Gaudin auto group garners accolades

All three dealerships in the Gaudin Automotive Group -- Gaudin Jaguar Porsche Aston Martin on West Sahara Avenue, Gaudin Ford on East Sahara Avenue and Ford Country on Gibson Road in the Valley Automall -- were recently honored with sales and service awards that are a direct reflection of the company's commitment to customer service.

"I always recall what my grandfather (George Gaudin) preached," said Gaudin Automotive Group Chairman and President Gary Ackerman of his maternal grandfather. "He always said a customer will likely forget the selling price of a vehicle within 12 months, but they won't forget how they were treated."

This philosophy has sustained the family's business for 55 years, Ackerman said. "We've assembled wonderful teams at all of our locations in every department, including the waiters and waitresses in Mustang Sally's (diner located at Ford Country)."

Gaudin Jaguar Porsche Aston Martin was one of 12 U.S. Jaguar dealerships to earn the "Pride of Jaguar" award for 2009. Based upon a combination of new sales and customer satisfaction in service and sales, the award validates Ackerman's high expectations when it comes to customer service.

"We have a great veteran team that is ferociously proud, as well they should be," Ackerman said. "This recognition is a credit to all those 12-hour days. They do pay off."

Gaudin Jaguar Porsche Aston Martin General Manager Glenn Anderson credits the entire staff, as well as their loyal customers, for this recognition.

For the first time since it opened in 1996, Ford Country earned Ford's 2009 President's Award for customer satisfaction in the areas of sales and service.

"You have to excel in every area to succeed," Ackerman said. "That's why it's the hardest award to win. Ford sets the bar very high. Just one slip and it goes away."

Brian Large, Ford Country's general service manager, ensures all 275 employees work together.

"Everyone has to be hitting on all eight cylinders and playing to the same sheet music," Ackerman explained. "Brian's done a wonderful job assembling that team."

Over at Gaudin Ford, winning the President's Cup is a nine-time, five-year consecutive accomplishment. According to general service manager Bill Nance, the focal point of the dealership's philosophy is customer satisfaction.

"The feedback Ford receives tells them overall if our customers, in both sales and service, would recommend us to their family and friends," Nance explained. "This award acknowledges that trust and is the central point of our operation."

Gaudin Jaguar Porsche Aston Martin is located at 7200 W. Sahara Ave. Call 284-7000 or access www.jplv.net. Ford Country is located at 280 N. Gibson Road in the Valley Automall. Call 566-3673 or go to www.fordcountry.com for more information. Gaudin Ford is located at 2121 E. Sahara Ave., and can be contacted at 731-2121 or by visiting www.gaudinford.com.