Gagnon purchased former Northeast Sales & Service in 1990
CARIBOU — A local automobile dealer has received a 25-year service award from General Motors.
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Contributed photo Gary Gagnon, owner of Gagnon’s Auto & RV, was recently presented a General Motors 25-year Service Award. At the presentation are, from left, employee and “mastermind” Mark Kernan; Gagnon; Veronica Player of GM’s contact engagement center in Boston; and General Manager Pam Wilcox. Both Kernan and Wilcox have been in the business with Gagnon since he opened 25 years ago. |
Gary Gagnon, owner of Gagnon’s Auto & RV, said Friday it was a surprise that GM was going to recognize him and his business. Veronica Player, team lead for the automaker’s Boston’s contact engagement center, traveled to Caribou to present the honor.
The award, and having someone come in person to present it, pleased him. “It’s a big accomplishment to survive everything for 25 years and to keep up with everything in spite of all the changes, the base closing, and so forth,” said Gagnon. “We’ve basically grown since the base left.”
He was quick to note, however, that the people are what it’s all about.
“What’s most important is just the people that I’ve seen through the years,” he said. “You know, I’ve owned this place for 25 years, but I’ve been in Caribou selling for 32 years. The biggest thing that’s held us up is the repeat business from the people that we’ve served.”
He described customer loyalty as “unbelievable.” He recalled that the first vehicle he ever sold in 1984 was to Viola Paradis from Washburn, who has since passed away. “She was my first customer as a salesman for Northeast Auto Sales,” he noted, “and she always called me her first car salesman.”
Gagnon grew up in Connor. His first car business on his own in 1988 was from a garage rented from his uncle, Bert Gagnon. He even took his father on as an employee for a short time. “When the Birds Eye plant closed, he worked for me for a couple of years until retirement,” the dealer explained. “He was a big asset to me.”
The current business got its start when Gagnon purchased Northeast Auto Sales, which was near closing, in the fall of 1990. At its 500 South Main Street location, there are 12 employees. In addition to new and used vehicle sales, parts and service, there is a big emphasis on community service, Gagnon said.
“We support the annual mitten campaign, schools, the Scouts and other community benefits, he said. “The business just tries to be a good community member as well. We think that’s very important.”
Gagnon resides in Caribou with his family.
