Chasing Passion: Meet Moe Youssef of Thomas KIA of Highland

moe-1We all have a passion. Whatever it is, we all have that something that burns within us. Some brush that passion to the side for the sake of reality, thinking that whatever it is we love to do, it just can’t be done. For others, like Moe Youssef of Thomas KIA of Highland, the passion is too strong to be passed up; so you chase it.

Even if that means moving halfway across the world to do it.

Youssef grew up in Egypt and had always been passionate about American Cinema. The classics, in particular, like ‘The Godfather’ and ‘Taxi Driver’. He used these movies to help himself learn English, practicing these unforgettable lines in his home each day.

“I grew up watching American films in Egypt,” Youssef said. “I would stand in front of the mirror in my home and recite the lines from the movies I watched, watching how I talked and trying to impersonate the American voices.”

Youssef’s love of film eventually drew him to Chicago where he got his start working with various improv troops and production companies, taking Moe on journeys that almost seem like they came, well, out of a movie.

“A couple of years ago I was actually in Atlanta working as a Production Assistant on the ‘Hunger Games’,” Youssef said about one of his more memorable moments. “A little bit before that, I was in LA interviewing Tyrese Gibson.”

But as passionate as Youssef is for the film, he is even more passionate about his family; which is what led him to Northwest Indiana and joining the Thomas KIA Family.

“It’s tough making a living in the Industry,” said Youssef. “I love doing it, but you have a responsibility to love, care, and provide for your family. You have to be able to be there for them when they need you.”

This passion for family is what led Youssef to the Thomas KIA family, he added.

“When the time came to look for a job my wife sent over the ad for a Sales position at Thomas KIA,” Youssef explained. “I have always been outgoing and love talking to people, so it seemed like the perfect job.”

And, as it turns out, Youssef said, he was right about the job.

“What I have love about this job is the people more than anything,” said Youssef. “When you meet with someone you have to find that common ground quickly. You have to build a foundation and a relationship from the beginning. And when you do that, whether they buy a car or not, it’s very fulfilling to have had those kind of pleasant and fulfilling conversations with people.”

Youssef has always been a man with passion, and whether that’s behind the lens or behind the sales desk, you have to love what you’re doing.

“That old saying goes that ‘when you love what you do, you never have to work a day in your life’; I have found that to be true so far.”