Print

About Garber

Garber Automotive Group is led by owner and President, Richard J. Garber and Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer, Patrick Hengesbach.  The Management Group also employs a Controller and supporting staff.

The Organization today consists of eight dealerships representing 11 manufacturers and 17 franchises. Four dealerships are located in the Midwest.
They are:

  • Garber Buick: Saginaw, MI (Flagship dealership, established in 1907.)
  • Garber Nissan Hyundai: Saginaw, MI (Acquired in 1986)
  • Garber Chevrolet: Midland, MI (Acquired in 1991)
  • Sunrise Chevrolet: Glendale Heights, IL (Acquired in 1997)

Four dealerships are located in Florida.

The GARBER AUTO MALL is located in Green Cove Springs, Florida, 10 miles south of Jacksonville and includes the following franchises:

  • Garber Ford Mercury (Acquired in 1986)
  • Garber Chevrolet Buick Pontiac GMC (Acquired in 1994)
  • Garber Chrysler Dodge Jeep (Acquired in 1997)

One dealership is located in Miami, Florida.

  • Doral Buick Pontiac GMC (Acquired in 2007)

Together the dealerships gross in excess of $400 million in sales annually and employ nearly 700 people. The organization has also expanded its business with the formation of RightWay Automotive Credit; a sub-prime used vehicle retail operation and its own affiliated finance company, Gateway Financial.

Continued growth is planned or the organization, which makes recruiting, selecting and training high potential candidates our highest priority. Entry-level opportunities are available in Michigan, Illinois and Florida. For the right candidate, a management training program is available.


VISION STATEMENT
"To be the BEST automotive sales and repair operation in every market we serve."

MISSION STATEMENT
"We're only doing our jobs when we create an experience for the customers for which they choose to return and do business with us again."

COMPANY VALUES
Honesty: Truthful at all times
Respect: To show consideration and honor for each other.
Empathy: To be able to understand another's position.
Integrity: To be of good sound moral principle, trustworthy, sincere.
Pride: Sense of self-worth. Making a difference in people's lives.
Work Ethic: Working as a team to meet or exceed expectations.


HISTORY OF THE COMPANY
The year was 1907 and many thought that the horse and buggy would continue to be the way to travel. One notable exception was a young farm implement salesman of exceptional ability and bold vision. His name was Guy S. Garber, and he saw the automobile as the vehicle to the future.

Growing up in the Lansing area, his reputation as a salesman brought him to the attention of William C. Durant, founder of General Motors. At his urging, Guy Garber became a factory representative for Buick Motor Division. During his first six months he established one dealership, in Battle Creek Michigan. His responsibility was the management of the day to day operations.

His success there brought him to take on a greater challenge, coming to Saginaw in 1910 representing Buick. This was to become the key to his success with Buick and General Motors.... lasting a lifetime. Guy Garber shared the vision of the GM founder. America was headed for a golden automotive era.

Guy Garber's long and productive affiliation with GM lasted nearly 60 years, through the great depression and two world wars. During that time Garber married Hazel Denyes and began a family which would eventually number four sons and two daughters; Jack, Maxine, Richard, Guy Jr. (Ike), Jane and Robert.

As the oldest family-owned Buick dealership in the United States, the Garbers have always conducted a unique relationship with GM's Buick Motor Division. In its early years Garber Buick Company became a GM model for salesmanship, efficiency and service to the customer.

Years ago it was written that Guy S. Garber has but one hobby and that is service. "He lives service, breathes service and practices service. His predominant business policy is to render such uniformly satisfying service that there shall not be a single dissatisfied Buick owner in the 30 counties comprising his territory." Said Guy S. Garber, "Service does not mean something for nothing, but it does mean prompt, efficient and courteous attention at a fair price." This founding business philosophy thrives today in the mission statement for Garber Buick.

When automotive pioneer Guy S. Garber died on December 5, 1965 at the age of 81, Michigan's first Buick distributorship became the nation's last Buick distributorship. An important piece of automotive history had passed away.

Richard Garber, Sr., son of Guy Garber, who had been actively managing Garber Buick Company, became president and owner until his death in 1972. Like his father, Richard was a civic leader in every sense of the word.

Richard Garber was succeeded by Norman F. Geyer as president. Norm Geyer was married to Maxine Garber and was a son-in-law to Guy Garber. He was a dedicated, honest, and respected individual with high values. With over 25 years of experience with the organization, the majority as service director, Norm was knowledgeable in all aspects of the dealership operation. As president, he successfully guided the Buick store for eight years, during the trying times of the 1970's, until he passed the torch to Richard J. Garber Jr., in 1980.

Richard J. Garber, Jr., was the third generation to take the helm of the company in its 73rd of operation. When he became president, he was the youngest Buick dealer for a dealership of its size in the nation. Since that time the organization has grown to nine dealerships located in three states, Michigan, Florida and Illinois.

