LIFESTYLE
{ AUTO DEALERS } BRENT BERGE Owner Berge Auto Group bergegroup.com
Berge founded Berge Auto Group for the purpose of delivering quality products and service to customers and to provide jobs and job security for its employees, as well as benefitting the community. Berge’s commitment in each location is made only after determining the quality of the products and services which can be furnished to the public. Company strengths: “Our main focus is providing the highest level of customer service possible and our dedication in this area has paid off with our biggest strength: customer satisfaction.” Trend to watch: “The biggest driving force behind auto sales in 2018 will be the economy. Gas prices remaining low have already fueled our truck and SUV sales greatly.”
TEX EARNHARDT
Founder Earnhardt Auto Centers earnhardt.com The Earnhardt Auto Group, based in Chandler, was founded 65 years ago by Earnhardt, 86, the oldest living first-generation car dealer in Arizona. Over the years, Earnhardt became widely known as the cowboy car dealer who rode a bull. His trademark slogan, “that ain’t no bull,” was the ultimate truth in advertising. The bull he rode in the commercials was really a steer. From its humble beginnings of selling a few cars a month, Earnhardt Auto Centers is now one of the largest auto groups in the Southwest. Business advice: “To have a successful career in the auto industry, you need to have an attitude of not only selling a customer today, but to earning the business of his or her family, friends and neighbors. Repeat business is the key to success.” Trend to watch: “We must continue to adapt to the ups and downs of the economy, which are inevitable in the auto industry. We’ve been in business for over 65 years, so whatever may happen would not be our first rodeo.”
WALLY HENKEL General manager Big Two Toyota bigtwotoyota.com
Henkel is general manager of Big Two Toyota, which celebrated its 50th year in business in 2017. The Toyota dealership is known for its unique amenities, such as its barbershop and salon services. Big Two Toyota is also ranked among the top 60 Toyota dealerships nationwide in terms of new vehicle sales volume. The dealership is also committed to local causes and giving back to the community it serves. This includes supporting the Lon E. Hoeye ICAN Youth Center in Chandler, which is named in memory of Big Two Toyota’s founder. Strength of staff: “Thirty-nine of our employees have worked here for a least 10 years and we’re so thankful our hard-working staff continues to always go above and beyond.”
DAVID KIMMERLE CEO Sanderson Ford sandersonford.com
Kimmerle is proud that Sanderson Ford has been in business for more than 60 years. He gives the credit to the employees, customers and the Sanderson philosophy of doing business. For their 60th year Sanderson donated more than $1 million in food, toys, clothing and money to serve those in need. The dealership also works with veterans and Seats for Soldiers as a way to honor those who have served. Sanderson Ford is the only dealership in the area that is closed on Sundays, a management philosophy that Kimmerle has that allows employees to spend time with family. The dealership was originally founded by Don Sanderson, Kimmerle’s father-in-law.
WERNER SCHUMACHER Owner Schumacher European Ltd. schumachermb.com
Schumacher was born in 1942 in Engelskirchem, Germany. Schumacher was destined to be in the car business from a young age. His father owned a MercedesBenz dealership in the post WWII era. After moving to the United States when he was 20, Schumacher got his first job at a Volkswagen dealership in Manhattan. Strength of staff: “Our employees feel like part of the Schumacher family. We have literally dozens of individuals in sales, service and technicians who have been with our family for over 20 years. We value their talents and strive to attract talented individuals who can quickly adapt to the ever-changing technology on the Mercedes-Benz products.”
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