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The state of Michigan has suffered more than its share of woes this past year, including the collapse of its flagship industry, a winless football team and political scandal.
One dealer has been working to turnaround the downward trend in his community. Last month, his peers recognized his efforts.
The National Independent Automobile Dealers Association named Jeff Braatz, the owner of Paradise Motor Sales in Lansing, Mich., its 2009 Quality Dealer of the Year.
Braatz dedicated the award to his mother, who died in May. She worked for General Motors Corp.’s Oldsmobile division for 26 years, he said.
Braatz’s acceptance speech was short, but moving. Several audience members, most who didn’t know him personally, were brought to tears.
Northwood University chooses the National Quality Dealer of the Year winner each year from a field of candidates chosen by individual state IADAs.
It was a long road for Braatz from his humble beginnings.
He worked at a gas station until a customer suggested he try selling cars. He started out at Jack Dykstra Ford before striking out on his own.
Braatz opened his first store in 1984 with six vehicles. Today, he operates two locations and employs 12 people.
Braatz’s story of struggle-to-success serves as an inspiration for dealers in his downtrodden home state, said Nancy Chapman, executive director of the Michigan Independent Automobile Dealers Association.
“Jeffrey Braatz exemplifies what Michigan is all about,” she said.
He’s the first Michigan dealer ever to win the award and the first northerner to win it in 20 years.
Braatz did continue a trend of the award going to a buy-here, pay-here dealer.
He finances about 20 percent of his sales in-house, while the rest go through various subprime finance companies.
Braatz even serves on the dealer advisory board for Credit Acceptance Corp.
Sales slowed at Paradise Motors this year as the state’s economy suffers through the turmoil in the auto industry. Braatz works to overcome these obstacles by focusing on the basics of his business.
He’s also active his state association. Braatz joined some other dealers to found a Mid-Michigan chapter of the IADA earlier this year.
Braatz received a special business restoration award from his city government in 2002.
It’s what Braatz does off the lot that earned him the award, though.
He’s very active in his church, organizing numerous special programs to help the less fortunate. One provides free maintenance to single mothers, widows and newly arrived immigrants.
Braatz’s informal acts of charity are even more impressive. His wife said he’ll give cash to strangers on the street if it seems they need some help.
“He deserved it 100 percent,” said Dennis Craig, owner of Northpointe Motors in Traverse City, Mich.
“All the things he does for his community and run his dealership – it’s pretty amazing.” |
