Pub. 56 2015-2016 Issue 1

6 W hen Don Kerstetter and the Classic Group headed by Tom Durant purchased the Chevrolet franchise in Sugar Land, Texas in 2009, they accepted a challenge that few were willing to attempt. The previous dealership had corrupted the marketplace and the store’s reputation in ways that were unimaginable. Family owned and operated dealerships throughout Texas are the consummate community servants who revere their customers and their family reputation. The Classic dealer group reflects these values, and their dealership culture is the antithesis of the previous dealer. What the Sugar Land Chevrolet deal- ership needed was a Classic and Don Kerstetter makeover which six years later has revived a franchise, a business and a community. Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land has gone from 55 employees in 2009 to 250 employees today under the leadership of dealer Don Kerstetter and General Sales Manager Mark Kolon. Here is what Mark Kolon has to say about the impact of the dynamic Kerstet- ter and his team of employees who have transformed not only a car dealership but the way of life in Fort Bend County: “If there was one word I could use to describe Don it would be tireless. His fo- cus when he arrived in Fort Bend County was for the dealership and the employees starting with him to become part of the community - not just in it. Don never stops talking about giving back to the community, and he urges each and every one of us to participate in and around Fort Bend County. Any employee can join any communit y group from the Rotary, Exchange, Toastmasters or any other community focused group and not only will that employee be given the time to participate but the dealership will pay their membership dues. Don sits on or has sat on many Board of Directors in the community from the Fort Bend Literacy Council, Fort BendWoman's Center to the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce he has always been out there meeting and greet- ing anyone that will listen to him tell them what kind of dealership he wants to create. The dealership participates in charitable functions large and small as long as the projects will give back to the community Don will support them. Don does have a few large charitable organizations that are close to his heart including the Fort Bend Woman's Center that takes in abused mothers and their children. Classic Chevy Sugar Land has been the major sponsor of the FBWoman's Center largest fundraiser for the last 5 years and helps raise almost $200,000 at the event each year. In attendance each year are almost 1000 local folks who make up a Who's Who of Fort Bend from Mayors to County Commissioners and U.S. Sena- tors and each year Don leads the way with his support and money to help this most Don Kerstetter and The Sugar Land Miracle

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