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Business Person of the Year Finalist: Rick Wilson, Wilson Motors Putting family in the driver’s seat: Wilson Motors cruises By Sherri Huleatt What’s the recipe for success behind the No. 1 car dealership in Whatcom County? According to its president, Rick Wilson, it’s simple: Treat your customers like you’d treat your mother. Fortunately for Wilson Imports Inc. this familystyle philosophy has paid off for Wilson in a big way. For starters, Wilson experienced a robust 2013: • His company led Whatcom County in volume for inventory and new and used vehicle sales; • They won the Toyota President’s Award for Overall Operating Excellence for the fourth time in the last five years; • And, they added a brand by purchasing the former King Nissan dealership just down the street. With two store fronts on Iowa Street in Bellingham, Wilson’s automobile dealership previously sold Toyota, Scion, and Mercedes- Benz. In the 2013 listing of Business Pulse Magazine’s Top 75 Whatcom County privately-owned businesses, Rick Wilson’s company stood No. 16 by topping $50 million in sales during 2012, and stands to rise in those ratings this year after a robust 2013. Wilson Imports’ growth has been a family affair. Rick Wilson’s father Dick founded the business as a Lincoln-Mercury dealership 54 years ago, and Rick Wilson joined the team in 1968. The company gradually added more vehicle brands, and in 1986 Rick Wilson bought out his father and became president of the company. Seven years ago Julian Greening joined Wilson’s team as co-owner and general manager. Wilson attributed their success to the company’s dedication to “The Wilson Way”—the idea that purchasing a Wilson Motors vehicle, whether new or used, means you’re driving the best, and should expect the best customer service. “As much as my wife and I have traveled,” said Wilson, “I can’t think of a better place to live and do business than in Whatcom County.” —Rick Wilson Because of this philosophy Wilson Motors has built up a loyal customer base and a strong reputation in the community – although the story of Wilson’s rise isn’t told without its fair share of hiccups. Exactly one month before Lynn and Rick Wilson: Business is thriving after “… didn’t know if we could make it,” Rick said. (Photo courtesy of Wilson Motors) opening their new Toyota store in October 2008, the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 778 points. Just two weeks after that, it sank another 732 points. “I really didn’t know if we could make it,” Wilson said. However, the recession wasn’t enough to hold back his company from thriving financially, or philanthropically. Last year Wilson Motors donated more than $45,000 to charities. “We try to give back as much as we can in both community involvement and charities,” he said. Wilson serves on PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center’s Finance Committee and he has chaired the Finance Committee of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church for the last 15 years. “As much as my wife and I have traveled,” said Wilson, “I can’t think of a better place to live and do business than in Whatcom County.” 28 | BUSINESSPULSE.COM
SponSoRED By: 2014 BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR March 26, 2014 Awards Dinner Silver Reef Event Center Join the Leaders of Whatcom County We invite you and your organization to play a key role by joining us at the biggest local business event of the year as we pay tribute to the job creation, risk taking, entrepreneurship and philanthropy that has enhanced the economic and civic vitality of our communities. For more information on Tickets or Table Sponsorships call: 360.746.0418 or register online at www.businesspulse.com Co-SponSoRED By: MAGAZINE
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