape and milky color that resembles the moon. “So, in Korea, many people believe the moon in the sky gives blessing or prosperity to the people,” said Hung. “Many people pray to the moon wishing for good fortune. Some, like the royal family, wanted to keep the moon in their house, so they created the Moon Jar as a symbol of blessing. Today, it is a symbol of our blessing for the Genesis of Palm Springs dealership.”
Johnson concluded the evening by, again, thanking everyone. He emphasized that the new Palm Springs home for Genesis is a family-owned dealership where customers will be treated like honored guests experiencing luxury at its finest including a concierge service where one’s car will be picked up for service and delivered back to the owner. The luxury Genesis customer lounge is quiet, comfortable, and equipped with all the comforts of one’s home and office, so much so, that customers might be tempted to personally bring their car in for service and not want to leave.
For more information, please go to www.genesisofplamsprings.com. Genesis of Palm Springs is located at 4057 E. Palm Canyon Dr in Palm Springs.
Those in attendance. LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS BASED PARTNERSHIP GROUP: Frank D. Hickinbotham, Shana and Todd Hickingbotham, Todd Hickingbotham 2, Hunter Hickinbotham, Gene Whisenhunt, Brooks Snow, Mark Jansen, and Daniel Seale. LOCAL GENESIS OF PALM SPRINGS TEAM: Gary Whitaker, Vice President and Desert Platform Manager; Trey Wiley and his wife Kelly, George Nassar and his companion Savannah; Jeff Snyder, Genesis of Palm Springs General Manager and his wife Caroline. GENESIS MOTORS AMERICA TEAM MEMBERS; Jacob Hung, Chief Executive Coordinator; Ehan Woo, General Manager, Genesis Sales Coordinator; Simon Yoon, General Manager, Genesis Aftersales Coordinator; Sean Kipp, General Manager Western and Mountain States Region; Paul Porter, Field Operations Manager, West Sales; Joe Tardiff, Field Operations Manager, West Aftersales; Vince Harris, Regional CX Manager; Greg Carrow, Market Area Manager; Eric Wong, Aftersales Market Manager, and Michell Karajelian, Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility.
Special guests included Buffie Johnson, Cindy and Gary Tally, Barbara and Ron Kastner, Janice Waterhouse, Susan Stauber, Ellen Selin, Kevin Poi, Patrick Overturf, Tracy Smith, Dick Shaloub, Sandra and Ed Papie, and Vallorie Przybylowicz.
PHOTOS BY LANI GARFIELD
PHOTO CAPTIONS:
The Palm Springs High School Symphony Orchestra Chamber Strings Ensemble
received $10,000 from the Genesis Inspiration Foundation at Genesis of Palm Springs
grand opening party, #251 248.M4A8395
Frank Hickingbotham poses with Grayseful models Lisa Pliner, Dalama Lundvall,
Allie Ibarra, Virginia Kramer and Shireen Crutchfield at the Genesis of Palm Springs’
grand opening party. #330 328.8M4A865
Jerry Johnson, Sean Kipp and Jacob Hung with the “Moon Jar” at Genesis of Palm
Springs’ grand opening party. #143 258.8M4A8423
Genesis of Palm Springs General Manager Jeff Snyder poses with Vice President Gary
Whitaker. #312 309.8M4A8576
Event planner Diana Marlo Noll, with Barbara Kastner and Janice Waterhouse enjoy the
Trivia contest at the grand opening party. #54 51.8M4A7854
Live event artist Greg Kalamar paints at Genesis of Palm Springs and opening party,
#268 266.6E7A9786
