‘When I make a sale, I’ll sing a high note’: a day in the life of an opera singing car salesman

Andrew Hiers is trying to start his own opera company. Until then, he’s serenading the parking lot

Andrew Hiers, 38, is an opera singer – a bass-baritone – and a car salesman in Cocoa, Florida. You might think these professions have nothing to do with each other, but his librettos about cars or to customers have gone viral – all part of a larger plan to bring opera to the local community.

Today, I woke up a little bit earlier than usual, about 6.30. We have an old man cat; he’s 18 years old, and lately he forgets when feeding time is. At about 4.30, he’ll start yelling.

I also returned an email to a young man finishing up his conducting degree. We’re trying to start our own opera company – I want something that’s going to be self-sustaining and generate revenue, whereas a lot of opera companies are based on donations and grants.

Because it’s a long day, I did bring some frozen stuff I can heat up. The other day, a customer I was taking on a test drive said, “Oh, I’m taking you to lunch with some friends,” which is not typical. One of them had seen my story, and he wanted to take my picture.