The temporary casino, which includes 300 slot machines, employs over 100 people.
Shayne Jaroshas recently became General Manager and Co-Owner of Auto America, 3036 S. Locust St., Grand Island.
“My biggest responsibility as general manager is to keep both our customers and employees happy,” Jaros said.
He is also a minority shareholder in Auto America.
“I am really excited to be a part owner,” Jaros said.
Auto America’s roots go back over 32 years on the Grand Island.
“Auto America has been in business for 32 years and has an outstanding reputation in the community.
A native of the Grand Island, Jaros started in the automotive business before starting his own business. He owned and operated the business in Grand Island for his 18 years before joining Auto His America last year.
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Scott Carpenter is the principal owner of Auto America. On South Locust Street he has been a family business for over 32 years.
“We’ve been talking about this for several years,” Jaros said. “I wouldn’t have done it anywhere else. I wouldn’t have sold my business and gone elsewhere. Scott Carpenter is why I came.”
Auto America is Central Nebraska’s largest independent dealer, specializing in the latest model off-lease vehicles.
The selection includes 2-doors, 4-doors, SUVs, trucks and minivans. Many of its vehicles are still covered by factory warranty and all units pass mechanical and safety inspections prior to sale.
Most vehicles are either Gold Certified or Silver Certified.
“We do all kinds of cars from $3,000 to $80,000,” he said.
The business was started by Carpenter’s father, Rex Carpenter.
Jaros said customer satisfaction has been key to Auto America’s success over the past 30 years.
“We have a large inventory of used cars,” he said.
Jaros said there are now more than 100 used cars on the Auto America property. There are also many different types and styles of vehicles.
Jaros said Auto America has spent years finding the cars customers are looking for, whether it’s a foreign car, a domestic car, or a specific type of car such as a muscle car. and has been highly acclaimed.
“We will do our best to find it,” he said.
Due to the pandemic, the automotive industry is going through a difficult time. Demand was high, but supply chain issues made it difficult to obtain. Computer chips used in automobiles were particularly difficult to find.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the average car will have 1,200 chips in 2021, double the number in 2010.
The pandemic has also created labor shortages that impact vehicle availability.
Vehicle sales are strong for both used and new vehicles despite the impact of the pandemic.
The Nebraska Department of Revenue reports that Hall County auto sales in October 2022 were up nearly 7% from October 2021, in the latest statistics.
He said Auto America worked hard to meet customer demands during the pandemic.
“Things are starting to level off,” Jaros said. “Our mission at Auto America has always been to serve our community by providing great cars at fair prices. We want it to be a place where you can come anytime.”
According to Jaros, 80% of sales come from repeat or referrals from previous customers, so success can be measured by customer satisfaction.
“We have a dedicated staff that makes buying a car a pleasure,” says Jaros. “They care about their customers’ needs, not just sales.”
Buying a car is one of the biggest purchases for an individual or family after buying a home.
“That’s why we care about our customers,” says Jaros. “They come back, they send their friends, they send their family.”
The challenge of finding a good car at an affordable price tempts customers to online sales, but one-on-one personal contact with experienced sales staff is what makes Auto America’s repeat customers and customer referral sales. It’s the key to a high percentage.
“If you lose that personal touch, you lose that customer and you’re in trouble down the road,” he said.
And Auto America has access to 17 banks and 26 credit unions to help its customers with financing, so credit isn’t an issue.
“We can help in almost any situation out there,” Jaros said.
Jaros said Auto America’s success is due to its staff.
“I’m proud of the staff here,” he said. “I’m also proud of the ownership, the history, and the inventory that’s here. I wouldn’t have sold my business and gone anywhere else.”
Regarding the future, Jaros said:
“I want to continue to expand and grow the business by taking what has been built over the last 32 years and working very well,” he said.
For more information, visit buyautoamerica.com or call 308-384-1500.
