More Photos in the Davison Index from the Truck or Treat at Jim Waldron new and used car dealer in davison michigan a flint dealer.

The first Trunk or Treat was held at Jim Waldron Buick-GMC, Oct. 29 from 2–5 p.m. The free spook-tacular event allowed children to collect treats in a fun and safe environment. Above: This little one took part in the trick or treat fun.

Hahn Middle School Principal Holly Halabicky and these two youngsters were at the Davison School’s trunk handing out treats.

Joey Chambers, 4 1/2, was dressed as a robot for the Jim Waldron Trunk or Treat event. He is seen here with his mom, Stacy Chambers. Photos by Gary Gould

Trunk or Treat event promises a ‘Spook-tacular Time’ at Jim Waldron

DAVISON TWP. — A frightening good time awaits the entire family when the first annual Trunk or Treat rolls in at Jim Waldron Buick-GMC, Oct. 29 from 2–5 p.m. The free spook-tacular event allows children to collect treats in a fun and safe environment.

Ghosts and goblins dressed in their Halloween costumes can trick or treat throughout the dealership’s used car parking lot for candy and trinkets from trunks and truck beds. Special activities will take place in the new car showroom, such as a coloring station, face painting and our fun book machine, along with drawings and prizes including our Grand Prize for adults, a trip for two including air fare to Las Vegas.

More than 30 local businesses are participating in the first time event. All participating sponsorships are free and allow businesses and organizations to connect with local families. Sponsors have the opportunity to include signage at each vehicle as well as distribute coupons and/or other child-friendly goodies highlighting their business or organization.

The Davison police and fire departments will be onsite to greet guests with their police cars and fire trucks.

Complete Trunk or Treat details are available online at www.jimwaldron.com or by calling 800-WALDRON.

Jim Waldron Buick-GMC is located at 1146 S. State Rd. in Davison, at exit 145 off I-69.

— G.G. Davison Index

Tigers' star pitcher to return to Davison auto dealership in 2012

Published: Thursday, October 20, 2011, 2:14 PM     Updated: Thursday, October 20, 2011, 2:16 PM

By George Jaksa | The Flint Journal The Flint Journal

DAVISON TOWNSHIP, Michigan — He lost out on a trip to this year’s World Series, but Detroit Tigers pitching ace Justin Verlander will make a return visit to an area car dealership next year.

A day after the Tigers were knocked out of the playoffs by the Texas Rangers, Jim Waldron Buick GMC’s Jim Waldron Jr. said Verlander’s agent called to say Verlander is ready to make his sixth annual appearance at the Waldron dealership.

Verlander, who is in line for the Cy Young and Most Valuable Player awards in the American League, has been coming to the dealership to talk with fans, sign autographs and have his picture taken with admirers since 2006.

In June, fans started lining up as early as 7:30 a.m. outside the Waldron dealership to be among the 500 fans allowed in for Verlander’s afternoon appearance.

More than 1,500 fans applied for a private session with the big right-hander, but only 50 were selected.

“We’re really proud of the relationship with have with Justin and the high regard he has for us,” said Waldron.

He said the dealership in the past researched athletes it wanted to do business with and chose Verlander because he is a family-friendly athlete.

“He does his research, too, and if he didn’t think we were a respectable business, he wouldn’t want to come back,” Waldron said.

The dealership fields calls as early as spring training on a date for Verlander’s appearance.

Fans will have to wait a bit, however, to mark their calendars.

Although Verlander appeared at the dealership last June, Waldron said the dealership and Verlander’s agent can’t nail down a date until they look at the 2012 Detroit Tigers schedule.

The star pitcher is due to be one of the hottest attractions among professional sports figures next year.

His numbers this year were particularly impressive as he posted a league-best 24-5 win-loss record and struck out 250.

His earned run average was 2.40, and his win-loss percentage was .828, numbers that make him a strong contender for postseason honors.

Waldron said the dealership will post Verlander’s visit date on its website, JimWaldron.com, as soon as it is determined.

