Subaru of Las Vegas manager keeps faith on road to success

For Burton Hughes, general manager of Subaru of Las Vegas, the car business is addictive.

Once it got into his blood, he said there was no getting away from the challenges and rewards that come his way.

He started in the car business 18 years ago after completing high school in Southern California, and found himself immediately hooked. Now, he cannot imagine doing anything else — unless it involves tending to someone’s spiritual needs.

Hughes also has been a minister for 25 years. He moved to Las Vegas from Kona, Hawaii.

“It was one of those things,” he said. “We had pastored for 12 years in Kona, Hawaii, when I felt I was meant to relocate and pastor in Las Vegas. It was a simple sense that God was leading me to Southern Nevada. I have learned over the years to trust God, especially when He leads you into something that you don’t understand at the time. That’s what it means to have faith.”

He began selling cars for Findlay Subaru in 2005 as a way to supplement his income. Today, he spearheads the 14,000-square-foot dealership at 5385 W. Sahara Ave.

Hughes said he is happy to know that he’s representing a brand that has been a part of the Findlay Automotive Group for about 40 years.

“Our sales are up nearly 150 percent this year over the same period last year. We reached the tipping point for a dramatic increase in sales volume last fall by attracting the right personnel, adapting our processes to better serve our customers, establishing a stress-free pricing strategy — followed up with sufficient product from the manufacturer,” he said.

He said the sales volume has gone from about 40 new cars a month to nearly 100.

“There is such a deep satisfaction in knowing that you are part of something that is homegrown by being in the Findlay Automotive family,” Hughes said. “There is a reputation and such a sense of community when you are part of a family organization. It has a face and a name and people trust that.”

Hughes has set his sights on selling 1,000 new Subarus this year, while also winning the Subaru Stellar Care Award again.

“I feel very good that we’re going to realize the goal,” said Hughes, who is an avid sailor. Adding “…with the wind at our backs and our sails trimmed for success.”

Findlay Automotive Group was founded in 1961 by the late Pete Findlay, whose son, Cliff Findlay, now spearheads 27 new- and used-car dealerships .

To reach the dealership, call 702-495-2100 or visit www.SubaruofLasVegas.
com.

Each of the Findlay Automotive Group stores can be visited at www.findlayauto.com.