Anderson Automotive Group
Family values. Community roots.

Gene Anderson began serving the Rockford community in 1955 when he started Anderson Oil Company. From there, he expanded the gas station business in 1970 and opened Anderson Datsun in Loves Park. In the 1980’s, Gene’s son, Brian, took over the management of the dealership and over the next 20 years grew the business into what it is today: Anderson Automotive Group with five locations and 12 franchises in the Rockford area. After Brian’s passing, the family’s third generation leadership took over and the company is now headed by his son, Chad, President and CEO.

We recently had an opportunity to talk with Dave Kieffer, Anderson Auto CFO, a 40-year employee, about what he feels has most contributed to the company’s success.

 

What is Anderson Auto best known for in the community?

“Its excellent reputation. After Gene purchased his first auto dealership in Rockford, Anderson Auto has been known for ‘doing the right thing’ for employees, customers, and neighbors. Gene, late son Brian, and now grandson Chad, all follow the motto ‘family first, work second.’ They have created a culture of respect and treat all employees equally because they believe each plays an important role in keeping the business successful and focused on customer service.”

How important is community involvement?

“Very, very important. The company is proud of the fact that one of the top expense items each year is community giving. Among many local chartable initiatives, the company funds a four-year scholarship in Brian’s name at the high school from which he graduated. Additionally, Anderson Auto has helped develop and fund the automotive shop at the same high school. The company is an avid supporter of the Rockford and Loves Park Canine units with naming rights of two dogs, Andii and Rip. Anderson Auto supports the North Park Fire Department, a local volunteer fire department where Gene volunteered in the early 1960’s. Anderson Auto is proud of its partnership with a local organization that provides residential care for those in our community with disabilities through the donation of vehicles for transporting its residents.”

What is the company’s philosophy on employee retention?

“Gene and Brian made it clear that without our good employees, we couldn’t operate a successful business. I remember Brian walking around the dealership and talking with employees. He would spend 90% of that conversation about the employee and his or her family and 10% of the conversation about work.  He never downplayed the importance of each individual person, which is something I will never forget.

Each summer we celebrate our employees and their families by hosting an all-expense-paid family day at a water park or go-cart track. Each February we celebrate our managers and their spouses with a themed dinner party at a nice venue to simply say thank you to the families of our managers. We are always looking for creative ways to remind our employees that they are valued at Anderson Automotive Group.”

What is the best example of the Anderson values in action?

Years ago, after we expanded to a second dealership, and I was working especially long hours, Gene happened to come into the office early one morning. He was not dressed in his usual business attire, but in jeans and an old T-shirt. He said that he was preparing to seal coat his driveway and explained the detailed process he would use that day. I shared that I needed to find some time to do my driveway too – and off he went.
The following day after I had left for work very early, my wife called me to ask why Mr. Anderson was in our driveway with seal coating supplies and equipment. I couldn’t believe that he had come over, unannounced, to do my driveway too. That really impressed me what kind of person he was and what kind of company I was working for.