Dealership Experience
13 yrs, 2 mos
Industry Experience
13 yrs, 2 mos
Specialties & Trainings
Mazda Certified Service Advisor
79 Reviews
Write a Review79 Reviews of Sam Gunnoe
June 27, 2026
Charlie was and is very helpful in helping me obtain my new MX5, and in helping me on the information needed to familiarize myself with the capabilities of my ‘226 Mazda MX5. More courteous salesmen are ne new MX5, and in helping me on the information needed to familiarize myself with the capabilities of my ‘226 Mazda MX5. More courteous salesmen are needed in the industry, to help to understand just what a joy ownership of the most exciting and affordable roadster in the U S can be, thanks Charlie ! More
Other Employees Tagged: Braxton Simmons, Charlie Epting, Mason Schweinzger, Jose Acevedo
June 26, 2026
I am submitting this complaint regarding my recent experience with Furman Mazda and the handling of a serious issue involving my wife’s 2025 Mazda CX-50. While my wife was attempting to back out of experience with Furman Mazda and the handling of a serious issue involving my wife’s 2025 Mazda CX-50. While my wife was attempting to back out of her workplace parking lot, the vehicle completely locked up. The steering wheel would not move, the shifter was unresponsive, and the vehicle appeared completely disabled. Multiple individuals attempted to assist, including three separate jump-start attempts and a visit from AAA. Despite these efforts, the vehicle remained inoperable. AAA was unable to diagnose or resolve the issue and ultimately arranged for a tow truck. Ironically, when the tow truck driver arrived, the vehicle started. However, due to the seriousness of the situation, we proceeded with having the vehicle towed to Furman Mazda for inspection. What concerns me most is that after keeping the vehicle overnight, the dealership informed us that they could not find anything wrong with the vehicle. While I understand that intermittent issues can be difficult to diagnose, it is unacceptable to simply dismiss an incident of this magnitude without providing any meaningful explanation. A modern vehicle does not completely lose functionality without cause. My wife is seven months pregnant, and we have a two-year-old child. This situation could have become significantly more serious depending on where and when it occurred. As a customer, I expected the dealership to recognize the safety implications and treat the matter with the level of concern it deserved. In addition to my concerns regarding the vehicle itself, I was extremely disappointed by the professionalism displayed during the process. Communication was poor from the beginning. We received no meaningful updates regarding the diagnosis and were simply informed that the vehicle was ready for pickup. When I arrived at the dealership, I spoke with both Sam and Don. Don was professional initially and did replace the battery in my wife’s key fob as a precaution, which I appreciate. However, when I asked reasonable questions regarding the cause of the incident and sought reassurance about the vehicle’s safety, I was met with dismissive responses. I repeatedly requested an explanation for what could have caused the vehicle to completely lock up, but was essentially told that nothing was wrong. I also requested a copy of the vehicle inspection video that Mazda dealerships typically provide. I was informed that the video system was not working and that no video was available. Given the circumstances, this explanation raised additional concerns. After leaving the dealership, I consulted several individuals within the automotive industry, including dealership professionals and technicians. Every one of them recommended that I follow up regarding the inspection documentation and video. When I called the dealership back and specifically requested a return call from Don, I provided my direct contact information. Instead of contacting me, Don contacted my wife. While this may seem minor, it gave the appearance of avoiding the individual who had been actively seeking answers throughout this process. To summarize, my dissatisfaction stems from two primary issues: 1. The complete lack of explanation regarding a significant vehicle malfunction that left my wife’s vehicle entirely inoperable. 2. The poor communication and unprofessional handling of our concerns throughout the process. This is the third Mazda my wife and I have owned during our ten years together. We have been loyal Mazda customers because we have generally trusted the brand and enjoyed our vehicles. However, this experience has severely damaged that trust. We are already exploring options to trade the vehicle and, based on this experience, do not intend to return to Furman Mazda for future business. I am seeking a more thorough review of this incident, a clear explanation of what may have occurred, and accountability for the way this situation was handled. More
Other Employees Tagged: Don Reeves, Linda Gawelko
May 11, 2026
