Rod Wilhelm, dealer principal for Wilhelm Chevrolet Buick GMC in Jamestown, said there is one consistent item in the changing world of automotive technology.
"It all comes down to people," he said. "They are in front of the customer. It comes down to how we treat people."
Wilhelm won a number of categories including Best Auto Repair. It also had the Best Auto Technician in Randy Krapp and two of the three top vote-getters in Auto Salesperson in Josh Larson and Brian Kamlitz.
Some of the staff at Wilhelm's has been with the dealership for 45 years and many have more than 20 years of experience.
"We're lucky to have long-term people in the shop and body shop," Wilhelm said. "We are very fortunate and grateful for long-term employees. That's my main ingredient right there."
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Filling those jobs in the future is one of the challenges facing the dealership.
"Obviously, there will come a time when there will be retirements," Wilhelm said. "Young people are so much different. Many are just looking for a job, not committed to a long-term career."
Another challenge is the changing technology in the automobile industry. The dealership has signed up for the GMC's Hummer line of electric vehicles when those are released in the next couple of years.
"The future is all about electrics," Wilhelm said. "... it is a changing industry. Will we have electric trucks for farmers? Who knows."
The technology used by electric vehicles requires a different skillset for the automotive technician of the future.
"We aren't going to be changing oil and things like that," he said. "This will be a whole different program."
Wilhelm said the dealership also is active in helping various causes in the community. In October and November visitors at the dealership could contribute pet supplies, foods and toys to James River Humane Society by filling the box of a Silverado pickup at the dealership. Wilhelm Chevrolet Buick GMC is also a drop-off point for the Toys for Tots program to help children have an enjoyable Christmas.
Wilhelm Chevrolet Buick GMC is located at 305 Business Loop West at the bottom of Mill Hill in Jamestown. Sales and management hours are from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Parts and service hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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The dealership can be reached at 877-826-0689 or through its website at www.donwilhelm.com.
