NEW BETHLEHEM, Pa. (EYT) – As news of the apparent closing of Seidle Chevrolet Buick GMC in Clarion on Friday spread, Redbank Chevrolet in New Bethlehem responded with ways it could help customers and some of the Seidle employees.
“The developments at Seidle do not affect the Redbank franchise,” Redbank Chevrolet owner Mike Hindman told exploreClarion.com.
“Obviously, it’s a tough and unfortunate situation when something like that happens. It’s a sorry situation for their family. They had some good people that worked there for a long time. It’s unfortunate, but they’ll find work because they’re qualified people.”
Redbank now employs one of those employees – former Seidle Sales Manager Bryan Ruth (pictured on right).
“We talked to Bryan Ruth who handled a lot of their used car inventory,” Hindman said. “He actually worked at Redbank Chevrolet from 1998 until 2008 and then went to Clarion. Ruth has lived in New Bethlehem his whole life and has 21 years in the car business. For the last five years, he was a sales manager.
“He’s on board now with us, and we’re excited about that.”
Redbank Chevrolet plans to expand on used cars, and their goal is to double their used car sales. Hindman said the dealership has about 120 new vehicles and quite a few used cars.
“With Bryan on board, our goal is to expand. We have some other expansion plans in mind with used cars. We have used cars certified by General Motors. They go through an inspection process, and they have to meet certain criteria to be certified. We also have regular late-model used cars and trucks. We handle any make and model, so we can get and sell any model.”
Redbank will honor any of the free state inspections for life that Seidle Chevrolet offered.
“People were asking through social media, and we immediately agreed to honor those commitments. We look forward to having those customers at Redbank.”
A new service for Clarion customers will eliminate the need to drive to New Bethlehem.
“We’re in the process of setting up a location in Clarion where people can drop off the vehicles. We’ll transport them down for service, and bring them back to Clarion, and they can get them at the end of the day. That will be more convenient for everyone. Plans are to set up a place for drop off at M&B Services on Route 322.”
Redbank is also looking for additional employees.
“We’re looking for service technicians. We have another bay at Redbank that we could use, so we can put some people to work.
“We’re considering making some other changes to accommodate more growth at Redbank – if needed. We’re hopeful that it all works out, and we can give some people jobs.”
Redbank Chevrolet owners: Jody Britton, Mike Heffner, Mike Hindman, and Kristen Hindman.
Copyright © 2024 EYT Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Any copying, redistribution or retransmission of the contents of this service without the express written consent of EYT Media Group, Inc. is expressly prohibited.
