The Glenview Chamber of Commerce announced that Jennings Chevrolet & Volkswagen has been named our 2009 Business of the Year. This award was given to Jennings Chevrolet & Volkswagen in recognition of their active role as a member of both the Glenview Chamber and the Glenview Community.
It all started in 1958 when Jim’s father was the general manager of a Chevrolet dealership on the south side. He had an application in to be a dealer when one became available. The dealer in Glenview, who was in his early thirties, died in an automobile accident. Jim’s dad was offered the Glenview franchise and accepted. He commuted daily from the south side for about nine months and the purchased a house in Glenview. Jim was in second grade at the time and the dealership was located at the present location of NAPA Glenbrook Auto Parts. Jim has worked in the business his whole life including washing cars and cleaning out every parts bin and started full time since 1974, with his brother John joining the company in 1983. In 1986 they acquired the Volkswagen franchise and later that year Jim’s father passed away. They moved into their present location in 1967. Jennings Chevrolet will celebrate its 52nd year next February and Jennings Volkswagen will celebrate its 24th year next March. As one nomination form stated, “ It is well known that Jennings Chevrolet and Volkswagen is a very charitable organization in the Glenview community, with 2009 being a very different and difficult year for many businesses, but Jenning’s is still “giving”. Join the Chamber at the holiday party on December 3rd when Jennings will receive the Business of the Year award. Jim,
first off thank you for your help on the Chicago Lighthouse van. I saw it today and it is perfect. Also many thanks to Andy Sweis and Andrew Clark who as usual did their normal professional jobs. I also wanted to point out the fabulous service and beyond the call of duty attention that I got today from Patrick in service at VW and Rick in the Chevy service department. These experiences are why we purchase and will continue to purchase cars at Jennings. I have had many cars from Mercedes to BMW to Porsche to Lexus and no where do I get better service and attention than Jennings. I am also never shy of telling everyone I know this as well. You should be very proud of your team.
Thanks again Bruce 01/21/2012
Jennings Body Shop
Good morning,
I just wanted to send you all this email to extend my appreciation regarding the handling of my claim and body repair work!
I have a 2004 Chevy Aveo, purchased at Jennings, (which I’ve nicknamed, baby Ruby) that was damaged on Thanksgiving Day. I was trying to squeeze out of an alley where there was a van parked in the way. I didn’t see the tension wire attached to a light pole and I hit it. When I tried to reverse, the wire got stuck on the bumper and ripped it almost completely off. It damaged the bumper, the right side panel, the wheel well cover, and the turning signal light. My “baby” looked horrible with one “eye” missing! Anyway, I didn’t file a claim with my insurance company right away because I knew that I would have to pay a $500 deductible and I didn’t have it considering it was so close to the Christmas holiday. So, I waited until after the holidays were over and I was able to come up with the deductible.
Once I started the process, everything was done in 10 business days! I filed the claim on Monday, January 24th, had the estimate done on Tuesday the 25th, received the check on the Friday the 27th, dropped off the car at the shop & picked up the rental car on Monday the 31st, and picked up my completely repaired car on Thursday, February 3rd! The other amazing thing is that we had a record book blizzard that pretty much shut down the Chicago area for an entire day and I still got my car back in 10 days!
This whole thing was done in a friendly, efficient, speedy, and extremely professional manner. American Family, Jennings Chevrolet, and Enterprise worked well together to make this a very stress free experience for me and I just wanted to thank you all for a job well done.
I would like to single out the following people for their outstanding customer service:
Brianna Debuque (American Family)
Steve Paternoster (Jennings Chevrolet)
Karen Winslow (Jennings Chevrolet)
Ralph Deduldo (Enterprise)
I’m not sure who the technicians were that worked on my car, but whoever they are, my gratitude goes to them as well. My “baby Ruby” looks great again!
Thanks again to all of you from a very satisfied customer!!!!
Sincerely,
Marla R. 04/24/2011
PETER MCDONALD / SALES DEPT
Dear Andy:
On Saturday, March 12, 2011 we picked up our new 2011 Chevrolet Impala from Jennings Chevrolet. We purchased this vehicle after trading in our 2009 Chevrolet Impala which we also purchased from Jennings Chevrolet two years ago.
