Fred Allen Auto Center Celebrates Three Decades of Service Writer / Angela Cornell Photographer / Jubilee Edgell
Fred Allen was 29 when he purchased a bankrupt Chevrolet-Buick dealership in Winamac in 1990. Looking back, he’s the first to admit that it was an aggressive move. However, for the Air Force veteran, longtime Chevy dealership employee, and General Motors Dealer Academy grad, it was simply the next step toward achieving his goals. “I just felt like owning one was something I really desired to have,” Allen says. “I felt like I was in position when the franchise General Motors became available in Winamac. It was something that I wanted to do for myself and my family, and it was a chance to move back to my hometown.” For the next ten years, Allen sold quality General Motors vehicles to the community.
“The Braun Corporation in town needed the franchise for vans, and they wanted to own it,” Allen says. “So I sold them the business.” The building, however, is another story. It was only leased to the Braun Corporation, and was maintained by Allen. In 2005, Allen and Brad wanted to get back into the auto business. Without the franchise, they faced some interesting challenges.
to Chevrolet-Buick, I was able to get different types of vehicles for my customers.” Allen also expanded the business to include advanced services like detailing, window tinting, dent removal and financing, in addition to routine car maintenance. After reopening, the business became known for late-model cars and trucks.
“Even though we only stock 25 or 30 “For ten years, I had Chevrolet and General [vehicles], we have a very large turnover of “One of the things we’ve always tried to do is Motors that were repairing the vehicles under our inventory, which is unusual,” Allen says. warranty,” says Allen. “Most dealerships have 90 days. We could take care of our customers,” Allen says. buy five cars in one week, and usually three or four of them are already sold.” The business also gave Allen the opportunity Without a manufacturer warranty, Allen to train his sons in business management. His needed a different kind of guarantee. Allen and his staff set high standards for the son Brad, who now serves as general manager Instead of buying a different franchise label, the Allens opened under their own name, vehicles on their lot. of Allen’s business, jokes that he’s been and Fred Allen Auto Center was born. working at the dealership since he was 12. “Our customers determine what we stock,” “It allowed me to get all different types of Allen says. “If a certain SUV and a certain In 2000, a surprising opportunity presented brands,” Allen says. “Instead of being limited model is the best value for the dollar, then itself. 48 / THE LAKES MAGAZINE / MAY 2020 / thelakesmagazine.com