Detroit Tigers ace 'really loves' appearing at Jim Waldron Buick-GMC in Davison

FLINT, Michigan — Since 2006, Detroit Tigers ace pitcher Justin Verlander has appeared for a public meet-and-greet at Jim Waldron Buick-GMC in Davison a dealer near flint michigan.

Verlander says he enjoys meeting with the hundreds of fans that line up — some as early as 6 a.m. — to get a pre-signed photo and take their own picture with him.

And Thursday was no different, he said.

"I really love coming out here, the fan support is incredible," said Verlander, who received a hearty ovation from Waldron employees as he entered the dealership lobby. "I really love coming out to Jim Waldron's; sit down and meet some fans and shake some hands. You couldn't ask for more than that."

Check back shortly for a detailed story outlining Verlander's year, his outlook on the season and his recent string of successful outings on the mound.

Artical from mlive.com

By Adam Biggers | The Flint Journal The Flint Journal

Jim Waldron has confirmed All Star Detroit pitcher Justin Verlander will be at Jim Waldron Buick GMC in Davison this summer June 23, 2011 register for a chance to win a private meet and greet. Jim Waldron Buick GMC partnered with Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander in 2006 when Verlander agreed to make an annual summer appearance at the dealership to sign autographs the first 500 people will receive an autographed photo and will have the opportunity to get a picture , he will start at 1:30pm. If you are interested in registering to be part of an exclusive private meet and greet with Justin, register online.

Jim Waldron first began in the car business at a GM dealership in Royal Oak, Michigan in 1976. Once he got a taste for the business he decided he wanted to own his own dealership. In 1986, he sold his house, borrowed money from his father and purchased what is now Jim Waldron Buick GMC in Davison.

The family run business is located in Davison at the corner of M-15 and Lapeer Road, just north of I-69, off M-15. In the 25 years since ownership, he has grown the dealership to be one of the premier dealerships in Michigan. Consistently rated #1 in customer satisfaction for sales and service, Jim Waldron says General Motors is always asking him for his ‘secret.’

“It’s no secret,” says Jim Waldron, “It’s all about the people.” The customer satisfaction rating is based on customer feed back received from customers surveyed by GM. Waldron strongly recommends that anyone shopping for a vehicle requests to view the surveys of any dealership they are considering doing business with. “Anyone can win your business during the sale. It’s how well you are taken care of after the sale that matters,” says Waldron.

Jim Waldron Buick GMC has 100 employees, many with 15 years of employment, and several have been with him since the day he opened the dealership in 1986. “We are always looking for the best individuals to hire – and we are always making sure our pay plans are the strongest in the industry,” adds Waldron. “You cannot have happy customers without happy employees.”

Jim Waldron has developed a slogan for his business known as ‘The Waldron Way.’ Jim Waldron explains the Waldron Way as “The way we do business. We put the customer first, every time, treating them as we would want to be treated. It’s anticipating the customer’s needs, following through with what we say we are going to do, and ensuring customers are happy with theirexperience. We know customers have high expectations, and we strive to meet them each and every time” says Waldron. That proves itself to be true. From the friendly smiles and greetings when you walk through the door to the newly remodeled facility in both service and sales. You can’t help but feel welcomed at Jim Waldron’s in Davison.

Not only does Jim Waldron have a terrific selection of new and used vehicles, but Waldron says they can get customers any type of vehicle they want. “We wholesale several hundred vehicles a month, many of those cars never hit our lot. However, if a customers wants a vehicle that we don’t have, we simply divert that vehicle to our lot so it can be purchased. And as far as price – every used vehicle has the price marked right in the window, you have to wonder why everyone doesn’t do that! All new vehicles come with the lifetime price guarantee, If we don’t beat your best deal the vehicle is free for life, before or after the sale,” says Waldron. That’s right; they put their money where their mouth is!