Our experience with the 2009 Impala, together with the outstanding service we received from your service department over the last two years, led us to consider purchasing another vehicle from Jennings. This approach was confirmed by our own market research which we conducted by visiting showrooms of other automobile dealers in the area. While the other companies offered good opportunities, we could clearly see that the professional, friendly and competent approach we found at every step of the way at Jennings convinced us that we would buy another vehicle from Jennings Chevrolet.
Your personal involvement, Andy, is support of Sales Representative, Peter McDonald made the entire process a pleasant and comfortable one for my wife, Theresa and me. Peter demonstrated a thorough knowledge of the vehicle, reflecting the Jennings Solid Approach to Good Business. You gave us a very fair price on our 2009 Impala trade-in, supplemented with various incentives that Jennings has as its disposal.
Our 2009 Impala was a terrific vehicle and we are confident that the 2011 model will be an equally great driving experience.
We are very impressed with the entire Jennings family from Jim Jennings, Jim Walsh, Andy Sweiss, Peter McDonald to the Jennings Service Department and every staff member with whom we have had contact over the last two years and during the recent week during which we bought our new Impala.
You can be sure we will recommend Jennings Chevrolet to our friends and neighbors who maybe be considering purchasing a new automobile.
Happy Spring!
Al and Theresa K. 03/19/2011
JOHN KADALA / SALES DEPT
John Kadala was a very capable salesman - knowledgeable, thorough, and professional.
We would work with John again every time.
Hugh M 03/15/11
ABU BADAR / SALES DEPT
Abu is one of the best sales associate we have ever dealt with. We definitely will see him for our next purchase.
He is wonderful and that is why we returned to him for our third car purchase from Jennings.
William K. 03/07/2011
ANDREW CLARK / Sales Dept.
I have been to many dealerships in the chicagoland area over the years including the days prior to making my purchase at your store. I must admit it was one of the best car buying experiences I've had. (And i have told people so). From the salesman to your floor manager i was extremely satisfied. Not a lot of pressure or back and forth. My salesman Andrew was very professional and was great to deal with. I will definitely be returning to your store in the future and will recommend highly to friends and family. Gerald Hamburg
Gerald H. 02/09/2011
Adel Ubeid – / Sales Dept.
I am so happy with my new Equinox!!! I drive my car all the time just to drive it. It's such a pleasure! Adel
was the best and I can't say enough about Joe Herscha too! Thanks for making me so happy!
Laurie H.. 01-12-2011
Debbie Ress/ Sales Dept
This survey does not apply to me because my last visit to Jennings involved the end of lease purchase of my car, so a salesperson was not involved as dealt only with the Lease Manager, and the Finance Dept. I have done all of my auto business with Jennings and cannot speak highly enough of the way I have been treated by the staff ( sales, maintenance, credit etc) I will continue o have my maintenance work done at Jennings
Patricia O 01/08/2011
STEVE FILIPPONE / Sales Dept.
My husband and I were in the market for a used Toyota that we found on the Jennings Chevrolet website. Buying cars is one of our least favorite things to do. This was honestly the most positive car buying experience, as the sales staff was not pushy or aggressive, especially compared to other dealerships we visited. In particular, Steve Filippone was attentive and over exceeded our expectations of customer service! We were missing a head rest, and Steve was able to find it for us online and ship it to our house! Thanks again for the great experience
John & Nicole C. 11/14/2010
Debbie Ress / Sales Dept.
We have had good experiences with two car purchases at Jennings. We received a very good offer online right from the get go. Jennings seems to understand that through the internet consumers are much more knowledgeable than before. Other dealers we went to still didn't seem to understand that. Debbie Ress did an outstanding job sealing the deal and making us comfortable in knowing the deal we got was a good one. She was very easy to work with and appeared to have our best interests in mind.
Dawn P. 10/23/2010
Peter McDonald / Sales Dept.
Dear Mr. Jennings,
I want to take this opportunity to compliment one of your sales associates regarding my car buying experience. On Monday September 27, 2010, I met Peter McDonald.
I have physical challenges that require specific needs in choosing a car. Peter was the first car salesman I encountered that truly listened to my needs. Not only did he listen, but also went out of his way to make sure that the car I was choosing met my needs.
I use a walker. The car I was interested in purchasing was the Chevy Aveo Hatchback. Peter and I discovered that the walker did not fit in the back without dropping down the back seats. This would not work for me.
