Phil Castle, The Business Times

Jimmy Stelljes believes business success depends on offering not only quality products, but also quality customer service.

It’s a priority the general sales manager at Grand Junction Volkswagen said has helped distinguish the dealership and in turn bolster sales. “Customer service is paramount.”

The effort also has earned the attention of customers, whose online reviews have earned Grand Junction Volkswagen the DealerRater dealer of the year and consumer satisfaction awards for a second straight year.

Grand Junction Volkswagen was the only Volkswagen dealership in Colorado to earn the dealer award.

“It’s a great award to us because our customers gave it to us,” Stelljes said.

DealerRater bestows the dealer of the year award based on customer satisfaction reviews posted on the dealer review website at www.DealerRater.com. Grand Junction Volkswagen received the highest score for its brand category in Colorado.

The consumer satisfaction award also is based on online reviews and consumer ratings over the past year.

“Today, deals are won and lost on experience. And it’s clear from their online reviews that these dealerships understand how to take care of their customers,” said Jamie Oldershaw, general manager of DealerRater.

As a dealer of the year and consumer satisfaction award winner, Grand Junction Volkswagen will receive recognition on the DealerRater website.

Stelljes said the award affirms the importance of the customer experience in selling and servicing cars. The industry has changed over the years, he said, from emphasizing sales to emphasizing service even as customers have come to expect not only quality products, but also quality service.

Ron Bubar, owner of the Grand Junction Volkswagen and Subaru dealerships, has long emphasized customer service and giving back to the community, Stelljes said.

That approach extends to employees at the dealership, Stelljes said. “We instill that from day one.”

The effort distinguishes the dealership from competitors, increases referall business and ultimately bolsters sales, he said.

Since Grand Junction Volkswagen opened two years ago in a new facility constructed near 24 and F 1/2 roads, Stelljes said sales have grown “tremendously.”