I’m very impressed my last experience with Ferman of Brandon all personnel in the dealer. Outstanding transaction with my new auto. Brandon all personnel in the dealer. Outstanding transaction with my new auto. More
Other Employees Tagged: Charlie Epting, Mason Schweinzger, Jose Acevedo, Stacy Hardwick, Alex Flores
January 05, 2026
Had. A pleasant time with Charlie and the crew at Furman Mazda. Wasn't expecting to walk away with a new vehicle but given specific circumstances they wor A pleasant time with Charlie and the crew at Furman Mazda. Wasn't expecting to walk away with a new vehicle but given specific circumstances they worked with us and gave us multiple options on how to proceed in our current situation and gave us time to decide what would be best for us. There was never any pressure. There was always information provided when asked and the overall experience will keep us coming back More
Other Employees Tagged: Marc "Metz" Metzner, Charlie Epting, Mason Schweinzger, Don Reeves , Jeff Shegog
September 24, 2025
Took longer than I thought it should have. They could not come up with a price.I would accept.They finally did and I bought the car They could not come up with a price.I would accept.They finally did and I bought the car More
Other Employees Tagged: Charlie Epting , Zach
September 08, 2025
Really enjoyed and appreciated the professionalism of my salesman. I felt the process of buying my new Mazda CX 5 was the best car buying experience I have had. Explained and demonstrated product well and salesman. I felt the process of buying my new Mazda CX 5 was the best car buying experience I have had. Explained and demonstrated product well and negotiation for purchase price and trade in value were performed fairly. I will now highly recommend Ferman Mazda and my salesman to family and friends. More
Other Employees Tagged: Braxton Simmons, Charlie Epting , Jeff Shegog
September 16, 2024
My car was in the collision center for repair, a normally unhappy experience. The service person, ALI, was an exceptional person! Behind the seens a real professional. Helped me through the process, went unhappy experience. The service person, ALI, was an exceptional person! Behind the seens a real professional. Helped me through the process, went out of her way. When other people treat you like a number, she was caring and made a not so great experience palatable. My next car will be a Mazda also. More
Other Employees Tagged: Joe Leggett, ALI the one who needs the credit!
May 16, 2024
This place is a well oiled machine. I purchased a cx5 in 2021 and I'm very happy with the car. Every time I come to the dealership for anything I wind up with $1000 plus bill. This is o I purchased a cx5 in 2021 and I'm very happy with the car. Every time I come to the dealership for anything I wind up with $1000 plus bill. This is on a car that's barely 3 years old and has only 38,000 miles on it. The last time I was told I needed three tires, two different filters and a belt tensioner for a grand total of $1400. I know nothing about cars, but after looking on Google, I found that a belt tensioner in a CX5 2021 should last for the lifetime of the car. I quickly went to Riverview tire and auto who did all the work for half the price and told me the tensioner was just fine. I am angry and sorely disappointed with Ferman Mazda. I feel they incentivize their techs on commission for work performed and this makes for poor service and excessive markup. I'm a loyal Mazda customer but Ferman Mazda off my list of trusted businesses. Only go here if you want to be ripped off!!!! More
August 29, 2023
I am very pleased with Mazda Service Dept. Sam has assisted me one several occasions and has always been welcoming with a smile and professional. The waiting room is comfortable and offers sof Sam has assisted me one several occasions and has always been welcoming with a smile and professional. The waiting room is comfortable and offers soft drinks and water, coffee, snacks! When I needed a rental they provided one for me. Every thing about the Brandon Mazda is Excellent!! More
Other Employees Tagged: Joe Leggett
June 23, 2023
This dealer is excellent, especially Sidney in sales, who is always very kind and fair to me. However, this review is regarding the service department. I had an issue today which was mishandled by Service Ad is always very kind and fair to me. However, this review is regarding the service department. I had an issue today which was mishandled by Service Advisor, Sam G. When I asked Sam for a small favor for my inconvenience, he became irate and said no. Don, the very kind service manager, overhead him, and quickly came out and gladly took care of the issue for me. As he was off to handle my issue, Sam rolled his eyes, shook his head, and said “you would probably go to Walmart and ask for free merchandise.” I was so stunned I simply walked away. I did ask for an apology. Don, the excellent service manager, kindly apologized, but Sam refused to do so. I am beside myself with the insulting service I received from Sam today. Thank you. More
Other Employees Tagged: Sidney "Sid" Sikaffy , Joe Leggett

