Findlay retains former Saturn store employees

Veteran automobile manager Don Richardson remembers the car business when Findlay Automotive Group opened Saturn of West Sahara on Oct. 25, 1990. As sales manager of the popular General Motors Corp. innovation, customers often came through the dealership's doors just before closing time every day.

Saturn of West Sahara spelled the boom in growth of Findlay Automotive Group and it also illustrated tenacity on the part of Cliff Findlay, who now oversees company dealerships in Nevada, Utah, Arizona and Idaho.

Under the direction of Rich Abajian, Saturn of West Sahara led the nation in Saturn retail sales for 38 months. Saturn's exit from the Southern Nevada marketplace began with the closing of Saturn of West Sahara last summer with the final closing scheduled April 1 when Saturn of Henderson also closes is doors.

However, as the 67-year-old Richardson points out, neither of the Saturn stores was left shuttered and employees did not have to scramble for other livelihoods during one of the most challenging economic climates in the history of Southern Nevada.

Findlay replaced Saturn of West Sahara with Findlay Kia and retained the entire employee body. The Saturn of Henderson location will soon become Findlay Signature Lincoln Mercury, which has been housed on East Sahara Avenue.

"The Findlay Automotive Group is doing its utmost to retain all of the Saturn of Henderson employees by placing them elsewhere in the automotive group," said Richardson, whose latest role with the company has been as used-car manager for both Findlay Kia and Saturn of Henderson. "While there is certainly a lot of movement in the car business right now, it's nice to know that we work for an organization that does everything to retain its employees."

Richardson said that although everyone has challenges nowadays, not many people face the issues that car dealers do today.

"There are many of us out here who are grateful to have employment during today's economic situation," said Richardson. "The mere fact that Cliff Findlay, (Chief Financial Officer) Tyler Corder and (CEO) Rich Abjajian continue to succeed in this market is a testimony to their endurance and their loyalty to all of their employees and customers.

"I'm sure the 1,000 people who work for this great organization would like to provide a special 'thank you.' The people here have enjoyed good times and they have braved the bad times, too, and lived through all times with a special level of class."

Richardson pointed out that the growth spurt has made the operation one of the largest privately owned automotive operations in the country.

"However, had it not been for Cliff Findlay's foresight to purchase the Saturn of West Sahara franchise, things would have been totally different not only for employees but customers, too. I don't know of many businessmen with the guts to accomplish what he has in such little time."

Richardson said the family atmosphere created by Findlay has given all employees the confidence during tough times.

"We will make it through these difficult times," said Richardson, "and every one of us is thankful for the opportunity presented to us."

Findlay Automotive was formed by the late Pete Findlay in 1961. His son, Cliff, now spearheads the company operations. Further information regarding the dealerships can be found at www.findlayauto.com.