Midlands Business Profiles
Midlands Profiles
Midlands Honda
Just mention the word car salesman and people already have formed an opinion. If you plan to go to a car dealership, what is your pre-conceived notion about what that overall buying experience is going to be like?
For a refreshing change and something, well – different - go and visit the new Midlands Honda location at Killians Road and Highway 77. You will certainly be impressed with the brand new 36,000 square foot facility; you will be more impressed by the relaxed atmosphere and the smiles of the people you meet.
"Everything we do here is designed to create a better car buying experience for our customers," say Randy Threatt, General Manager. "We strive every day to be a one-of-a kind dealership".
As you walk around the facility, you willdiscover a genuine sense of comaraderie amongst the employees; they have been together for a long time, and it shows.
"We hire people who will fit into the family, who don't take themselves too seriously and who are plain and simply - friendly," says Threatt. "If your motto is, '100 of the nicest, friendliest people on the planet', then you better mean it."
Midlands Honda has taken the word "team" to a new level.
"You're not just part of a great team here at Midlands Honda, you're part of the family," says Threatt. "And that idea of family is then naturally extended to our guests.
"We treat every guest in this building as a cherished member of our family. It's a lot easier to go the extra mile for a family member than just anybody off the street. So if that means we have to drive someone to the airport or spend extra time to show them how to operate their new navigation system, then we do it. We seek to "wow" our customers."
Midlands Honda is part of PSC Automotive which owns and operates two dealerships in California, one in North Carolina and Midlands Honda here in Columbia.
Located in West Columbia since early in 1979, Midlands Honda moved into its new state of the art facility back in early January. The Northeast facility is better equipped to meet the needs of its growing customer base: more service bays and Honda-certified technicians than any other dealership in Columbia, a covered entry area, express lube, the largest service and parts department in South Carolina, and a waiting room with WiFi and flat screen televisions. "We even have the Guitar Hero video game for the kids," says Threatt.
When asked how he liked his new office in the new facility, here is what General Sales Manager Rickey Ragins had to offer, “Our perspective in the construction of this building was not to find what would be comfortable for us, but rather what would be comfortable for the customer.”
Take a peek into the service area and you might expect to see dirty floors and machines and mechanics with greasy uniforms – it’s spotless.
“All you hear about these days from every business is that customer service is number one. Actually delivering on that promise is what we try to do every day of the year,” says Threatt. “Our goal is to sell 400 – 500 cars a month and we can’t do that unless we treat our customers the right way and meet all of their needs, all of the time. We want everyone who drives away in their new car to go and tell their friends and family about their great experience here at Midlands Honda. We want them to come back in three or four years and buy another car.”
Threatt started in the car business when he was 18 years old in Rock Hill, SC and over his 20 year career has been in sales, sales management, and also finance. When the opportunity to become General Manger of Midlands Honda opened up, he jumped at the chance.
“We’ve chosen the perfect location for our new store and we are excited to be among so many loyal Honda owners,” says Threatt.
