CONGRATULATIONS OLEAN CLASS CARS -- The Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce will honor the contributions of Olean Class Cars with the 2014 Enterprising Business award given by Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce. The award honors those who exemplify the enterprising spirit of community and commercial growth in the greater Olean community and will be presented at the GOACC Annual Dinner scheduled for Thursday, November 6, at Premier Banquet Center. Eric Garvin, GOACC board president, said, “The Enterprising Business Award is the highest distinction for a business given by the Chambers 683 members. The Award is given annually to a privately owned business in the greater Olean area that demonstrates a well-planned, thorough and serious approach to business development and exemplifies the unique “hometown” charm of the area in manners of administration, customer service and quality of product.” Jim Burgeson, owner of Olean Class Cars, has had a passion for cars and their maintenance since he was little boy. He enjoys the excitement of the dealership, the work, and most of all the cars. As a young man he began repairing, painting and servicing vehicles for friends and family. He remembers learning of how his father was mistreated and manipulated by a dealership and as a result, vowed that he would build a business on respect for his customers. Thirty years later, that is exactly what Olean Class Cars has built their reputation on quality customer service. Jim began his career at Quik Fill; he managed the service station while building on his car-retailing career. Jim rented parking spaces from Fran Mahar a neighboring businessman, at which he sold, used cars. Jim started small but it gave him the tools necessary to begin thinking about opening his own business. In 1983, he contacted Henry Hamed, a local vendor and friend, and asked for advice. Mr. Hamed set him up with John Guson, an accountant, and Bob Murrin, a lawyer, which laid the foundation for Olean Class Cars. Jim purchased property at 1207 West State Street and started out with a small inventory of cars on the corner lot. Many of his service station customers purchased cars from him, and have continued to buy cars over the past 30 years. Over the years, Jim would travel to North Carolina and Southern Pennsylvania to purchase clean southern cars, turning the small corner lot into a multifunctional car dealership and service center. The dealership has grown to include three service bays, a wash bay, a large showroom area, and a large outdoor lot with an inventory of nearly 200 vehicles. He has also purchased lots in the surrounding neighborhood to expand his retail service and increase storage. Jim has several very dedicated employees who not only support the business but who genuinely support Jim’s vision. Jim’s son Casey has been working as an auto tech for his father since he was a little boy. Ginger VanDixon, office and service manager has worked for Jim for over 19 years. Jon Filjones, general manager, has been employed for 14 years. Jon and Ginger have the task of running the day-to-day operations of the dealership, allowing Jim the freedom to go south buying cars. Dean Bowers has been with the company for 11 years with over 30 years of car sales experience. Jim Peterson has been employed for 7 years as their errand man. Dan Vaughn has been an auto tech with the company for 5 years and Frank Scicchitano has been with the company for 4 years as a car detailer. Jim has built a business that is well respected in the Olean Area community. When possible he makes every effort to support local businesses and financial institutions. Jim understands the need to provide a good service to others but to also support those who support his business. Jim’s motto to treat customers, as he would want to be treated has led to success. Olean Class Cars would not be the notable business it is today without its customers and their continued support.
Posted on: Tue, 28 Oct 2014 15:27:34 +0000
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