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The one store that I really cared about closed its doors on Friday.

Saturn of Fort Wayne in good old Fort Wayne, Indiana was my first store.  I started there in May, 1991, which seems like a lifetime ago.  We had a decent crew to start out.  The GM was handed the store mainly because they wanted him to be in a more controlled environment.  The F&I Manager had been a good salesman and this was his opportunity to step up.

There were 3 of us to start:  Gaylord Barnes, Jarrod Gerardot and me. We never thought we needed any more sales people but three weeks later, we got Mike “Speedy” Mills and Lon Messmore.

Were we all pals?  No, but we did work together well.

Lots changed over the years: new managers, new sales people and eventually, a new facility.

Saturn may be done but the people who worked in this particular store took great care of their customers.

To Tom Kelley, the retailer, I say thanks for the opportunity that you gave to a geeky 23 year old.  You taught me a lot about the car business and taking care of customers and employees.