The organization today is a long way from the 1907 version, but important traditions live on: dedication to service, a loyal staff and a forward-looking vision. One that echoes in the spirit of a young farm implement salesman who took thousands of mid-Michigan area residents out of the buggy and put them behind the wheel.

About Garber Chevrolet Savings Center - a Midland New & Used Chevrolet Dealership

Garber Chevrolet Savings Center offers many automotive products and services to our Midland area customers. From quality new Chevrolet vehicles to used cars, we know anyone looking for a vehicle in Midland will likely find what they want at our dealership. We carry a comprehensive line of Chevrolet vehicles, including the Avalanche, Aveo, Corvette, Traverse and Silverado, making us a good choice as your Midland Chevrolet car dealer.

Our services include trusted Chevrolet car repair, original Chevrolet parts, and financing to help our customers purchase the car of their dreams.

Call Garber Chevrolet Savings Center at 888-612-5001, or come visit us in person. We're conveniently located at 1700 N. Saginaw Rd., Midland, MI, 48640 and look forward to helping you with your automotive needs.

Hear What Our Customers Have to Say

In this day and age the word "service" has lost it's meaning with many retail businesses, but not with Garber Chevrolet

Dear Mr. Garber,
By way of introduction, I am the Chair of the Aftermarket Management Department at Northwood University. We have met and socialized in the past, but it has been several years since we have had contact with one another.
My reason for writing to you is that I purchased a used vehicle from your company on 1/6/10 and I wanted to compliment your employees for what I consider to be excellent service.
Kevin Parker, Tom Fahrenbruch and Mike Bishop handled this transaction and I was impressed with their friendly demeanor, professionalism and their desire to present "value added" service. Please recognize them for me.
In this day and age the word "service" has lost it's meaning with many retail businesses, but not with Garber Chevrolet. Thank you, to you and your employees!

James R. John,Northwood University

"Even under unfortunate conditions of having to have this service provided they have found a way to make the experience feel good."

I would like to submit this letter of thanks due to the excellent service I have received from your body shop. In the past few years, I have had a few deer/truck accidents. Every time Brad and Chad have been professional and exceptionally expedient and getting a quote written up and managing the repairs. Even under unfortunate conditions of having to have this service provided they have found a way to make the experience feel good. Many thanks to both of them.

Jeff L. Bressette ,

We both feel like we have been treated like life time customers!"

Greetings,
Karla and I are very happy with our HHR. We had not purchased from Garber Chevrolet in the past. We were first time buyers; and we both feel like we have been treated like life time customers. Your service dept/body shop has nothing short of great service with a fantastic attitude focused on customer satisfaction. Keep up the great work!

Sincerely,
Art & Karla

Art & Karla,

"I defintely feel taken care of the Garber group in Midland"

The Garber boys are at it again. About a year and a half ago I had the pleasure of writing you to share my positive experience at Garber Midland. At that time it was the body shop that were my heroes in a time of crisis.

Since that time I have had the opportunity to do impromptu business with the service department to address "clunking" in the steering column and front end. Both times I did not have an appointment, I had just stopped in to see if they had time at the moment I did. Whether they had time or not, I will never know because they made the time right then and there. Every time I have had service done they do a great job explaining to me what the problem was, that they did, and that the likely cause was. I feel very comfortable bringing my vehicle there.

Recently, I purchased my vehicle, having been leasing it. As my lease was drawing to a close, Jeff Pacholka began contacting me to discuss my options. He helped me work through the choices at the time and made a point to contact me as opportunities presented themselves with the ever changing automotive sales climate. In the end, purchasing was the best choice. Jeff facilitated everything for me and I had a very comfortable experience with Tom in finance as well. As timing had it, U was due for an oil change at the time of the purchase process. I handed the keys to the service department before I signed papers with Tom. It was almost a contest to see who could be done first. The service department won. They even took the time to clean up a few spots of rust on the back end, making sure there was not an ongoing problem to be addressed with my finish.

I definitely feel taken care of by the Garber group in Midland.

 


Sarah,Midland

"We have always been well satisfied with Garber's service"

We are very happy with the service we recently received from Garber. To date, we have always been well satisfied with Garber's service.

Yvonne,

"Your Team is Superb!"

I had some body work done and I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate the well done job I received! I was shocked to see the inside of my car cleaned out. I dealt with Chad and words can't express how happy I am with the work that was done. You team is superb! Thank you!

Anita,Midland

"As always, the service team did a great job"

As always, the service team did a great job.  I will give positive remarks
to GM if asked.  One simple upgrade that would be nice however is if the
service dept called me when my car was done instead of me having to call and
check in.  I know they eventually get around to this depending upon how busy
they are so it is not an expectation that they call right away but rather
would be a "delighter".

