Fairway dealerships earn GM’s highest marks

Teamwork is the hallmark of any collective success story.

Pulling together, especially in uncertain times, usually produces results. The strategy often works well in sports and most definitely plays a significant role in business.

Just ask Greg Heinrich, president of Fairway Chevrolet, Henderson Chevrolet and the Pahrump Valley Auto Plaza, who recently hosted a dinner for nearly 50 Mark of Excellence service employees.

General Motors Corp.'s Mark of Excellence Award is an accomplishment reserved for only a select few outstanding GM dealerships for achieving superior sales volume and for exceptional dedication to customer service and satisfaction.

"These awards show we have world class technicians who successfully went through the rigors of studying and testing to achieve the highest level of expertise," Heinrich said, referring to GM's 2009 Service Guild awards in engine repair, brakes, heating and air conditioning, engine performance, collision consultant, service, mechanical/electrical body repair, parts consultant, service consultant, structural analysis and damage repair, painting and refinishing and automatic transmission/transaxle.

Each year, GM recognizes superior performance and takes great pride in rewarding dealerships for their accomplishments, explained Jon Joyce, GM's fixed operations manager for Phoenix and Las Vegas. "The Heinrich group of dealerships was the only organization in town to reach this level of achievement," Joyce said. "It's really refreshing to see so much enthusiasm for GM's program."

"Looking over the Mark of Excellence scores shows commitment," said Ron Strayhorn, GM's regional manager for the manufacturer's Western region service and parts operations. "Last year wasn't fun for anyone in the automotive business, but this dedication is the one thing that will make the difference for GM."

Strayhorn was joined at the podium by Mark Drennan, also with GM's service and parts operation, serving as regional service manager for the Western region fixed operations.

Master of Ceremony duties were skillfully handled by Henderson Chevrolet's Tom Hodulik, who also doubles as the dealership's service manager. He was ably assisted by Fairway Chevrolet's Alan Fulks, that location's service manager.

"Every employee is encouraged to participate in GM's Mark of Excellence program," Hodulik said. "The dedication level is extreme because of the amount of time and dedication it takes to successfully complete the curriculum."

So, this is one of the ways Heinrich thanks the team. "I wanted to recognize all of them for their efforts and thank them for taking the time to get to the highest level. This speaks volumes about everyone in our organization."

Fairway Chevrolet is located at 3100 E. Sahara Ave. For more information, call 641-1400 or visit www.fairwaychevy.com. Henderson Chevrolet is located at 240 N. Gibson Road in Henderson's Valley Automall. For more information call 558-2438 or go to www.hendersonchevy.com. Pahrump Valley Auto Mall is located at 2060 E. Charleston Park Ave., in Pahrump. Call 775-751-0300 or visit www.pahrump
valleyauto.com.