HIGHLAND | March brings the start of spring, basketball frenzy and the wearing of the green on St. Patrick’s Day.
For current or future customers of Christenson Chevrolet it will also bring a month-long grand re-opening celebration, beginning Friday, unveiling the dealership’s remodeling project, which includes a 17,000 square foot addition.
Planning for the expansion at the dealership at 9700 Indianapolis Blvd. began two years ago in response to a request from General Motors for dealership facility upgrades requiring a certain look and an enhanced positive customer vehicle buying experience, co-owner Dean Christenson said.
Christenson said one of the used car show rooms was remodeled to General Motors specifications for an updated modern new car showroom. He said the dealership added 14 new bays to the service department, a service drive, a new service office and waiting and car delivery rooms.
“The new car showroom is tied in with the service department,” Christenson said. “It is just beautiful. When you buy a new car, we can walk you over to the service department. You go through this waiting room which is absolutely gorgeous. You can meet the service people. They can set up your first appointment and get you fully oriented and make sure you are taken care of.”
Christenson said the expansion and improvements will ensure great customer service.
“Service is a big part of the business and it is getting bigger all the time,” Christenson said. “As cars get more complicated, people are realizing they really need to go back to the dealership where they are properly trained and have the right tools and equipment.”
“As far as service, we do just about everything,” Christenson said. “Anything that needs to be repaired on the car we can do it.”
Christenson Chevrolet has a complete body shop with paint, body and frame equipment and, in additional to personal vehicle sales, a large commercial department that is a big part of the business.
“Our salesmen are very well-trained,” Christenson said. “Many of our salesmen have been here 15 to 20 years. This is going into our 63rd year in business. My father is one of the original owners and he is still here every day,”
In 1941, Christenson’s father Milford, who remains a co-owner, started the business with his father, Warner, and his brothers Roy and Dale Sr.
Christenson said his family, who had businesses next door to a dealership in which the franchise pulled out, was approached by Chevrolet about taking it over.
“It was just being in the right spot at the right time,” Christenson said.
With automotive sales in his blood, Christenson said his dad taught him “just work hard and the customer comes first – take care of the customer.”
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