Friendly Ford manager says industry has bounced back

It’s a busy Saturday morning at Friendly Ford, and General Sales Manager Steve Crevling is working three car deals.

It’s a game-day atmosphere at the dealership, which has been at 660 N. Decatur Blvd. since it was founded by noted automobile executive Ed Olliges more than 40 years ago.

Crevling’s adrenaline is flowing and so is the foot traffic at the dealership. It’s evident by the buzz in the area that the car business is back big-time, especially for Ford.

In the eyes of many experts, the car business is one of the first industries to show signs of a decline in the economy, and one of the first to signal a recovery.

With so many deals and so many smiles on customers’ faces, there’s no question Friendly Ford is thriving again, Crevling said.

“As I say on my Facebook page, everything happens for a reason,” Crevling said. “Friendly Ford has the market covered and people know the dealership will be there through thick and thin

“When the economy imploded about six years ago, Friendly Ford continued to make friends through selling vehicles. The dealership kept on going and (its) customers appreciated that fact.”

“There is no rush like the one someone experiences when he or she helps a customer purchase a vehicle,” said Crevling, a 43-year-old native of Federal Way, Wash., who has lived in Southern Nevada for 11 years. “Friendly Ford has so many repeat customers here simply because they trust our service, they appreciate our expertise and friendliness and they love what Ford represents.”

In the car business, friendships are often started by a car deal. Crevling sees that every day at the dealership.

“There’s a particular quality to the vehicles that Ford builds and our customers appreciate that fact.”

Crevling, a 22-year veteran of the industry, started as a salesman at the old Pacific Coast Ford in Federal Way. In his free time, he’s an avid golfer.

“Golf allows me to escape the pressures of life,” said Crevling, who has been playing since he was 18. “It enables me to refocus and relax, and the environment on a golf course can be so soothing. My favorite course is Rio Secco in Henderson.”

For more information, call 702-870-7221 or visit www.friendlyfordlv.com.