Scott Washle was putting himself through college by working as a night janitor at a car dealership when the general manager took notice. Spotting Washle’s work ethic and people skills, the boss asked him to get into sales.
Washle said initially he didn’t have the self confidence to consider the job. But after about eight months, the general manager convinced him.
“I took the plunge and did it,” Washle said. “And now 35 years later, here I am the owner of a car dealership.”
Washle shared the story last week while sitting in his new office at Town and Country Chevrolet Buick GMC on N.C. 130 in Whiteville.
Washle bought the business from longtime owner John Donoghue in September. Washle said he had been looking to purchase his own dealership after getting a career’s worth of management experience under his belt, including 22 years with Crown Automotive, most recently serving as general manager of Crown Honda in Durham.
Even though Columbus County is a significantly different market than the Triangle, Washle said the fundamentals of automotive sales are the same.
“We’re in the people business 100%,” Washle said. “Without good quality people in any industry, you don’t have income. We have to make sure we’re taking care of our people – our employees and our customers. We are in the customer service business.”
Customers stepping foot on the Town and Country lot will see a larger inventory than in recent years, Washle said. Last week, the dealership had 75 new vehicles available and 65 used cars on site.
The dealership recently launched an online sales department and is upgrading its website, townandcountrychevrolet.com.
Washle said customers can expect knowledgeable, “straight up and honest” sales consultants and competitive prices.
Town and Country offers a 110% price protection guarantee on vehicles purchased from the dealership.
“In the event you find that same, identical car any cheaper in the next 48 hours, I will refund you 110% of the difference,” Washle said.
Washle explained that one reason he chose Columbus County is because of its “slower pace,” however he sees the potential of taking advantage of growth in nearby Wilmington and Brunswick County.
“I think this market is going to be fantastic when it comes to growth over the next 10, 15, 20 years,” he said.
Washle, who lives in downtown Whiteville, said he has enjoyed meeting locals and supporting area businesses. He and his wife of 31 years have three adult sons.
