 Almost two years after the tornado of 2006 destroyed their dealership, the employees at Liberty Pontiac Buick GMC are jumping for joy, literally. (L to R, back row: Frank Lipka (Sales), Rod Smith (Sales), Bill Jones (Senior Program Director); front row: Sammy Lyles (Sales), Ronnie Porter (Service Advisor), Tad Drusky (General Manager), Donnie Lawrence (Service Manager). Photo courtesy of Heather Drusky A NEW SIGN FOR LIBERTY
A double celebration is being held at Liberty Pontiac Buick GMC on Nashville Pike in Gallatin. The new signage, now completed, is the last repair made at the dealership since it was heavily damaged in April 2006 by the tornado that swept through the west side of Gallatin. And the first anniversary of the Senior Program with its special discounts and services for older residents is being highlighted with steadily growing success. “We’ve had people call, ‘When are you going to be open again?’” said Tad Drusky, General Manager of the dealership, commenting upon the fact that the business has continued to operate despite the devastation of the 2006 storm and the lack of a visible sign. “All we needed was an unlisted phone number,” Drusky laughed. “We are now jumping for joy that we finally have a sign, since we’ve had almost two years without one.” “This is a new look for Pontiac GMC businesses,” said Drusky, describing the silver and black design. “We’re the first dealership in Tennessee to have it. Beaman in Nashville will have the same look next year. And other dealers have come to look at ours.” Carden Construction of Brentwood completed the work and will also be building the signage for several other area dealerships. During the recent aftermath of the tornados that destroyed so much of Castalian Springs, Shady Cove and northern parts of Gallatin on their way toward Macon County, Drusky said that he and his employees loaded pick-up truckloads of bottled water and drove to the area and into Lafayette, distributing the bottles to emergency workers, volunteers and anyone who needed them. :We haven’t forgotten how kind everyone was to us two years ago,” said Drusky. “We are proud to be a part of Gallatin. There are good people who live here.” Despite the rumors of a weak economy at the national level, Drusky stated, “We’re looking forward to this next year. We’re glad to be a part of Gallatin.” He added that car sales have been ‘steady’ the past year, and that people still prefer mid-size to large vehicles. “They seem to fit everybody’s lifestyle.” And he interprets this as “a good sigh” for the local economy. Drusky said the choice of a larger vehicle has another important aspect. “Safety is a big part of it.” He noted, “People are involved; they need a vehicle that suits their needs.” Drusky also points to the Senior Program’s first anniversary in March as a landmark for the dealership. “It’s the single most successful program we’ve done.” Approximately 400 members have joined the program that began last year and targets the needs of senior citizens, including discounts on service and parts, as well as the purchase of new vehicles.” “They really enjoy it,” said Bill Jones, the coordinator for the Senior Program of his customers. “Seniors are a big part of the Gallatin population and are good for any community.” Robert and Betty Willis were the first couple to sign up for the program. “We’ve been involved in the program ever since it started” said Willis, “We’re really glad we are a part of it,” added his wife. “We’ve had considerable savings.” Willis said, “They are so friendly and helpful, no matter the problem.” Mrs. Willis noted, “All those little things make a difference. She described the response the couple received when they called for advice about a warning light as they were traveling. “After the service man asked us several questions, he told us we were okay and to drive the car to the dealership.” Mrs. Willis said, “Senior citizens have more time to go to the dealership. It’s nice to have a business that is willing to work with them and help them. It’s nice to have somebody who cares for you.” -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  'Employees of LIBERTY PONTIAC BUICK GMC celebrated the stellar rating they received from their customers with a cake party. They also celebrated exceeding their quarterly sales goals in every line they carry; Pontiac, Buick and GMC. Pictured left to right (front row) General Manager; Tad Drusky, Internet Manager/Public Relations; Heather Drusky, Sammy Lyles; Sales, (middle row) Dwayne Russell; Parts Department, John Niemet; Service Tech, Larry Palmer; Detail Manager, Donnie Lawrence; Service Manager (back row) Frank Lipka; Sales, Rod Smith; Sales, Bill