While most dealerships are thought of as only a place to buy vehicles, Jim Waldron stands out above the crowd because they are considered a “full service” dealership. This means they also provide service and body shop facilities. Their high volume quick lube departments earned “Best of Genesee” for quick lube facilities. They offer two drive up lanes that allow customers to remain in their vehicle. In addition, the employees serve them complimentary fresh coffee while they wait. With an average oil change time of under thirteen minutes, they understand the “quick lube” concept. Although they get customers in and out quickly, they still provide a comprehensive vehicle inspection at no cost. Speaking of no cost, they offer FREE tire rotations – no purchase necessary. “Rotating your tires provides the tires a longer life and a better ride,” says Waldron. “We don’t ever want people to have to worry about having to pay for that, so for peace-of-mind, we offer tire rotations free to everyone.”

The customer driven dealership offers convenient pick up and delivery for customers, and it’s been heard that on occasion it can happen, if requested, via helicopter! Now that’s customer service! The Waldron Tire center consistently beats out-the-door tire prices of even the largest tire warehouses. “Our prices are the best in the business, and it all comes with the ‘Waldron Way’ customer service.” Says Waldron.

The dealership is a very strong supporter of local organizations, particularly the school systems. Waldron believes that education is the future of our country and, again, he puts his money where his mouth is. “I grew up working two jobs and I knew through strong schooling I would be able
to open doors to do whatever I wanted to do. I want to ensure that our youth have the sameopportunities I had,” says Waldron. The Jim Waldron $50,000 School Challenge started in 2010 and has been extended through 2011. This community driven fundraiser allows customers to
designate funds to the school of their choice every time they do business with the dealership. Twenty-one districts received checks from Jim Waldron from the 2010 School Challenge.

“Please accept our invitation to experience ‘The Waldron Way’ for any of your automotive
needs,” says Waldron.

Jim Waldron Buick-GMC in Davison receives 2010 GM Mark of Excellence award

Published: Thursday, April 28, 2011, 8:39 AM     Updated: Thursday, April 28, 2011, 9:33 AM

Jim Waldron Buick-GMC, a leading new and used vehicle dealership in mid-Michigan, recently announced that it has been awarded the 2010 Mark of Excellence for Buick and GMC brands by General Motors Company. The prestigious award singles out all high-performing dealerships throughout United States.

"I applaud the effort shown by the staff and management of the dealership," said Jim Waldron, President. "Mark of Excellence recipients represent the best in the business because each organization must be top performers in all areas of dealership operations."

The 2010 Mark of Excellence award is an accomplishment reserved for only a select few GM dealerships for achieving superior sales volume and exceptional dedication to customer service and satisfaction. To showcase the achievement to customers, Jim Waldron Buick-GMC will receive a distinctive Dealer Recognition Plaque.

For more information, call 1-800-WALDRON or visit www.jimwaldron.com.

mlive.com

Courtesy From left: John A. Carr, MD, Hurley surgeon, Lew Moquin, Jim Waldron Jr. and Kathy Coleman, RN, BSN, Safe Kids Greater Flint coordinator.

Jim Waldron Jr. of Jim Waldron Buick-GMC, Davison, presented Safe Kids Greater Flint with a $1,000 donation on behalf of Greater Flint Auto Dealers Association Dec. 9.

Safe Kids Greater Flint, led by Hurley Medical Center, was one of five organizations selected to receive funds out of 20 nominated charities. The contribution will be used toward the purchase of child safety seats.

Submitted by Hurley Medical Center

The Waldron Way nets customers CARS bonus

Jim Waldron in Davison has sent money back to customers from the the Cash for Clunkers program. DAVISON — Cash for Clunkers deals are done and drivers taking advantage of the U.S. government’s recent effort to rev-up auto sales and rid roads of gas guzzlers are enjoying their latest rides. A fortunate few General Motors vehicle owners opting to swap old vehicles for new at Jim Waldron Buick, Pontiac and GMC are also savoring some extra dollars in their wallets.

The dealership participated in the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), a month-long incentive program ending in late August this past summer. Better known as Cash for Clunkers, the federal program gave buyers up to $4,500 towards a new, more environmentally friendly vehicle. In turn, owners were required to trade in their less fuel-efficient automobile.

