Say hello to Lori Houts, Tustin Mazda’s Finance Director over the past 16 years! Lori grew up in Fullerton, California which is a short 18 minutes northwest of the dealership. While her school year was spent in the Orange County region, she would travel to the Midwest to visit her grandparents Farm in Kansas during the summer months.
Lori’s most fun memories working at Tustin Mazda are all the fundraising events hosted by the dealership, benefitting Orange County Rescue Mission. She loves helping load up the trucks at the end of each successful event with all the donations the community helped raise. Tustin Mazda sure knows how to pay it forward!
We asked Lori why she loves most about her job at Tustin Mazda. She confidently responded that it has been such a blessing working for John Patterson, the owner of all Patterson Auto Team dealerships. After 42 years in the business, it is so rare to find an owner who genuinely cares about each and every one of his employees, the customers, in addition to the community! He is a servant leader who helps with the day-in and day-out of running the dealership 6 days a week. He is constantly leading the way and a pillar in Orange County by being involved in so many charitable organizations. He truly is “that guy”!
The Mazda CX-9 is a vehicle that has elegant details that inspire, style that meets performance, and has been crafted for connection (or Lori)! Lori claims that this is her favorite vehicle in the Mazda line-up, it is a substantial vehicle and has been designed to offer plenty of room for all passengers. She loves how the technology has come so far, offering a birds-eye view camera. She recently added a CX-5 to her family and is impressed with the ease of handling.
Outside of work, Lori appreciates cooking, gardening, listening to music, and spending time with her loved ones. She loves birds and enjoys planting for, and feeding wild birds in the backyard. She also has a Blue Front Amazon parrot named Abigail who has been a part of the family for 42 years. Amazons are beautiful, smart and make great watch dogs.
Having grown up in this area, Lori knows the best of the best restaurants throughout the region. Here are her top three that you cannot miss out on -
• If you are looking for upscale Mexican food with a beautiful view, check out Carmelita’s Kitchen on the lake in Rancho Santa Margarita! Try the Blackberry Margarita, it’s delicious!
• Matador Cantina offers Spanish-fusion dishes with a handcrafted margarita on the side. The environment is fun and energetic! Their Taco Tuesday is great and the Blood Orange Margaritas are a refreshing change of pace.
• Specializing in seasonal seafood with a compact and casual vibe, Fly N Fish Oyster Bar & Grill is likely to be right up your alley. The Fresh caught fish selections are amazing.
Lori believes Patterson Auto Team has the best automotive sales and finance management teams in Orange County. She mentioned that all staff members make up one big car “family”. Collectively, the team has well over 25-45 years of experience in the automotive industry and can help you fulfill your car buying dreams. Give Tustin Mazda a try and come join the family!