Jones; Senior Program Director, Chris Claiborne; Service Foreman PHOTO COURTESY OF HEATHER DRUSKY' HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT TOO “Have your cake and eat it too.” was the slogan of the day for the employees of LIBERTY PONTIAC BUICK GMC in Gallatin. “When you treat your customers right, everything works out in favor of everyone involved.” General Manager, Tad Drusky on their recent stellar rating from General Motors Standards For Excellence (SFE) program.. The SFE program tracks customer opinions and ratings of automotive dealerships through surveys about their recent experiences in buying a vehicle or servicing their vehicle. “The highest rating you can receive on the surveys is “Completely Satisfied”. It is good to receive this rating on any one survey, but our customers have rated us “Completely Satisfied” on a consistent basis. That is what we are celebrating today. Most any business can get a good survey here and there, but our employees have made it their mission to make our customers “Completely Satisfied” everyday.” Tad Drusky, General Manager Not only did LIBERTY PONTIAC BUICK GMC exceed their Customer Satisfaction goals, they also surpassed their automotive sales goals this quarter in all three lines they carry: Pontiac, Buick and GMC. When asked how they managed to finish their second quarter well above their sales goals during a down market Drusky answered, “Automotive sales are ‘off’ nationally, but times like this is when customer loyalty shines for our dealership. In an effort over the years to make every customer “Completely Satisfied” they continue to come back to us every time they need a vehicle or service work. Our customers trust us, and that is something we don’t take lightly. We attribute our recent success to our loyal customers.” -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  When asked (on a scale of 1 to 10) how much they enjoyed their field trip to Liberty Pontiac Buick GMC, Mrs. McMullens Hendersonville High School class answered with their hands (above). PHOTO BY HEATHER DRUSKY Liberty pontiac Buick GMC teach students importance of good finance “On Tuesday, March 18 Elizabeth McMullen’s Hendersonville High School class visited Liberty Pontiac Buick GMC in Gallatin. This visit was part of the class curriculum for learning about personal finance. Mr. Bill Jones, Senior Program Coordinator of Liberty, gave expert advice on the process of purchasing a vehicle, car value, how to save money for a down payment, financing and depreciation, establishing and maintaining good credit as a first time buyer and insuring and servicing a vehicle.” Mrs. McMullen stated, “The students thoroughly enjoyed seeing the cars in the showroom and viewing the cars on the lot that were possible for them to consider buying. It was a very positive experience for all. Mr. Jones was wonderful explaining all the information to the students.” “Even though my primary responsibility at the dealership is to work with senior citizens, transitioning to the other end of the age spectrum was both interesting and a pleasure. This was a very responsive group asking many good questions.” Bill Jones.” -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  Pictured above (L to R) General Manager, Tad Drusky, Senior Program Director, Bill Jones and the 500th member of the LIBERTY Senior Program, Delores Wilkes Friday The 13th Was My Lucky Day “It’s the single most successful program we have sponsored.” General Manager, Tad Drusky, on the Senior Program. We started this program in March of 2007 to meet the needs of our local senior citizens. The program members receive discounts on service, labor, parts and the purchase of vehicles. Bill Jones, Senior Program Director said, “They really enjoy it. Seniors are a big part of the Gallatin Population and are good for any community.” Mrs. Delores Wilkes was pleasantly surprised last Friday the 13th to receive a Cracker Barrel gift card for becoming the 500th senior to sign up for the Senior Program at Liberty. “Giving seniors a discount is a wonderful thing and I don’t know why other dealerships don’t do it. Even though I live in Nashville, it is well worth the drive to Gallatin because of the courteous people and nice dealership. I would certainly recommend that others come there as well. Friday the 13th was my lucky day and I will be back!” Participation in the Liberty Pontiac Buick GMC Senior Program doesn’t cost anything, just drop by or call Bill Jones. Liberty Pontiac Buick GMC is located across from Vol State College, next to Publix in Gallatin. The phone number is 452-3360. www.libertygallatin.com
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