Here at Lewis Automotive Group, we’re celebrating 75 years of serving Northwest Arkansas and helping our customers fulfill their vehicle needs. Since the first Ford store was established in 1946, the Lewis family has been committed to staying true to their tagline of ‘No Pressure, No Hassle, Just Tradition,” and have been a family-owned dealership run by those principles. They’re committed to bringing transparency and excellent customer service to their customers, year after year. And, they also know how to bring a welcoming and fun environment into the dealership, like when they wear their Christmas gear like in the photo, and go all out on other holidays. We wanted to find out just what business at Lewis Automotive Group has been like over the years, and pass that information along to our customer base. So, here’s a few questions and answers from all three of the Lewis brothers, Matt, Shelby, and Taylor Lewis, about life at a locally-owned family-run dealership.
What has been your favorite part of growing up in the car business?
M: Meeting great employees who have become like family. Many of our employees were around when I was learning how to drive and have poured into me an abundance of knowledge throughout the years.
S: Going to work with my dad when I was 6 or 7. I always wanted to go into work with him to climb in all the cars and check it all out. On some Saturdays he would let me go to work with him for a while but it wasn't without some type of job or responsibility. This is where I learned to wash the cars in the wash bay at a young age. We could also pick out something fun to drive around or even drive home.
T: My favorite part about growing up in the car business would be getting to come to work on Saturday. It was always a big day, and I could not wait to help out with either cleaning cars or getting the display setup just right.
What do you love about being a part of a family-run local business?
M: That we have the ability to make changes within our business to better our employees and customers without having to jump through layers, boards, and committees. The joy of being able to give back and support our local community.
S: It’s more than a job or a career, it's a legacy of 75 years of well-run business that you get to be a part of and make sure it continues on. One of the most important parts of our business is all of the employees that we get to work with here. This is the root of our business and it’s number one on the list to make sure they enjoy their workplace and are proud of what they do, and know we greatly appreciate all that they do. Another great element to the business is creating lifelong relationships with customers and knowing these are the people that have supported you for all of these years.
T: I love being a family business because of the atmosphere and working with my family. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Also, being a family business, it has always been instilled in us from the beginning to give back and give to others which is a huge blessing in Northwest Arkansas!
Let’s talk about cars, what’s a new vehicle or vehicle trim coming out that you’re excited about?
M: I am most excited with all the new technology. The new safety and driver features are incredible, and my top favorites are lane centering and intelligent adaptive cruise that reads road signs. On the mechanical side, the transmissions continue to impress me with lots of models having a 10-speed available now. Top vehicle picks this year would be the Ford Bronco and the Jeep Wrangler 392 Rubicon.
S: I enjoy Mustangs, as I have always liked sports cars and horsepower, and the new GT500 is no exception with 760hp. But, after 25 years of waiting for the Bronco to come back, I'm excited to be a part of the All New Bronco showing up later this year.
T: The return of the all new Ford Bronco has to be at the top of the list! I would say that not to far behind of it is the all new improved Ford Lightning F-150, and also the return of the previously iconic Grand Wagoneer. So many new products coming out in the automotive industry, which makes it a very fun time to be involved with such ingenuity in the auto world.
What was your all-time favorite vehicle when you were growing up?
M: My first car was a 1985 Mustang SVO, which was one of the first cars produced by a team later known as the SVT team. A few years later, I had a 1975 Bronco that was definitely a favorite of mine. We even competed in some off-road competitions back in the day.
S: The Mustang has been one of my favorites and I would say is my go-to. I like the classic 67-69 era mustangs in a Boss 429 or a Shelby GT500. I still have my first car, a 1991 Foxbody Mustang that I first drove and have kept ever since.
T: I would say the favorite all time car has to be the Mustang. So many different years but the one probably closest was a Foxbody Mustang. That was probably due to me growing up in these years and riding around with my brothers in the 5.0s!
When you’re not at the dealership, what’s your favorite local activity to do with the family?
M: Anything outdoors. I have three boys and they love being outside. Hiking, riding bikes, 4-wheelers, and camping are all favorites in our family.
S: When not working I enjoy the outdoors, from camping to off-roading or biking and running. I have three boys and they enjoy any great adventure with my wife and I, and will get into anything. We have so many great running and biking trails in NWA and we try to get out and see as many of those as we can.
T: When not at the dealership I love spending time with my wife Sarah and all the rest of my family. Great benefit to living all so close is that we get enjoy time away from work together. We love fishing and being outdoors and just being together!
Our Northwest Arkansas dealership is proud to be a part of Lewis Automotive Group, and you can find a member of the Lewis family at their dealerships almost any time they’re open. They’re committed to keeping a hands-on approach with their family-owned business, so they can keep the Ford and Jeep dealerships running smoothly for their staff and customers alike. Want to see for yourself what a commitment to customer service is like at our Northwest Arkansas car lots? Give us a call at (888)271-6861 or come by at 3373 North College Avenue in Fayetteville, AR and see what the Lewis difference is all about.