Peter discovered that a customer had brought his Aveo Sedan in for service. He asked the gentleman if we could see if my walker would fit into the trunk. The customer agreed, so I gave Peter my walker to see if it would fit. He brought it back saying that it would fit, but wanted me to put it into the trunk to make sure that I could do it as well.
The next challenge was to find the car in red, and once again, Peter came through. He found the exact car I was looking for.
Last night, I was talking with one of my neighbors, and mentioned that I had bought a new car. The neighbor rolled her eyes, and said that she and her husband were in the process of car shopping. I told her that I had the most positive experience in purchasing my car from Peter. I gave her Peter’s business card, and hopefully they will be calling or stopping in to shop. I think what took her by surprise is when I said, “positive experience”.
I have had my Cavalier serviced for several years at Jennings Chevrolet, and have always been very happy with the service department. However, this was the first time I have purchased a car from your establishment. Unfortunately, in today’s world, good customer service is the exception rather than the rule. I have been in the service industry all of my working life, and have always prided myself on providing exceptional customer service. It was such a pleasure to be the recipient of great customer service.
Thanks again for such a great car buying experience.
Regards,
Victoria A. 10/02/2010
Abu Badar / Sales Dept.
I am writing this letter to thank you for the outstanding service that you have provided to my family regarding our vehicle purchases. In the past month, we have purchased two vehicles from you. We are very pleased with the level of care and service that you and your dealership have provided. In each case, the vehicles were pre-owned and required a few maintenance items to be addressed. Throughout the process, you have gone out of your way to make sure that we were satisfied with our purchases and have strived to take care of open issues after the sale. I have purchased many vehicles over the years, and I can tell you from experience, that the level of follow up that you have provided is above the norm. Your commitment to customer satisfaction is appreciated.
Sincerely,
William K. 09/28/2010
Peter Mc Donald / Sales Dept
Very satisfied with everything
Edward L. 09/11/2010
Nikki Adams / Sales Dept.
Great customer service. Very knowledgeable employees. Very pleasant experience.
Michael P. 09/11/2010
Debbie Ress / Sales Dept.
Ms. Debbie Ress was wonderful! She is a great businesswoman and has a great personality. I was a bit intimidated as this was my first time purchasing a car, and she made my experience very positive! I love my new car!
Constance P. 09/11/2010
Peter McDonald / Sales Dept.
Peter Mc Donald was great! He was quick to understand what we wanted. He got us exactly what we wanted at a fair price and made the paperwork quick and simple!
Patricia J. 09/04/2010
Ken Schultz / Service Dept.
Dear Jim,
Although my wife and I did not purchase our 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe from your dealership, we have had it serviced by your technicians over the past three years and are very pleased with attention we have been given.
We would like to compliment you and your staff on the great service we have received. Your service writers, especially Ken Schultz, have been prompt and professional as have your mechanics. All service work has been performed to our complete satisfaction.
Our sincere thanks to you and good luck in the years come.
W. A. S. 09/2/2010
Jerry Perberg – Sales Dept
We were treated fairly and with lots of consideration. We did not feel rushed and enlihtned decisions were made only by ourselves. Thank you
Charlotte S. - 8/21/2010
Debbie Ress – Sales Dept
I was recommended to your dealership by a good friend of ours. Debbie was wonderful ,knowledge and made us feel at home at the dealership...the finance guy was also very good (sorry cant remember his name)...I already had my own financing however you were able to beat the interest rate also...We LOVE the car and we will recommend you and your dealership to everyone we know....Thanks for everything. You guys are wonderful.
Dawn J. - 8/22/2010
Chris McElroy – Service Dept
This is to inform you that you have one of the most valuable employees working at Jennings Chevrolet; his name is Mac. He is to be highly rewarded for his outstanding performance in customer service. He is kind, polite, and goes above his performance to help your customers. My daughter, April Sekowski, was there recently. Her muffler fell off the car, and I took her to Mac. I knew he was going to help her, because I go only to him when I need my car serviced. After she had her car repaired, she called me and asked me, “Mom, where did you ever find this guy, he is super helpful and so polite.” She said, “Mom, do they know that without Mac, this place would not be the same?” For my daughter to say something like that, this person has to be extremely special and deserving for helping her so much. She works at the hospital in Skokie, and because of Mac, she is sending all her nurses and all her friends to Jennings Chevrolet to fix their cars. Some might even buy a few cars from you, Mr.
Jennings. So please take great consideration in what I am saying to you.
