The car business has been good to the Findlay family in Southern Nevada and a fifth-generation resident is happy to be working in an industry pioneered by his grandfather more than 50 years ago.
“I get the satisfaction of working with our family while also receiving a great thrill out of taking care of customers, much like my grandfather,” said the 31-year-old Chris Findlay, who now works with the Internet department at Findlay Volkswagen in the Valley Automall.
The late Pete Findlay, the elder statesman who journeyed to Las Vegas from Panaca in Central Nevada in the late 1950s, started what would become a dynasty in Southern Nevada.
“He was definitely the Howard Hughes of the car business in Las Vegas,” Chris Findlay said. “No question that this is one of the all-time great stories.”
Also a great story is the fact that Volks-
wagen continues to generate new product in a very competitive business. The recent additions of the 2012 Beetle and the 2012 Passat have generated great interest in a very short time.
“Volkswagen never lets up,” said Findlay, adding that the German-made vehicle has been known for its state-of-the-art engineering. “In addition, it has brought the labor and the jobs to the United States considering that VW now has a plant in Chattanooga, Tenn.”
Findlay added that while the VW is hailed for its history and 11 models, it is also proven popular for building vehicles that last for many years as evidenced by the VW Bug, which remains popular almost 80 years after it was introduced.
As Internet manager, Findlay is now part of what he said is undoubtedly one of the most important elements in the car business.
“The Internet changed everything,” he said. “In addition, we must pay constant attention to leads to make sure that we respond to our customers in a timely fashion. If we don’t, we can lose that business if we’re not careful.
“Also, we must work harder to make certain that we know the vehicle well because the Internet also opened the doors to knowledge and our customers know what they want when they get here. Volkswagen requires that all sales staff and managers take classes so that we’re certified to sell their product. You cannot just walk in off the street and sell these cars.”
Findlay Automotive Group includes 21 dealerships in four states. Other family members working in the group include Justin (operations director for Findlay Volkswagen, Findlay Chevrolet and Audi Henderson); Robby (general manager of Toyota and Honda stores in Flagstaff); and Nathan (general manager of the Lincoln dealership in the Valley Automall).
Cliff Findlay, the son of Pete Findlay, serves as chief operating officer of the group.
Further information regarding Findlay Volkswagen can be found www.findlayvw.com or by calling 558-6600. The dealership is headed by General Manager Jim Krumme .
