Looking to deal: It’s cars instead of cards for new co-owner of Planet Hyundai

Ron Coury started his career in Las Vegas as a casino dealer, but some would argue that he’s the gambler this time.

Despite the withering Southern Nevada recession, Coury and partner, Donald Tamburro, decided to get into the new-car business. They bought Planet Hyundai and the 4.5-acre site at 7150 W. Sahara Ave. in late March from John Staluppi. The price wasn’t disclosed.

Coury, 58, acknowledged that Southern Nevada is going through its worst economic slump since Jimmy Carter was president, if not the Great Depression. But the ex-Marine is undaunted.

“A bad economy creates nothing but opportunities,” Coury said. “We were looking for any business where we could take advantage of the economy.”

Planet Hyundai did “OK” last year, Coury said, and the new owners liked the location.

The dealership sold 200 vehicles, most of them new cars, in April and again in May. In April, sales ranked in the top five nationally for Hyundai, he said.

“It was gangbusters. It was awesome,” Coury said. “There is no better brand than Hyundai in this economy.”

A customer can buy a new Hyundai with a 10-year power-train warranty for less than $20,000, the cost of many used cars, he said. The vehicles also are fuel-stingy.

The market for the brand appears to be broadening as Americans become more frugal. Customers have traded in Mercedes, Audis, Cadillacs and Ford pickup trucks for vehicles made by the Korean company, Coury said.

Some customers fear they cannot get a loan because of a recent credit issue. However, Coury said the dealership often can find financing, particularly for consumers who had good credit before the recession.

Lenders realize they must accept customers with a recent black mark if they are going to originate many loans, he said.

The dealership employs 95 workers, about 10 more than at the time of the acquisition.

Tamburro and Coury met during a visit to San Martin in the Caribbean. Tamburro has experience in running new-car dealerships around the country for a variety of brands. Two years ago, Tamburro sold his last three dealerships in central Texas.

Coury, a native of Brooklyn, moved to Las Vegas with friend Dan Hughes in 1973 as part of a Marine program to help enlisted men transition to civilian life.

“We had a couple of hundred dollars each,” he said.

Coury learned to be a casino dealer. Hughes developed skills in screen printing on slot machine glass.

Next, Coury became a Realtor. He started a series of businesses with Hughes, including four neighborhood bars, a casino in Henderson, a limousine service, and a sign and gaming supply company with 120 employees.

Coury, his brother Art Coury and Hughes are partners in the Alibi Casino at Decatur Boulevard and Vegas Drive. Hughes and Ron Coury are partners at Glass Supply Inc., a wholesale glass and mirror business.

Coury faced his biggest challenge four years ago when he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, which is terminal in 92 percent of cases within six months. Coury lost his esophagus and half of his stomach, and his wife died of another form of cancer late last year.

Coury attributes his success to two things instilled by the Marine Corps: discipline and tenacity.

He is grateful to Las Vegas for the opportunity to parlay those attributes into a successful business career.

Contact reporter John G. Edwards at jedwards@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0420.