Percy’s recognized for 50 years in the car business
By Jon Gulliver
Staff writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Percy’s Auto Sales is celebrating a milestone this year — 50 years in business.
Owner Scott Norton said that when Percy Pelkey opened a used car dealership on Main Street in the Star City he had the right idea and deserves credit for the business surviving five decades.
“We had a great start,” said Norton. “The original owner Percy Pelkey was a great businessman, hard worker and took care of things very well. Customer service was, and remains, our top priority.”
Staff photo/Jon Gulliver
50TH ANNIVERSARY — Percy’s Auto Sales in Presque Isle has been in business for 50 years this year. Shown in front of a Limited Edition Jeep Wrangler are Ryan Rackliffe, finance manager; Scott Norton, owner; and Bruce Guerrette, sales manager.
In 1993 the business changed with a move to its current location on Route 1 and expanded to 10,000 square feet and as a new car dealership with six different brands, including Jeep, Chrysler, Plymouth, Dodge, Eagle and Dodge trucks. Today the dealership offers Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram model trucks.
Out of the 50 years Percy’s has been in business, Norton has been involved for the past 25 as a sales person, general manager and now owner along with his wife Lisa. He said the biggest change in the past quarter century is the quality of the vehicles.
“Vehicles last longer now,” he said. “They are built better, they have great warranties and aremore fuel efficient, but the business itself is more about customer service.”
That may be because customers are now better-informed consumers.
“Customers are very well educated with the Internet and well versed on the vehicle they want to buy before they come in,” he said.
Percy’s top priority is to not only find the best vehicle for each buyer, but also continue taking care of the customer’s maintenance needs after the sale. Therefore, all their technicians are factory-certified. All this is accomplished with a staff at any given time of about 15 employees.
Norton said the Jeep brand continues to be the most popular vehicles, but Chrysler minivans are also big sellers.
Looking into the future Norton said a new Dodge Dart is being unveiled soon which should fill a need in the compact-sedan segment. That vehicle will be available in the second quarter of this year. He added the Jeep Grand Cherokee is recently redesigned and has been getting rave reviews.
“The Jeep Grand Cherokee has always been a good reliable vehicle, but now it is world class,” he said.
To stay in the car business for 50 years dealers need to have repeat customers.
“In Aroostook County it is the most important factor,” Norton exclaimed. “When we talk about customer service we talk about customer loyalty, they go hand-in-hand. Repeat customers are everything to us. There are no lines outdoors waiting to come in so we have to give the customers a reason to come back.”
The entire car-buying atmosphere has been tailored to give customers satisfaction. From a renovated showroom to quality service after the sale it’s all part of the big business picture.
Hours of business are Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Vehicle shoppers can also browse www.percysautosales.com or call toll free on 1-888-666-6343 or 764-4493 locally for more information.