Cheers


Sean,Midland

"Another pleasant experience at Garber Chevrolet"

Another pleasant experience at Garber Chevrolet on Wednesday 6/10/09 when I brought auto in for service. 

Mike Albertson and other service people performed repairs, provided transportation for me and explained what was needed to keep my Buick running smoothly.   

Will certainly return in the future.


Joe,Midland, MI

"I would recommend your dealership and service department to anyone"

I've spent thousands of dollars with your service department - without a complaint about the service work that was done.  Your service department personnel have always answered my questions as best as could be.  I would recommend your dealership and service department to anyone asking. The only problem I've had was a billing problem - which was resolved to my satisfaction.  Thank you.

Samuel,Midland

" Staff was Friendly and Accommodating "

Unfortunately I needed to use your body shop as my new Avalanche was hit while parked.  The repairs were done on time and with high quality.  The staff was VERY accommodating and helpful.  They updated me on progress and the car was returned fully cleaned and vacuumed-a delighter.

I've owned a number of vehicle brands but this is my first GM.  I have been pleasantly surprised by your dealership from sales, to service and now body shop.  Keep it up and my wife's next car may be a chevy as well.

Sincerely
Sean

Sean,Midland

" EVERYONE AT GARBER CHEVY IN MIDLAND TREATS US GREAT "

EVERYONE AT GARBER CHEV IN MIDLAND TREATS US GREAT FROM EVERY DEPARTMENT. WE HAVE 3 VEHICLES WE PLACE IN THEIR HANDS TO KEEP THEM RUNNING AND LOOKING GREAT. THERE IS NO BETTER DEALER AROUND IN OUR BOOK AND WE BRAG SO MUCH ABOUT GARBER AND SPECIALLY ABOUT JEFF P IN SALES, NATHANIAL IN SERVICE, CHAD IN THE BODY SHOP. AND THE DETAILERS ARE WONDERFUL, THEY TOOK MY HUSBANDS 1997 CHEV SILVERADO AND MADE IT LOOK ALMOST NEW EVEN THOUGH MY HUSBAND WORKED OUT OF THAT TRUCK AND CUT WOOD & IT SHINED SO WELL I COULD READ THE SIGN GARBER IN THE REFLECTION. THEY PERFORMED THIS ALL IN SECRET FOR ME SO I COULD TREAT MY HUSBAND TO A CLEAN TRUCK FOR OUR WEDDING ANNIVERSARY. AGAIN WE FEEL GARBER IN MIDLAND IS THE BEST DEALER AROUND. AND THATS WHY WE RETURNED AFTER BUYING MY 2007 TAHOE TO COME BACK AGAIN TO JEFF, NATANIAL AND THE REST OF THE GREAT WORKERS TO BUY OUR NEW 2009 SILVERADO AS ANOTHER WEDDING ANNIVERSARY PRESENT FOR MY HUSBAND. GARBER IN MIDLAND MAKES IT SO EASY FOR ME TO SPOIL MY HUSBAND!

Judy Kerr, Pinconning

"Extremely helpful without pressuring me!"

Matt Kennedy was extremely helpful, and made sure he didn't pressure me at all. They made me feel very comfortable. I was very impressed with Garber Chevrolet.

Charles M.,Midland

" Taking Delivery of my vehicle was quick and painless! "

The staff at Garber Chevrolet is so helpful. Most of my questions were answered before I even had to ask.

In addition the teamwork at Garber is exceptional, you cannot pass a single person on the sales floor

without being asked if you are being taken care of. There is nothing worse than standing & waiting which

is defiantly not an issue at Garber Chevrolet, The delivery of my new vehicle was quick & painless

thanks to level of professionalism displayed at Garber. I would like to send a special thank you to

John Gottschalk, Terry Franz Kevin Parker, as well as Brittney, Katie & Mallory who we kept very

 busy for a couple of days & still could not get a single sense of aggravation from any of them despite

being very particular, as I am a GM Supplier Rep myself, working with dealerships all over the

United States, Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands. Many of these dealerships are wonderful, but they could

never keep me away from Garber Chevroelt in Midland MI (48640) when it is time for my next Chevy.
 

Tanya H., Midland

"Enjoyed doing business at Garber Chevrolet"

John Gottschalk treated us great! Enjoyed doing business with him and Garber Chevy!

Richard ,Midland

Contact Information

Garber Chevrolet

1700 N. Saginaw Rd.

Midland, MI 48640
sales Sales:
(877) 652-4114
phone2 Service:
(877) 652-7957
phone3 Parts:
(877) 654-1126

Hours

  • Monday: 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday: 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
  • Thursday: 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
  • Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
  • Saturday: 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
  • Sunday: Closed