Author: vandeveremarketing

Current Thrive And Drive Rules & Regulations

1. Entrants may register to win by purchasing a $10 ticket from select community non-profits. Entrants will be entered into a drawing. Dealer is not responsible for lost or not received entries.

2. All proceeds the Non-profits earn from the raffle ticket sales are theirs to keep for their organization’s use.

3. Contest runs from February 1 , 2020 through November 15 th , 2021. The drawing will be held at VanDevere Kia 328 W. Market St. Akron, OH 44303. Winner need not be present for drawing.

4. The winner will receive a 2-year lease of a 2021 Kia Soul with 10,000 miles per year. Retail value of the prize is approximately $4000. Prize has $2500 cash alternative.

5. Winner must be 18 years of age or older, and be a licensed motor vehicle driver with proof of adequate insurance, and is responsible for all income taxes, vehicle registration, titling fees and documentary service fees at time of signing all documents necessary to effectuate transfer of title to winner. Winner also responsible for mileage fees of 0.20 per mile over total allowed miles, and any excess wear and tear charges. There is a $400 disposition fee at the end of the lease.

6. Winner is required to provide all personal information required for credit approval with Kia Motor Financial. If winner does not qualify for the financing on the lease, they will win the $2500 cash option, in lieu of the lease.

7. Winner agrees to execute all documentation necessary to effectuate the lease. Winner will pick up vehicle from VanDevere Kia 328 W. Market St. Akron, Oh 44303.

8. Winner is responsible for returning vehicle at termination of lease period and agrees to bear responsibility for any lease end liabilities.

9. Winner acknowledges that VanDevere, Inc. will have the right to use winner’s name, likeness and voice in promoting that he/she is the winner, in both print and broadcast. The prize winner must sign a standard release form providing VanDevere, Inc. with their address, telephone number and social security number and a W-9 tax form.

10. Winner expressly releases VanDevere, Inc., their affiliated companies and employees, from any and all claims, demands, damages, and/or liability of any nature whatsoever that winner has or claims to have relating to the herein contest, and without limitation, any and all known or unknown claims for damages or injuries arising out of said contest, whether founded in fact or in law.

11. VanDevere, Inc. is the sole judge of all matters pertaining to this contest and reserves the right to change the rules and/or discontinue the contest at any time without notice. All decisions by VanDevere, Inc. are final.

12. Odds of winning are based on the number tickets sold. No more than 25,000 tickets will be made.

VanDevere Celebrating 75 Years & Multiple Generations

In 1946, Rudy VanDevere, started up a Packard dealership in Akron.  A few years later, he took over a Plymouth/Dodge dealership.  This was the start of the VanDevere Bunch!   In the early 1950s Rudy’s son, Joe, became the 2nd generation of VanDeveres in the family business.  Shortly after Joe joined the business the VanDevere’s added an Oldsmobile franchise to their group.

Joe VanDevere and his wife had 7 children, including Mike and Jerry who will join the family business. They are the 3rd generation to be part of the VanDevere Bunch! Joe takes over the family dealership in 1964 when Rudy retires from the dealership group he started.

In 1970, the VanDevere Bunch moves from East Exchange to 300 West Market St.  Yes, that is where the Buick store is located at today.  Even though Mike and Jerry have been working in the dealership in some capacity, it isn’t until after they graduate college that they take on management positions in the company.  It should be noted, that they learned every job in the company and started out on the lot washing and moving cars.

1980 was a special year as Joe VanDevere was awarded the cover of Time Magazine.  He was honored as Time Magazine Quality Dealer Award, 1 of only 70 in the US to receive such and award!  The Bunch continues to grow.  They buy out Cavalier Oldsmobile in the mid 90s and Sheldon McDougal Gold Key used car operation in the mid 90s.  The Golden Key lot is turned into the VanDevere Auto Outlet at 3155 S. Arlington St. This is also around the time that Joe VanDevere retires from the business leaving his sons, Mike and Jerry to run the dealerships.

The early 2000s was a busy time for the expansion of the VanDevere Bunch.  They bought out Taylor Pontiac-Buick and move the franchise to West Market Street.  They buy the Westside Lincoln Mercury building at 328 W. Market St. This is also the time that GM completes the phase-out of the Oldsmobile franchise. 2007-2009 the VanDevere Bunch purchases a Kia franchise. They purchase Burt Greenwald Chevrolet and VanDevere Chevrolet is born! This is also when GM discontinues the Pontiac franchise.

The fourth generation of VanDeveres are working in the dealership group, as Mike VanDevere’s five sons join the team in the 2010s.  2013-2015 brings a facelift to the Buick and Chevrolet buildings.   The newly remodeled Kia building has a grand reopening in August 2015.  2017-2020 brings in some of Jerry’s children to the business and Mike’s son-in-law Paul, showing that it is truly a family business.

Employee Spotlight: Rocky Dorsey

Our latest Employee Spotlight features Buick New Car Manager, Rocky Dorsey.  Rocky has been with the VanDevere bunch for about 15 years.  We sat down with Rocky to learn more about him and thank him for 15 great years!

VanDevere: Hi Rocky, thanks for taking the time with us today.  Congrats on 15 years.

Rocky:  Thank you and glad to do it!

VanDevere: What is the best thing about your job?

Rocky: The ability to help people and help the sales team grow and achieve their goals!

VanDevere: That does sound rewarding.   What is the best thing about VanDevere?

Rocky: The family atmosphere! They are a big company that truly cares about employees and treats then like family.

VanDevere: We hear that a lot from employees.   What are 3 words to describe VanDevere?

Rocky: Family, fun and fantastic!!

VanDevere: That was a little freaky!  What do you like to do when not at work?

Rocky: I love spending time with my family, my wife Heather, and our kids, Keyshawn 20 and Skylar 7.  I also enjoy photography and watching “MY” Massillon Tigers play football.

VanDevere: We heard a that you may like the Massillon Tigers.  What inspires you?

Rocky:  Easy, my family.

VanDevere: Very good. Now on to some fun questions.  Fill in the blank: I once met______!

Rocky:   My wife, Heather, 10th grade science class.

VanDevere: Awwwww how sweet!  That is a great person to meet.   If you could pick any superpower, what would it be.

Rocky:  That is a tough one, I guess I’ll go with the ability to fly!

VanDevere: That could definitely come in useful with my next question, what is your favorite travel spot?

Rocky:  LAS VEGAS!!!!!

VanDevere: Yes, that is a fun place.   Since you are in Massillon, what is your favorite place to visit there?

Rocky:  Easy Paul Brown Tigers Stadium!

VanDevere: We should have known.   OK last one.  What is your dream car?

Rocky:  A new Chevy Corvette Z06, white with red interior.

VanDevere: Good choice, we won’t tell the Kia/Buick gang. Thank you for the time. Congrats again!