Washington Family Business Awards 2012: Transitions Winner, Dishman Dodge Ram Chrysler

TRANSITIONS WINNER:
Dishman Dodge Ram Chrysler

City: Spokane Valley
Employees: 80

During the past 15 years, many car dealerships across the country have gone public. Becoming rare is the family-owned dealership with deep roots in a community. One Washington state exception is Dishman Dodge Ram Chrysler. Purchased by Mark K. Hollenback in 1964 and expanded over the decades, Dishman is still family owned and operated by the eldest of his three daughters, Marlene Marti Hollenback, with her sons, Mark and Matt Waltermire, who are the dealerships general manager and systems administrator, respectively.

Hollenback filled in part time at the business when she was in high school, then went on to a fulfilling 20-year nursing career before Dad invited her back in 1995. She learned each facet of the dealership, discovering that many of the skills she acquired as a nurse translated well in her new environment, especially nurturing employees. The fit has been good: In 2012, Dishman is on track for its most profitable year in history.

Carrying on my dads legacy is really important to me, Hollenback says, and I have groomed my sons in his philosophy and ethics. Key to her mission is keeping the dealership in the family. While Hollenback has no immediate retirement plans, she regularly involves her sons in business decisions and is well into formal succession planning.

More information: Washington Family Business Awards 2012