About Gengras Volvo, Proudly Supplying New Volvo Models in East Hartford, Connecticut
It all started back in 1937.
E. Clayton Gengras, one
of the top Ford salesmen in the U.S., took a risk and opened his own
Ford dealership. Gengras had learned some of his retail and customer
service skills from selling bottled gas door to door after high school.
"Clayt" was a driven man who cared greatly about his customers,
employees and community. Clayt went on to become one of the largest Ford
dealers in New England before diversifying his business into many
different industries including banking, insurance, and
transportation.
Clayt died in 1983 but there are
still people who come in to see us and share stories of his impact on
them. He set the standard for our business and instilled in all of us
the importance of doing the right thing no matter what the
circumstances.
Clayt's son, E. Clayton "Skip" Gengras
Jr., purchased Clayton Motors in 1969. Prior to taking over the
organization, Skip had several experiences that helped prepare him for
the sales and service business of automobiles. He had been a service
manager for the Connecticut Bus Company in Hartford and also spent
several years working for the late Henry Miller in New Haven. Skip
wanted to make sure that his customers felt comfortable in their
dealings with Clayton Motors and made it very clear to all his employees
that this was a top priority. After years of growth and success he
turned that culture into his tag line: the "Comfortable Car Store" was
born! In 1984, Clayton Motors moved from Burnside Avenue to its current
location at Connecticut Boulevard in East
Hartford.
Skip's sons, Chip and Jonathan, shared
their father's and grandfather's passion for the car business. However,
they were not allowed to work at Clayton Motors until they first got
jobs elsewhere. Eventually they both spent their summers working in the
service and parts departments at Clayton Motors.
In
1994, E. Clayton "Chip" Gengras III joined Clayton Motors full time and
attended the National Automobile Dealer Academy to learn all aspects of
the business. He spent his first 9 years in the business overseeing the
service and parts departments. Chip is currently President of Gengras
Motor Cars.
In 1999 Volvo contacted Skip to express
its interest in opening another Volvo store in Connecticut. Gengras
Volvo of Meriden opened in December of 1999.
In 2001
Gengras acquired Hartford Harley-Davidson on Wawarame Avenue in Hartford
and began working on plans to move the business to a larger more
convenient location for riders. In 2002 Gengras Harley-Davidson opened
its new location on Governor Street in East
Hartford.
In 2001 Clayton Motors became Gengras Volvo
of East Hartford and Central Connecticut Volvo became Gengras Volvo of
Meriden
In 2002 Jonathan Gengras joined the
organization as CFO after 6 years with Ernst &Young and earning a
MBA at Babson's Business School.
In 2004 Gengras
bought the neighboring Newman dealerships and acquired 5 more brands:
Jeep, Chrysler, Lincoln, Chevrolet and a full service Collision
Center.
In 2008 Gengras acquired Wagner BMW of West
Springfield on Riverdale Street.
As Gengras has grown
we have never strayed from our vision: to be the most respected
automobile and motorcycle dealerships in the markets we serve by
building strong connections with our customers, employees, and
community.
Why should you choose
Gengras?
We offer the largest selection of
products and services at the best price, while giving every customer a
friendly, informative and efficient
experience.
How do we do
it?
By staying true to our core values:
growth and learning, personal responsibility, honesty and
transparency.
We will be there when you need
us most.
Chip and
Jonathan Gengras
ecg3@gengras.net
More About Gengras Volvo
Whether you're from East Hartford, Hartford, New Haven, Simsbury, West Hartford or anywhere in between, you can rest assured that when you shop for a new or used Volvo, you're shopping for quality and reliability, no matter which model appeals to you.
Qualifying for a loan or Volvo lease couldn't be easier with our on-site financial enthusiasts at your back. We know all of the ins and outs of finding quality financing solutions, and that means you can spend less time going over paperwork and more time enjoying your new car.
Once you're behind the wheel as an owner, Gengras Volvo continues to support your driving needs through our onsite service center. Our team is well-versed in everything automotive and utilizes the latest Volvo parts, so you can count on solid routine maintenance and timely repairs when they're needed.
When you can come to Gengras Volvo, you can have your Volvo wishes granted. And let's face it: you deserve nothing less. Located on 300 Connecticut Blvd. in East Hartford, Connecticut, we know our job isn't finished until you're completely satisfied.