Estevan Motors has enjoyed a number of constants during its 80-year history.
Any time a business is able to celebrate 80 years of operations, it’s a pretty remarkable feat. What makes this one even more impressive is that the company has been owned by the Sands family since the dealership’s inception, and it has been at the same location, the intersection of Fourth Street and Souris Avenue South.
General manager Dustin Sands said the business was started by his great grandfather Robert Sands in 1936, as an army surplus vehicle outlet.
The following year, Estevan Motors became a Chrysler dealership for the Estevan area. It now sells Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram vehicles.
Also in 1937, Robert Sands’ son Barry was born.
The original building, which was eventually replaced, was an L-shaped structure, according to Doug Sands.
“The boiler room had a dirt floor in it,” said Doug.
In 1969, their current building was constructed. Improvements have been made since then, but it has remained the same size.
Barry bought out his father 1978.
“I’ve always said I’d like to go back to the ’50s and be a fly on the wall, just to see how it operated,” said Dustin. “It’s just so different now.”
Barry noted that he handled every position in the dealership, ranging from the body shop to parts to sales. It’s a common story for the other family members who have been part of the business.
Barry’s sons Rod and Doug, as well as Doug’s son Dustin, bought out Barry in 2006, and remain proud to operate the company. Rod is the president and service manager, Doug is the vice-president and Dustin is the sales and finance manager.
Each one said they always wanted to be part of the company.
“Just to keep the family business going,” said Rod.
Rod’s son Regan, who is the parts manager, added that it is great to be able to work with his family.
Barry’s wife, Della, said she is so proud to see her sons and grandsons have kept the business within the family.
They believe that when Robert Sands started the business in 1936, he likely could have seen it remaining in the family.
“He’d likely be shocked to see where it came,” said Dustin.
In 2010, Estevan Motors bought out the property owned by Home Building Centre and tore down the building, giving them more space for their vehicles.
“We were so crowded,” said Dustin.
“It gave us that extra space for storage,” added Rod.
It’s a lot of work running a business, but it’s enjoyable, Dustin said. The employees always come first. All of their employees have lots of experience. Their controller is retiring after 30 years. One employee was there for 46 years, and another was there for 36.
Owning a vehicle dealership also means constant interactions with the public, but they enjoy dealing with customers.
“We have so many loyal customers, and when they come in, it’s just like they’re part of the family,” said Dustin.
There is also that special feeling in selling somebody a vehicle, or providing the service needed for a customer’s vehicle.
Rod noted that they have had some customers for decades. One loyal customer in particular has been coming to Estevan Motors for almost as long as the business has been around.
“They’ve been loyal customers,” said Rod.
“I know every time we see her, she always brings that up,” said Barry’s wife, Della. “She’s been a great customer.”
There have been a lot of changes of the years, they said. Rod started working full-time in 1976, and has seen the impact of technology advances on the automotive industry.
“It’s crazy with how things in the car business have changed,” said Rod.
Sales and service in particular have come a long ways since the family first entered the dealership business.
“Everything is all computerized, and when you’re fixing cars now, you need laptops to diagnose repairs,” Rod said.
Dustin remembers when all of the work orders could be written on a pad.
“Even with the parts … they had a big rolodex for parts inventory,” said Dustin.
Vehicle design has also evolved.
“There have been changes in looks, quality and everything,” said Rod.
But the computer systems have made things faster, better and easier, except for when the computers are down.
Barry said he wishes he could have had that technology at his disposal, and he can see the advantages of technological advancements for a business.
Estevan Motors will host a free barbecue at its building on Sept. 30, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. And the company has been having sales in conjunction with the milestone.
