Arthur Young Inc. celebrating 50th anniversary

By Editor | November 4, 2010 |

It’s been half a century since Arthur Young, a youthful car salesman from Litchfield, came to Vandalia to take over the ownership of Burtschi Motor Co., the local Chevrolet and Oldsmobile dealership.
At that time, Young was in partnership with his former Litchfield employer, Brubaker Motor Co., in the local venture.
Ten years later, in 1970, he became the sole owner of Arthur Young Inc.
This month, the business is celebrating its 50th year. And though Arthur has since retired from the day-to-day management duties, his son, Dennis, is carrying on the traditions that were begun back in 1960.
“He taught me, and I have continued to do what he used to do,” said Dennis, who started working full-time at the dealership in 1973.
“I think the same way that he thinks; we’re on the same page.
“Taking care of the customers has always been the main thing. Our sales department builds the relationship with people.
"After the sale, our service department is here to take care of their needs," he said.
"We try to do the little things – like picking up customers’ vehicles and delivering them after the service work is done. People like that.”
Though the approach to the business hasn’t changed, the facilities and the cars themselves have undergone significant changes.
Over the years, the Youngs have purchased lots in the area surrounding their main building at 122 W. Gallatin St.
Those lots have allowed them to have several areas to display their cars.
The most noticeable change has been on the lot just west of the main building, where several small buildings along Gallatin Street were demolished a few years ago to improve the visibility of the lot.
Though they no longer sell the Oldsmobile and GEO brands, the Youngs have sold Chevrolets from day one.
“It’s nice having the Chevrolet franchise,” Dennis said. “It’s a very popular brand. The technology that backs Chevrolet is amazing.
"The new Camaro has been very popular, and next spring they will introduce the Camaro convertible.”
One of the notable father/son accomplishments has been their involvement in the Illinois Automobile Dealers Association, which represents all the new car dealers in the state.
Arthur headed that organization in 1976, and Dennis followed in his footsteps in 2003.
Only one other father/son combination has occurred in the organization’s history.
Several family members have been involved over the years. Arthur’s wife, Patricia, served as bookkeeper for many years and Dennis’ wife, Angie, now serves as office manager.
Even after 50 years, Dennis said that his father still loves the car business.
“He’s seen a lot; but in 50 years, you’re going to – the new technology, the improved gas mileage, the electric cars.
"But when he’s in here, he’s always talking to customers – making sure that we’re taking care of their needs.”
In honor of the 50-year anniversary, Arthur Young Inc. will host an appreciation dinner for its customers from 4-7 p.m. this Friday at the dealership.
Because he’s recuperating from knee replacement surgery, Arthur won’t be able to make the trip from his winter home in Florida.
The rest of the staff, however, will be on hand to welcome customers in a way that would make him proud.
Other anniversary events are planned throughout November.