When Patrick Wergin took a job washing cars at an auto dealership years ago, he just tried to earn some extra money. Instead, he discovered an industry where he could develop a career.
Wergin had his own car-detailing service with a high school friend when he approached dealer principal Frank Ferrogine for a job at the Annapolis Volvo and Annapolis Subaru dealerships.
“Frank groomed me throughout the business,” said Wergin, recalling his various jobs at the dealerships. “It’s interesting. When we hire employees now I always tell them the story of how I started out washing cars and am now Frank?s partner. I think it has an impact.” Today, he is vice president and general manager of those dealerships.
The philosophy that Ferrogine and Wergin share, to always put the customer first, also has an impact.
They look to hire those who share that philosophy and have incentives ? such as a career development track ? to ensure that occurs.
“We have a culture of promoting from within,” Wergin said. “The car business [overall] has its own bad image, but we changed that image by treating our customers like family.”
Straightforward pricing, top-notch service and providing cutting-edge technologies ? such as a high-tech Web site ? are all part of what the partners embrace to stay ahead.
Wergin, who oversees all the daily operations, said he has regular meetings with managers and staff to share financials and goals.
“A lot of our customers are repeat and referral buyers,” he said. “We don’t have a culture where we sell to someone one time and let them go away. We have grown our business by keeping the clientele happy. We maintain that by empowering our employees to take care of customers’ problems.”
That attitude has made both the Subaru and Volvo dealerships shine in sales, topping the respective automakers’ lists.
The dealerships have also seen “tremendous growth” in other areas including parts and service.
Comptroller Barbara Stockford said the owners? attitude sets the dealerships apart from their competition.
“There is definitely a family atmosphere between the stores,” said Stockford. “They are incredibly understanding if there’s a family issue. They really care about the employees and the community.”
Contact info
» Annapolis Volvo/Subaru
» 333 Busch?s Frontage Road
» Annapolis, MD 21409
» 800-738-4145
