Otwell’s celebrate 75 years of business

Established in 1835, it’s no secret that the city of Cumming has roots that run deep.

While time causes the march of progress to move ever forward, some companies are learning that relaxing and taking life in stride is the key to happy customers, content employees, and a successful business plan.

One such company is Andean Chevrolet.

Andean Chevrolet was founded by James A. Otwell Jr, and his wife Dorothy, on March 23rd, 1948. Named after their daughters, Patricia Anne and Sara Dean, the name Andean was coined.

James (Jim) Otwell III took the reins in 1973 and Andean Chevrolet has been proudly serving Cumming, Georgia, and surrounding areas ever since. Jim, along with wife Janet, and their four sons; James Otwell IV, John Otwell, Joseph Otwell and Jacob Otwell, continue the Andean tradition serving the communities transportation needs.

And Andean has stood the test of time and is celebrating its 75th year in business this year. With a history like that, you’d expect that they have made an impact in their local community – and you’d be right.

A middle school carrying the family name, Otwell Middle School, makes it easy to see the impact the Otwell family has had on the community here in Cumming, Georgia.

Looking to continue that legacy, Andean Chevrolet gives back to the community through efforts such as the Teacher of the Year program and donations to the school system’s annual Duck Dive for Education, the Junior Achievement Discovery Center, and to the FoCAL Center in 2021, leading to the main theatre being named the James and Dorothy Otwell Theatre, here in Cumming.

They also support the athletic programs at all the local high schools in Forsyth and Dawson counties.

As for their business model, this car dealership has found that a relaxed attitude has had a significant impact on their customers’ experience.

“We are very low-key and laid-back. The customers love it. We aren’t about trying to force a decision. We want what’s best for the customers. If they buy from us, great. If they don’t, great! We are happy as long as they are happy,” sales manager Alex Donaldson said.

While that attitude may seem backwards, the results speak for themselves.

“We have been able to grow to over 200 sales total per month seemingly out of no where over the last several years making us the No. 2 Chevrolet retailer in Georgia for 2022,” Donaldson said.

As of 2022, Andean Chevrolet is the No. 1 Suburban and Tahoe retail dealer in the state of Georgia, the No. 1 Chevrolet SUV retail dealer, the No. 1 Silverado retail dealer two years in a row for 2021-22 in the state of Georgia and they’re making strides to be No. 1 in 2023.

Being voted Best of Forsyth for nine years in a row, not only are their sales numbers good, but their employees are happy.

“We have the best team and best personnel, that’s what makes the best dealership. That’s the difference that makes Andean Chevrolet one of the top teams in Georgia,” said James ‘Jim’ Otwell when musing about being voted Best of Forsyth in one category or another every year since the contest began in 2015.

When asked about his own viewpoint, General Manager Shaun Streib said “we are truly humbled at the fact that we have been voted Best in Forsyth. The competition here has grown over time. They’re amazing and the people are amazing. We are very honored to have won Best of Forsyth with all the local competition and with all the growth and additional outstanding dealerships in the area.”

And if celebrating 75 years in business isn’t enough, this year they plan to extend their reach to Franklin, N.C., with a new Andean Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealership.

“We think it’s going to be a great opportunity to expand our business to a new community,” Joseph Otwell said.

Once the keys are passed down to the Otwell’s four sons, the Andean Chevrolet dealership will officially be owned by a third generation of Otwells since its founding in 1948 and the future is brighter than ever.

Andean Chevrolet

Where: 527 Atlanta Rd., Cumming, GA 30040 Contact: (770) 872-0868, www.andeanchevy.com