Barts Car Store

Bart attributes the success of his stores to his hard-working and competent staff. To give entrepreneurial salespeople that shot he himself had at self-destiny, Bart offers them managing partner positions, which gives them a minority share in the company and control of individual locations. "Everyone is committed to our success because we work toge... ther as a team for the company," Bart says. He credits the commitment of long-term team members like Woodard, Ann Turner, Pete Sideris, Brandon Cretacci, Rick Moore, Scott Grigoletti and others for helping Bart's maintain a steady course on a rocket ride of growth. All this success is not worth much, says Bart, if the community can't benefit, too. To that wend, Bart's hosts several annual perfect attendance programs at five area high schools, giving away a car at each school to a student who didn't miss a day of school and whose name is pulled in a drawing. The company sponsors 10 boys and girls softball teams annually, host an annual "Kids to Camp" sale, and provides funds for projects like the Whitley County Public Library and K-9 program of the Columbia City Police Department. In the future, Bart plans to expand and grow the business, offering additional opportunities for staff members to become owner/partners, and bringing more quality, well-priced vehicles to the Indiana area. No matter how big t he company becomes, however, Bart says the same standards that founded the company will continue to be foremost. "The customer comes first- always," Bart says. "If they have a good experience at Bart's they'll tell their friends and family. No amount of advertising can buy that kind of word of mouth reputation.Read More