Buyout Provides New Direction for Western Kansas Auto Dealer Group
Dodge City, Kansas, January 1, 2006 - Effective January 1, 2006, Jim Lewis became the sole owner of four western Kansas automobile dealerships. Brothers Jim and Rod Lewis grew up helping their father, Ralph Lewis, at the family-owned dealership in Topeka, Kansas. Jim Lewis moved to western Kansas in 1977 after purchasing Dodge City Toyota. Rod Lewis eventually bought Lewis Toyota (Topeka) from their father. After going in separate directions, Jim and Rod Lewis later partnered in purchasing Hays Ford Toyota, Hays (1990), Lewis Motors, Garden City (1992), and Lewis Chrysler, Hays (1996).
Commenting on the buyout of assets from his brother, Jim Lewis said “it gives Rod the opportunity to focus his attention solely on the eastern Kansas market, and allows me to bring my children into the business as well as lead the western Kansas dealerships in a new direction for the future.” The western Kansas dealerships, owned by Jim Lewis, combined as Lewis Automotive Group, include Lewis Toyota of Dodge City (formerly Dodge City Toyota), Lewis Chevrolet Cadillac Nissan of Garden City (formerly Lewis Motors), Lewis Toyota Ford Lincoln Mercury of Hays (formerly Hays Ford Toyota) and Lewis Chrysler Dodge Jeep of Hays (formerly Lewis Chrysler).
Starting January 2006, Lewis Automotive Group took a new direction under a three-member management team. The team includes Jim’s oldest daughter and son-in-law, Jamey and Ross Harms, and Todd Phelps. Jamey and Ross joined the family business over four years ago after graduating with business degrees from Fort Hays State University and Washburn University, respectively. They worked their way through various positions within the company to gain knowledge in all areas of operation.
Todd Phelps rejoined Lewis Automotive Group in January 2006. Todd previously worked as Sales Manager of Lewis Toyota Ford Lincoln Mercury of Hays from May 2001 thru November 2003 at that time, Todd left to be the General Manager for Midway Chrysler in Kearney, NE. Todd returned to Lewis Automotive Group in January 2006 as the Lewis Toyota Ford Lincoln Mercury of Hays General Manager and has been a strong force in his time back at the store.
After stints in parts, service, sales and the office, Jamey Harms serves as General Manager of Lewis Toyota of Dodge City and represents the third generation of Lewis auto dealers. On the recent appointment of his daughter as Manager, Jim Lewis states “my father gave me an opportunity 28 years ago and I’m excited to give that same opportunity to her.”
After working in sales and as the finance manager at Lewis Chrysler Dodge Jeep of Hays, Ross Harms serves as General Manager of Lewis Chevrolet Cadillac Nissan of Garden City and Lewis Chrysler Dodge Jeep of Hays.
By combining management skills, Lewis Automotive Group is able to take full advantage of each Managers’ strengths and resources at all dealership locations. One unique service, to be introduced in 2006, is to honor used car warranties at all Lewis Automotive Group locations. This umbrella of services and collective management approach will allow for greater brand recognition and improved customer service. “My Dad taught me that if you take care of the customer, they would take care of you. We’ve always followed that philosophy and we plan to carry it forward as Lewis Automotive Group moves into the future,” says owner, Jim Lewis.
