Discovery Ford, Honda succeed during recession

MOSES LAKE — Discovery Ford and Honda owner John Daschel said taxpayers have a great distaste for the government’s bailout of GM and Chrysler.

But Ford and Honda haven’t taken any government money, he explained.

“It’s a reason people are buying our product,” Daschel said. “Ford sales are doing really well too.”

One never knows who will need to take the money next, so that aspect isn’t being discussed much, he added.

Discovery Honda recently received the 2008 President’s Award for excellence in all areas of operations — customer service, sales, training and facility operation.

Daschel also spoke of his business’s new 16,300 square-foot Honda building completed about a year ago.

“We built a green building,” he said. “Basically, the Honda customer is very in tune with what we did there. Of course, we have a lot more vehicles (because of the new facility).”

The business is continuing to reach farther out of Moses Lake.

Many Seattle customers are coming to the business, as they’re either visiting Grant County relatives or vacationing here.

Moses Lake’s sales tax rate of 8.2 percent is a customer draw, as compared to Seattle’s sales tax rate of 9.5 percent.

“The message is getting out there,” Daschel explained. “We’re incrementally getting more customers.”

Discovery is also doing very well in the outlying areas of Othello, Warden and Ephrata, he said.

Discovery General Manager Randy McNair said three factors have helped the business do well: a good location, great people and keeping the same people.

“Our core group of people have been here since the beginning (in 2001),” he said.

“The number one factor is having and keeping great people. A lot of time in the car business, people will be gone in six months. It kind of leaves a funny feeling.”

The company keeps its employees by treating them with respect, regardless of their job title, he explained.

Almost everyone who has worked at Discovery advanced through the ranks, he said.

Customer service is also an important factor. He said he’s found if you help your customers after the sale, they’ll return.

When they’re treated right, fairly and with respect, the message travels through the community, he explained.

McNair also mentioned how the business’s location on South Pioneer Way makes it convenient for people to look for vehicles when they don’t have a lot of time.

“Part of our success is having this great location,” he said.

Customers can also have their cars services or buy parts at the same location.

The business did well with Honda Accord sales, as a new body style was released last year, he confirmed.

There’s always a need for pickups in Grant County due to the farming economy, and Discovery Ford offers pickups for a variety of uses.

Discovery Honda is located at 1200 S. Pioneer Way in Moses Lake. For more information, call 509-765-3467. Discovery Ford is next door. For more information, call 509-765-4551.