CAR TOWN
C
ar Town has been the standard of used-car buying in Ouachita Parish for over 50 years. Bill Tucker and Joe Slavant started a practice of only dealing with “quality preowned vehicles,” and though the business changed hands, that practice remains the cornerstone of Car Town today. Steve Taylor and Ken Rugg worked as used car wholesalers, and over time developed a strong relationship with Bill and Joe, eventually taking over the business in 1987. And since then, Steve, Ken and Steve’s son Dino are carrying on the Car Town way of doing business. Dino Taylor was 16 when his father bought Car Town, and Dino began in the detailing shop. He learned to pay attention to Steve and Ken’s way of doing business, “close attention to each detail.” Dino ventured out on his own, opening Freedom Motors in West Monroe, what would eventually become the second location of Car Town. And now Dino is a, “proud partner in Car Town.” Ken’s son,
Chris Rugg, is coming up in the business, much like Dino did, so the venture is a twofamily affair. Dino insists working with his dad is, “Awesome, the greatest part of the day.” And Dino admits Ken Rugg is as much a second father to him in the business. The new Car Town location is almost complete, with a projected grand opening sometime in April. Car Town offers its own warranty program and certification program to better satisfy customers. Dino insists, “You can’t shortcut quality,” and each car is carefully inspected, no skipping steps. This method creates repeat customers, as they know they are getting a good product. The community has come to trust Car Town. The little red car hoisted above the lot at the foot of the Louisville Bridge has become synonymous with quality. And it will rise again at the new building at the original location. Steve says, “It’s an amazing thing,” to work with his son every day. They go to lunch and go over business. It’s quality
time while working; most people don’t get that opportunity. Steve also notes it is great to know that the reputation he has spent all these years building will continue; and Dino knows how to carry on that legacy in the way Steve and Ken would want. Dino and Chris will make sure to continue to please Car Town’s friends and customers. The Car Town way involves giving back. All the current partners were born here. And all the business locations exist right inside Ouachita Parish, and so the owners help the community whenever possible. Car Town has supported the Boys Club, downtown economic development, the Children’s Coalition and various school programs. They believe in investing their time to serve as well. That family business atmosphere extends to the customers, for they all feel like family when they come back to Car Town.
WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | MARCH 2018 165