This man, Mac, is really a terrific asset to your company.
Teresa S. - 08/16/2010
Peter McDonald / Sales Dept. Everyone was terrific and tried to make this as stress free as possible for me. Judith E. 8/10/2010
Andrew Clark / Sales Dept. I have been buying my cars at Jennings since I was 16 years old.....that would be 32 years now. Great people and Chris is a great sales person.... Richard L. 8/10/2010
Javier S. – Sales Dept. Our salesman and the service he gave us was very good. Also, Robert in the business office was truly professional. Thank you for making the experience of purchasing a vehicle a GOOD experience. Joanne O. 8/9/2010
Steve Tinkler / Sales Dept.
We bought our Chevy Equinox almost 2 weeks ago and love it. Steve Tinkler, our salesman, was very polite and knowledgeable. John Schmidt, the Business Manager, spent alot of time with us showing us the difference between buying a car and leasing a car. Steve still calls us to see if we have any questions on the car. Would definitely recommend this dealership to my family and friends.
Leslie T. 9/10/2011
STEVE PATERNOSTER / BODY SHOP Dear Jim:
I want to commend your employees in your body shop who worked on my car after the accident. It was cleaner than when I picked it up brand new. Sorry to hear Karen is on the mend.
Ken Schultz is still your number one man when there’s a problem.
Sincerely,
Chief Bucklin Chariman Glenbook Security Services Inc.
My husband and I came in this past Saturday and purchased a 2004 Buick LeSabre. Jerry was the salesman who helped us through this process. He was friendly, informative, and made the sale as easy as possible. We were very pleased and would come back again to do business with him and your dealership. Thanks for making things so easy and pleasant, jerry!
Marvin & Regina W. 7/30/2011
Debbie Ress/ Sales Dept
Jim, Dion and Debbie we would like to thank you for your help with our purchase of a 2011 Impala. The car was absolutely spotless when it was picked up. Debbie did a great job going over all the options on the car and helping set it up the way we wanted. As always we will continue to try and send friends and family to your dealership when they are looking for a new car. Thanks again, Steve and Shelly
Steve H. 7/3/11
Chris Mader / New Vehicle Dept
As we always have been, we were completely satisfied with our car buying experience at Jennings Chevrolet with Chris Mader.
Steve C. 5/5/2011
Steve Tinkler / New Vehicle Dept
Yes, Steve went the extra mile to get us the cars that we wanted! I was a loyal Buick owner for 30 years. I hope to become a chevy owner the rest of my life.
Mark A. 5/10/2011
Nikki Adams / New Vehicle Dept
With the many dealerships that I visited prior to purchasing my car I was most impressed with the service that I received at Jennings from Alan, Dion, and especially Nikki. Buying a car is a long difficult process and Jennings was able to help in a way that no other dealership could match. Of the seven dealerships that I visited, Jennings was the only place that DIDNT treat me like a "lost woman wondering around in a dealership" like many of the other places I visited (which lacked customer service and the ability to deal with a woman who had valid questions before making a purchase) and it is ultimately what led me back to Jennings. A special thank you goes out to Nikki for her friendliness and patience. Her customer service skills are excellent and she did a great job of explaining features in the car and setting up the Bluetooth and showing me how to save my favorite radio stations before I drove off the lot. I really like that even after the sale was made, Nikki took the time to still help me with the car and even followed up a few days later with a call to see how I was doing with the car and if I had any other questions. I think this is what puts Jennings above other dealerships and made it worth driving past two other Chevy dealerships to make it there. I love my new car and dont plan on personally buying a new one anytime soon; however I have already recommended Jennings to a friend and feel confident that I will continue to recommend them and in the future return myself. Thank, Cristina
Cristina 5/10/2011
CHRIS HALLENBERG / New Vehicle Dept
As usual everything was excellent. I'm sure I will return many more times!’
William K. 5/8/2011
DEBBIE RESS / New Vehicle Dept.
Debbie did a great job on presentation on all aspects of our purchase.
Gary Electric – 5/9/2011
BOBBY CAPUTO / Pre-Driven Dept
Bobby was excellent to work with. He was knowledgeable about the vehicle, and his (and dealership's) low hassle approach to selling the car, was a significant part of our decision to purchase from Jennings. We rejected an offer from another dealership because of questionable business practices. I would recommend both Bobby + Jennings to other potential customers. Thanks, Dan
