Wholesaler proves vital link to high-end vehicles

In the car business, wholesalers can be a dealership’s best friend, especially when considering high-end vehicles. So when local automobile executives opened Planet Hyundai Used Car Super Store at 7100 W. Sahara Ave. in July 2012, they immediately called on 70-year-old Harry Hendricks for help.

Hendricks travels from one auction to another in tennis shoes and shorts, but he’s considered one of the most respected go-to guys in the car business. He was the youngest-ever owner of a Cadillac dealership in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., in the mid-1970s.

“When we opened the Used Car Super Store, our first call was to Harry,” said Skip Shakely, a former general manager who is Internet director for Planet Hyundai Sahara. “A dealer cannot afford to make mistakes when dealing with high-end vehicles. We trust Harry and not just anyone can do what he does. He knows how to find good high-line vehicles and, more importantly, he knows how to price them accordingly.

“Harry may not look the part of a typical businessman, but he’s so successful that the banks probably call him when they need money,” he added.

Jim Smith, the dealership’s used car director, agreed.

“He knows as much about the car business as anyone I have ever met. He works every day except Sunday. Without a doubt, Harry is very valuable to us.”

Hendricks said he has fond memories of his history in the car business. Fifty years ago, his dad gave him and his brother $10,000 each to “go play” so the pair opened a used car lot in St. Louis in 1965.

“I had just graduated from the University of Florida at Gainesville with a major in history and a minor in psychology,” Hendricks said. “We really weren’t sure where we were going then, but we’re the real deal now.”

Hendricks said he loves the car business but he has also bought and sold houses for the past seven years.

“I love buying and selling cars,” said Hendricks, a native of St. Louis. “Like gambling, it’s a thrill and you can lose. It’s just a very exciting business and you have to be on your toes all the time.”

Hendricks said he loves working with the personnel at the Planet Hyundai Used Car Super Store.

“This is the best bunch of car guys I have ever been around,” he said. “They’re very knowledgeable and they know the car business. This group includes some very sharp people out of Texas. They have combined to record some very impressive sales results. It’s just a very good feeling here.”

Planet Hyundai Used Car Super Store is part of a locally owned umbrella of dealerships that includes Planet Hyundai Sahara at 7150 W. Sahara Ave. and Centennial Hyundai at 6200 Centennial Center Blvd.

For additional information, call 702-483-2200 (Centennial) or 702-938-1400 (Sahara) or visit www.planetlv.com.