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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Huron Expositor, 1997-03-26, Page 42Page 24 - fingers '97 Harts 'goes extra mile' to give best customer service Service. It's the philoso- phy of business in the 1990's. It's also the phi- losophy behind Hart Ford Mercury, according to 'owner John Hart. 'The industry u a whole is becoming much more service -orientated," be says, "we go the extra mile to give customers the very best service possible." Mr. Haitpurchased the dealership from Gerald Groothuis in January of 1985 and says the automo- bile industry has been changing ever since. Computerization has become an integral part of the automobile industry and Hart's service depart- ment has been working hard to keep pace with the technological advance- ments. Mechanics are sent to school several times a year to become updated on changes and new technol- ogy. Direct computer link -ups with Ford help increase the speed and flow of information. Seven years ago Hart Ford Mercury moved to its Highway 8 kx;ation which provides great exposure for the business. Although the location changed, the emphasis on service did not. This service includes providing loaner cars, pick-up and return of cars that need service work done. and much more. "We do everything we can to help meet the needs of our customers," John says. Today's customers are more knowledgeable and expect top-quality vehi- cles. Intelligent con- sumers also expect impor- tant features, such as safe- ty built into the automo- bile. "Safety features are becoming more and more stringent," says Hart. He praises Ford for building world-class cars which are setting trends in the indus- try, such as the Windstar, placed at the top of its class for safety. There is now roadside assistance for all new cars, other changes to the indus- try including more fuel- efficient automobiles. Cash back rebates and low interest rates have made the industry much more competitive to the buyer's advantage. The local business is also sensitive to environmental needs with the latest tech- nology to recycle coolant from air conditioners. Almost everything is recy- cled at the dealership: radiators, batteries. oil, anti -freeze, air filters, and tires. Customers satisfied with Van Bakel "Keep your customers satisfied." That's the sim- ple business motto of Casey Van Bakel, owner and operator of the electri- cal and plumbing compa- ny in Egmondvilte. 'Casey Van Bakel Electrical and Plumbing' was opened in the Fall of 1978, Casey starting his own electrical and plumb- ing business after serving an apprenticeship with Sills Hardware in Seaforth. Van Bakel, a licensed gas fitter, provides plumb- ing and electrical installa- tion, as well as selling and installing the Beam Central Vacuum Systems and Water Purification Systems. Being self- employed, he works alone and finds it very satisfying to be able to deal personal- ly with so many good cus- tumers and local contrac- tors. Casey enjoys the familiarity of working in a small town but thinks it's unfortunate that Seaforth has had no growth. With most of his busi- ness concentrated in the Seaforth area where Casey was raised and now lives, he enjoys the mix of pre - he enjoys the mix.of pre- dominantly rural and resi- offers. In -shop sewing & much more Seaforth Sewing Centre at 9 Main St:, Seaforth was purchased in 1988 by Liz Moir. She continues to provide Seaforth with a fabric and sewing shop which carries a full line of notions from pins and nee- dles to zippers and pat- terns. It otters an in -shop sewing room where repairs, alterations and custom sewing such as hems. replacing zippers. taking ire and letting out are done. They accommo- date all their customer's requests from the simplest apron to a complete bridal party. The store is designed to meet all your sewing needs as well as perform- ing sewing machine ser- vice and repairs. Liz believes she can survive today's economy by giv- ing customers the best quality for the best price , possible. Four years of experience managing a drycleaning and photo shop made it an easy tran- sition for Liz to purchase the established sewing centre and then arrange for it to become a drop-off depot for Keep U Neat drycleaning, with pickup and delivery . every Monday. Wednesday and Friday. Liz and her part-time employee Colleen Lindemann's business phi- losophy is "To do every- thing we can to ensure happy customers." They hope to continue doing so. having recently expanded their drapery line. With the professional experi- ence of Tove Bell with CONTINUED on page 30 Customers of Hart Ford Mercury are drawn to the less -aggressive sales style of a small-town dealer- ship, and their willingness to provide service and maintenance to all vehi- cles. As one customer states, "Although 1 have yet to purchase a car from Harts they were still very helpful about repairing my 10 year old car, even shopping around for me to find the best prices in pans. I take comfort in knowing that if 1 have rot rbb with the re mPaiHarts.will stand behind their wont." "We are trying to take the anxiety out of purchas- ing a new or used vehi- cle," John says. "We like to stand by our name and our reputation. Long-time employees such as Catherine Hak with 30 years and Brian MacDonald with 26 years have helped build.the suc- cess of Hart Ford, Mercury. Gene Vincent and Jeff Hunt have not been with us as long but also put their very best effort into their jobs, ensuring that we maintain our high stan- dards." So what does Mr. Han see in the future for Hart Ford Mercury and its four employees'? "We hope to serving Seaforth pride and giving tomers_the appreciate • We, at Hart Ford Mercury endeavour to earn your business, in both our Sales and Service Departments. We go tide extra mile for You, the customer. Roca 'amt SALES • SERVICE • SELECTION • SATISFACTION HART 'The Friendly Mier with The ttig Heart' FORD Your Full Line ForWercury CentAwith a MERCURY Great Seirtion of New and Used HWY. '8 SEAFORTH 527-1010 ELECTRICAL & PLUMBING Residential & Farms •Electric -� - *Plumbing Fixtures J •Licensed Gas Fitter / and Propane SEAFORTH SEWING CENTRE •FABRICS *NOTIONS *REPAIRS •ALTERATIONS •DRESS MAKING •BRIDAL PARTIES •SEWING MACHINE REPAIRS •DRYCLEANING by KEEP U NEET 527-1900 MAIN ST., SEAFORTH