I’m originally from Winchester VA. I moved up here to go to college (George Mason), met my wife, and settled into NoVa. I’m a lover of all things automotive, a dog person, and saved by the blood of Jesus. In my spare time I run a ministry called Fuel and Faith that aims to reach people far from God through a shared love of cars.
About Shawn Sampson
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My wife and I got married young-ish and have been together for 12 years. We have 2 amazing young children. We don’t get much sleep but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I’ve been in the car business for over 10 years. It’s mostly been in sales, but I’ve worked in parts and service too. I’m a car guy first so I love the cars and the industry. I also spent many years in retail and customer service before getting into automotive so taking care of customers is second nature for me. I’m currently a sales manager at BMW of Sterling.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Apologize on the way in, not the way out. When you communicate and set expectations for people in your life, things go smoother and everyone can move in the same direction. It’ll change your life.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I’d like to own my own small dealership in Gainesville that serves our community and the surrounding areas. We’ll have sales and service, employ members of the community, and never miss an opportunity to reach out and help our neighbors.
Shawn Sampson & Our Community
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
We love Manhattan Pizza. They really make us feel like family over there. For coffee you can’t beat The Culture Cup. And if you’re into Korean BBQ, Qui is the place to be.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
My wife and I moved here 8 years ago. I’ve spent most of that time working in Sterling, but would love to open my own showroom and service center here.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
David Smith. He helps lead at our church, New Life. He has a big heart for God, his family, and just people in general. I’ve learned a lot and laughed a lot swapping stories with him on Sundays.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Hands down that would be when Haymarket Coffee had a shop in the old schoolhouse in downtown Haymarket. I used to spend hours in there talking to the owners, the employees, and talking to people from the community coming in for coffee.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Gainesville has grown a lot since we moved out here in 2016, but it still has the same small town community feel.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Robert Herjavec. We could talk cars, and I feel like I would learn enough in a lunch to take my life to the next level. And we’re definitely going to Qui for some Korean BBQ.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Favorite Movie – The Replacements, Favorite Show – Top Gear
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I love shoes. I have 4x as many as my wife.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
The ham and cheese empanada from Quattro Empanada at the Haymarket Farmers Market
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My son. I strive to be the man he thinks I am.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Grilled cheese, 66, Transformers (they’re everywhere in our house right now, my sons obsessed)
