Clinton, Ill. – For the first time in 70 years, a new family will be manning the Wilson Chrysler Jeep store in Clinton.
The Baum family has reached an agreement with the Wilson family for purchase of its auto dealership in downtown Clinton, effective June 21.
The last day for business as Wilson Chrysler Jeep will be June 20. The store will reopen as Baum Chrysler Jeep on June 26, and will continue to operate in the downtown Clinton location at 307 E. Main St. Customers can expect existing services to be offered, including expert auto repair, factory parts, and new and used vehicle sales.
The Baum family intends to retain current staff.
"My wife Karol and I have been blessed with wonderful customers and staff that we have come to know during our time at the dealership. We value the many friends we have made in our community over the years," said Steve Wilson, President of Wilson Chrysler Jeep. "They say timing is everything, and the timing was right for us."
Steve joined his father Joe Wilson in the business in 1982 and took over management in 1988. This year will complete 71 years of family ownership.
"It was important for us to find a partner who can continue to serve customers the way we would," Wilson said. "This was not an easy decision, but we are confident that the Baum family was the best choice to carry on the Wilson legacy, and we wish them the best."
Scott Baum, President of Baum Chevrolet Buick, says this is a positive development for the town of Clinton and area automotive customers. Combined, the Baum and Wilson stores have been doing business in Clinton for nearly 130 years.
"Wilson Chrysler Jeep and Baum Chevrolet Buick have reputations for positive customer experiences and strong product lines," Baum said. "We are excited to continue offering Chrysler and Jeep products in Clinton with a focus on excellent customer service, as Wilson's has done since 1952."
The store will be managed by Clinton native Will Daniels. Daniels has been employed with Baum for 28 years, and brings with him a wealth of automotive industry and management experience. He is a graduate of the National Auto Dealers Association Academy, an 18-month complete study on dealership management and direction. He has previously served in the detail, parts, sales and service departments at Baum Chevrolet Buick. He was manager of Baum Motor Company in Farmer City from 2007-2013 before returning to the Clinton store to serve in his current role as Sales Manager.
Joining Daniels will be fellow Clinton native Logan Woolridge, who has served in the sales department at Baum Chevrolet Buick for five years.
Wilson himself will assist in the transition, and play a vital role in helping the Baum organization best serve existing Wilson Chrysler Jeep customers. Key department leaders including Scott Massey, Service Manager, and Kathy Sullivan, Finance and Insurance and Office Manager, plan to retain their current roles.
"Wilson's business has been built on friendly and familiar faces, and we intend to maintain that for years to come," Baum said. "It has been a privilege to work with Steve and his family."
Customers can reach the store via phone at 217-935-3131, and online at www.baumchryslerjeep.com following the transition.
Baum Chevrolet Buick is a family-owned automotive dealership located in Clinton, Ill., since 1964. First established in 1928 in Carlock, Ill., Baum Chevrolet Buick emphasizes complete customer service with a focus on doing things "Right from the Start.." In addition to new and used light vehicle sales, the dealership has a service division composed of a parts and service department, 24-hour wrecker service, collision repair center, detail shop and Quick Lube center.
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