When Lisa Camarillo, General Manager of Phil Long Toyota, and Paula Murphy, General Sales Manager, returned from the Toyota National meeting in Las Vegas, they brought back more than just information about new vehicle models and market trends. They returned with a renewed sense of purpose, deeper appreciation for partnership, and a powerful reminder of what it means to operate a business that truly serves its community.
Together As One: Lessons from Las Vegas and Leading with Heart
Women Leading in a Male-Dominated Industry
One of the unexpected lessons from the trip came from an elevator. Standing in the elevator at their hotel, Lisa and Paula waited. And waited. The elevator didn't move. Then it suddenly shot up to the 61st floor. That's when they realized, neither had pressed the button for their floor.
It was a small moment that revealed something larger. Both women are used to having strong support systems. They're honored and grateful to lead multimillion-dollar organizations while having the support of husbands who don't take a backseat, but rather a side seat, supporting and enabling their success.
As Lisa reflected on the moment:
"Joe, I am so honored and grateful for our 35 years of marriage and that you've allowed me to become all the things I ever wanted to be."
Paula echoed similar sentiments toward her husband Tom. In a still male-dominated industry, they've found success not by going it alone, but by having partnerships that allow them to flourish. At the meeting, they even encountered a manager who admitted he needed to hire women at his store. Their response was immediate and enthusiastic: Yes, you do. What are you waiting for?
Product Excellence and Innovation
The meeting showcased Toyota's commitment to innovation and meeting customer needs. Paula was surprised to learn that the RAV4 is the number one selling vehicle in America, not just the number one SUV, but the number one vehicle, period. Phil Long Toyota sells them in high volume, and the updates coming to the RAV4 line are impressive, including a sportier GR version.
The iconic Land Cruiser is getting a sport model with a third row, bringing back a feature customers have been requesting. When they saw it in the stunning underground color on the massive display screen, even Kevin Shaughnessy, a self-proclaimed Ford guy, declared that his wife needed one.
The presentation style at these events is spectacular. Giant screens open up, vehicles drive out and spin on display, and if you're a car person, or even if you never thought you were, it's impossible not to be impressed. Paula confesses that she never considered herself a car person before joining Phil Long Toyota 12 years ago, but now she absolutely is.
Addressing the Elephant in the Room
One of the most significant takeaways from the meeting was Toyota's stance on tariffs and economic uncertainty. Rather than passing concerns down to dealers and customers, Toyota leadership stood firm in their commitment. Their number one concern is the customer, not just financial wellbeing, but mental and spiritual wellbeing too.
Toyota made it clear they would do things differently, absorbing impacts to protect their customers from harm. This allows dealers like Phil Long Toyota to have honest conversations with concerned customers, reassuring them that while they are participating in the economy, Toyota is choosing a path that puts customers first.
Giving Back as a Way of Life
The "Together as One" theme isn't just for national meetings, it's the lived reality in Trinidad. Phil Long Toyota operates with the understanding that they are Trinidad, and being part of the community means giving back consistently and generously.
The dealership supports Main Street Live theater with local actors and productions like Annie, Snow White, and Alice in Wonderland. They sponsor the Triggers minor league baseball team throughout the season. They host food drives around Thanksgiving and Christmas. They buy tickets to community spaghetti dinners. They support yoga in the park and yoga by the river.
When anyone from the community comes in asking for support, the answer is almost always yes. The philosophy is to be "the yes man"-saying yes to opportunities to serve, support, and lift up the community. It's rarely that they can't find a way to help.
This giving spirit is funded and encouraged by Toyota's manufacturing programs, but it's embraced wholeheartedly by the Trinidad team. It aligns perfectly with their understanding that they're about much more than car sales.
Recognizing When Things Work Out
Lisa has adopted a new practice that stems from the meeting's message. Rather than creating rigid expectations of how things should look and then being disappointed when they unfold differently, she's started recognizing when things are working out, even if it's not the way she envisioned.
The economy might not look like it "should." Life might take unexpected turns. But when you step back and walk around your life, you can see that things really are working out. There's a bigger force at play, and trusting that process brings peace.
This mindset shift has been powerful, both personally and professionally. It allows for resilience, gratitude, and the ability to see opportunities where others might only see obstacles.
A Light in the Community
As Lisa and Paula continue to lead Phil Long Toyota of Trinidad, they carry forward the lessons from Las Vegas with renewed energy. The Together as One theme reinforces what they already knew: they're stronger together, they serve a purpose bigger than themselves, and every interaction matters.
From the Toyota National meeting with Maroon 5 performing (which made them feel old compared to last year's Sting concert), to the practical lessons about product lines and market strategy, to the deeper truths about partnership and service, every element contributes to their mission.
As Lisa reminds her team and her community:
"You might be the only light someone gets to see today. Shine bright."
That philosophy guides everything at Phil Long Toyota of Trinidad. Whether it's a customer bringing their newborn baby by on the way home from the hospital because they want to share their joy, or a community member seeking support for a local cause, or simply someone who needs to feel seen and valued, the team shows up with light.
Everything really is always working out. And in Trinidad, Colorado, Phil Long Toyota is proof that when business, community, and heart align, everyone wins.
Together as one.
Want to Talk Auto Finance?
What If My Credit Isn't Perfect?
Many drivers assume leasing or financing requires perfect credit. That's not always true.
At Phil Long Toyota in Trinidad, we work with:
- Excellent credit
- First-time buyers
- Limited credit history
- Credit rebuilding situations
Every approval is structured differently based on your profile.
If you're unsure what you qualify for, the best next step is simple:
Submitting an application does not lock you into anything, it simply allows us to show you your real options.
Stress-Free Car-Shopping
Can You Buy From Out of State?
Yes.
We assist buyers across Colorado and nationwide with remote paperwork, virtual vehicle walkarounds, and delivery options.
If you don't see the exact Toyota you want on our lot, we'll help you find it.
To speak directly with our team, start here:
-
Phil Long Toyota - Trinidad
105 E Cedar St
Trinidad, CO 81082
- Sales: (855)-427-7806
