Marv Jones Honda is celebrating 50 years of operation, though the founder has retired and passed the reins to his son while the original dealership has long since been replaced by a newer one.
The New Car Dealers Association of B.C. (NCDA) recognized the Maple Ridge dealership’s anniversary with a special presentation from President and CEO Blair Qualey to Ryan Jones, who is the store’s General Manager and succeeded his father in day-to-day operations 13 years ago.
Ryan Jones has great memories of things his father said when he began the dealership. Marv took out a loan to purchase the franchise and worked in the showroom as salesman, accountant, and receptionist, while a family friend handled parts and service and another person worked as the technician. Ryan said his father bought all the inventory from Honda Canada and parked the vehicles around his lot to showcase them.
“He was always a big marketer,” said Ryan in an interview with Canadian auto dealer. But Honda was new to the market and consumers were lukewarm to purchasing the Japanese product. Marv did not have a single customer in more than a week and was wondering if he made a mistake.
But shortly thereafter a worldwide oil embargo started, though Canada had excess fuel reserves. Suddenly, customers started scurrying for the Honda product because it had small but powerful engines. Marv couldn’t keep up with the demand.
“I’m telling you that story because, for sure, timing played a big part in that, and obviously the Honda franchise has continued to build on its name and reputation,” said Ryan. He said his father has ingrained in him the importance of making people a priority.
“We’re really fortunate to have a group of long-term employees,” said Ryan. “We have a really low employee turnover (rate) on the sales floor and in the shop. That’s our number one asset. We really believe in taking care of our people and personally developing them through the business — providing them with opportunities. That’s a value that we have and that really lends itself to retention and longevity with the employees.”
He said community involvement is another pillar of the dealership, notably partnering with a foundation to raise money to buy equipment for the local hospital and sponsoring sports teams.
“Things that really grow and support the community are where we really focus our marketing dollars,” said Ryan. “Between (getting involved) with the employees and the community, (this) has really been a real key thing in helping us with the longevity of the business.”
The 41-year-old decided to seriously look at a career in automotive in his 20s, which then kicked off a plan for succession. “It’s his baby, he’s grown it from a three-employee store with little inventory to being the size we are now with about 50 employees,” said Ryan.
In 1991, a new store was built next to the original one to handle the rapid growth in the company.
