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New owner wants to exceed everyone's expectations By Sharon Stone Jim Hall is the third owner of the Five Star Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealership in Fenton and said he plans on being in town for a long time. Hall took over on May 10. Hall, who has been in the automobile business for 19 years, is president of Hall Chrysler Jeep Dodge, located at 15123 New Road. He said he is building the once struggling dealership "one customer at a time." The Grand Blanc resident and Michigan State University graduate is instilling his philosophy for "the customer comes first," to all of his employees. Hall's brother, Tim Hall, is general sales manager. The brothers worked together in Chicago for seven years and have been back in Michigan for the past 12. He said while they were in Illinois, they took the Feeny Dodge dealership in Palatine, which was under performing and turned it around. He said they turned the Feeny Chrysler Dodge dealership in Midland around as well. Hall brought Nick Gorton, who was successful with the Halls in Midland, to Fenton to be a part of their team. "People we hire generally like people," said Hall. "I want people to care for people. You can't teach that." "We're here every day to serve the customer and to please to customer." The dealership features a complete service, parts and body shop, and a new and used department. The body shop, and 10,000 square feet, is the nicest body shop in the region, according to Hall. He said all of his technicians have earned I-Car Gold Level Certification, which is the highest level of certification for body shops. "We have the best body shop from a technology standpoint, plus facility," said Hall. "We have a lot to offer customers." Hall said he has learned through his years of experience, if a business takes care of its customers, they'll come back. He said the dealership offers a shuttle service, the service department is open from 8 am to 12 pm on Saturday and they've extended business hours on Monday and Thursday until 7 pm. "We want to exceed everyone's expectations," he said. Hall said buying a vehicle should be a cooperative effort between the salesperson and the customer. He said he doesn't want his customers to have to worry about purchasing a vehicle and he wants to make it more fun. Hall said during the past two to three years, he has looked at several dealerships to purchase. He said he almost moved to South Carolina, but at the end of this past January, he met with the previous owner of the Fenton dealership and said he felt Fenton was a good fit for him and his family. With three children attending Holy Family in Grand Blanc, Hall said buying the Fenton dealership meant the family did not have to move. "We're both local guys," said Hall when referring to his brother Tim, who lives in Fenton. "This was a blessing to have all three Chrysler products and to stay in the community." "I think we're a good fit for this community and we plan on being here a long time. We're entrenched here." "We have extensive experience and it's all been with Chrysler." Hall said the Fenton area is a real family community. He said the Durangos and minivans are very popular with families and pick-up trucks remain in big demand. "We have the best cars made," said Hall. "The Chrysler 300 is Motor Trend Car of the Year for 2005." The Chrysler Pacifica is a hybrid, combining the features of a minivan and a sport utility van, according to Hall. "It's all packaged into one," he said. "It has so much versatility."
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