Page 6 - Locally Owned Business Guide March 2015

6TT • Sunday, March 15, 2015 Tri-Lakes Edition of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Advertising Supplement
SUBMITTED PHOTOS Construction on a new facility is under way and will be completed later this year, increasing Everett’s service department
to nearly 30 service bays and four quick-lube lanes.
EVERETT BUICK GMC
Dealership expands for more efficient service
Everett Buick GMC is truly family- owned and locally operated.
Dwight and Susie Everett opened the dealership in September 2006, and the business has steadily grown to not only become the top dealership in Sa- line County and Arkansas, but also to earn the distinction of being the top Buick and GMC dealer in the nation for the past five years. Susie called the top dealer award “a big deal.”
Construction is under way to in- crease the dealership’s indoor space from 35,000 square feet to 53,000 square feet. A large part of the project is to expand the service department to nearly 30 service bays, which will more than double the capacity. There also will be four quick-lube service lanes for oil changes and to service vehicles faster.
“We are focusing on customer con- venience and comfort,” Susie said. “We are also expanding our customer lounge and play area for the children.”
Construction is expected to be com- pleted in September 2015, Susie said.
The family has achieved success in such a short time by taking care of cus- tomers’ needs first, as well as giving
back to the community, she said.
“As we are blessed, we should, in turn, be a blessing to others,” Susie said. That makes building a relationship with customers a vital part of doing business in the community, and Ever- ett Buick GMC does that, from helping with community projects to sponsoring
local sports teams.
“This business cares about the com-
munity,” Susie said.
She said that when a customer leaves
the lot, she wants that person to say, “Not only when I purchase do I get a good deal, I get a relationship with an Everett employee.”
“I want them to feel confident in our business,” Susie said, “to experi- ence the best buying experience they have ever had and know they have been treated fairly and with respect. I want customers to feel confident enough to refer their friends and family.”
The Everetts demand that their employees be the best, from sales to service to parts. All salespeople go through quarterly training to keep up to date on changes in features and amenities offered in new vehicles. The
Family-owned and customer-friendly isn’t just a slogan, it’s the way Everett Buick GMC does business, Susie Everett said.
service department must keep its Auto- motive Standards Excellence certifica- tion up to date.
“We have fantastic employees who try every day to maintain a higher standard of excellence in the business,” Susie said. “If we fail, we try to improve and learn from our mistakes.”
While running a successful business has obvious satisfactions, she said, certain experiences have touched her personally.
“I love meeting with the customers and making sure they are happy and completely satisfied with their purchase,”
Susie said. “One of my favorite parts is when an older customer is making their first-ever new-car purchase. I love when the customer is so excited about this ma- jor purchase. I also like being there for the customer when it is a difficult time for them, such as making a purchase af- ter the loss of a loved one. More than once, I have listened to a widowed lady and heard her pain because her husband had always taken care of her car needs.”
21099 Interstate 30 • Bryant • 501-315-7100
www.everettbgmc.com