Dealerships across the U.S. accepted those trades, and then sold the old vehicles to salvage yards or auction houses for a modest profit. Jim Waldron Buick, Pontiac and GMC management opted for a different approach. Why not share that revenue with customers?

“Following federal CARS program guidelines, dealerships were by no means obligated to give customers any money back for tradeins,” said Jim Waldron, Jr., dealership manager. “Our employees shopped around with those trade-in vehicles, looking for the best possible deal. Then, we shared that money with our customers, because it was really their car to begin with.”

An estimated 80 customers participating in the Cash for Clunkers program received checks from the dealership in September. Sales team members called their customers to notify them of the incoming checks, and were thanked in more than one case by tears of gratitude. Some checks totaled $500, inspiring a handful of customers to write “thank you” letters to the dealership.

“This is the way we do business,” Waldron, Jr. added. “We’ve been open since 1986, and we’ve always placed an emphasis on treating our customers like valued guests. Business has been evolving and we’ll be losing Pontiac (production ended June 1), but we’re very excited about the new Buick and GMC products. We’ll continue delivering the high level of service our customers deserve.”

Employing more than 100 team members, the dealership at 1146 S. State St. has earned high rankings in both sales and service for more than a decade. Continuing the mission to satisfy customers, Jim Waldron Buick, Pontiac and GMC recently launched a new sales promotion active through early November. Customers trading in a vehicle throughout that time will receive a portion of the profits when their vehicle is later sold by the dealership.

Giving back to the community is also crucial to success, according to Waldron, Jr. The dealership hosted Detroit Red Wings defenseman Chris Chelios and Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander in promotional events over the past year at the dealership. Each guest appearance attracted more than 1,000 visitors, and Verlander will again be active at dealership events in 2010. (Chelios is no longer on the Red Wings roster; he’s a member of the Chicago Wolves, in the American Hockey League.)

The Davison Index

Waldron gives schools chance to earn $50,000 during 2010

Jim Waldron, owner of Jim Waldron Pontiac Buick GMC, stands by Davison Community Schools Superintendent Clay Perkins and son Jim Waldron Jr. as he announces the $50,000 School Challenge that will take place during 2010. Photo by Sarah Fish

DAVISON TWP. — Schools across the county and surrounding area will have a chance to earn $50,000 from Jim Waldron Pontiac Buick GMC. Jim Waldron, owner of the dealership located at M-15 and I-69 in Davison Township, announced the $50,000 School Challenge. It’s a program that allows customers to earn points, and subsequently dedicate those points to the school district of their choice. The points will help the districts work toward their objectives — set by the dealership based on business from each specific area — and can earn up to $50,000. “There will be benefits for every school to a certain level,” Waldron said. “It will be basically based on business they generated with us. “It’s our goal to pay every single school system.” Customers can earn points toward the district of their choice when they use any service at the dealership — from an oil change to any repair. Different services are worth different amounts of points. Davison Community Schools Superintendent Clay Perkins said the dealership has a history of helping the schools — particularly Davison schools — and was appreciative of the potential to earn extra money during such a difficult time. “Certainly we are facing very difficult times,” said Perkins. “As everyone knows, every dollar that goes into a school system helps prevent some kind of a cut that we have to make.” Perkins said that as the money is paid out to the district, administration will likely earmark it to go toward a spec ific project. That way, Davison Community Schools can say that the $50,000 School Challenge helped fund that specific program, Perkins said. However, he said he did not have any idea which projects or programs would benefit at this time. “We don’t really have anything identified because I’m not sure exactly how much money could be generated on what timeline,” said Perkins. Waldron said about a dozen districts have expressed interest in the program already — from the Davison Community Schools to the Grand Blanc Community School District, as well as school districts in Burton. The program will last for the entirety of 2010, and payouts are expected to be made in December of this year. “It’s a giveback program, you do business with us, we give back and this is a great way to do it,” said Waldron. “We’re excited. We think it will raise money for a lot of school systems.”