Wellington native Cory Walcher has purchased a familiar car dealership on North Summit Street in Ark City and is working to rebuild the image of what was formerly Zeller Motor Co.
Walcher completed the purchase in June following what he described as a two-year process. The Zeller name is gone, replaced by Cory Walcher Auto Group, a Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealership at 3021 N. Summit St.
“I knew from the get-go I wanted to,” Walcher said of changing the name. “It needed a change. Things we’ve heard and that kind of stuff. You want to have as fresh a start as you can, so people know there is a change coming.”
Zeller Motor Co. operated at the location for decades as a family-owned business before being sold in the early 2000s. The dealership changed hands once more before Walcher’s purchase.
During an appearance Wednesday on 95.9 BOB FM, Walcher said physically cleaning up the dealership was his first order of business. He now wants to make it clear that both the ownership and philosophy have changed.
The cleanup included remodeling the restrooms with new paint and flooring.
Walcher, who is married and lives in Clearwater, is a 1998 graduate of Wellington High School. He as worked in the automobile business since his late teens. He has previously been involved in dealership acquisitions and management. This is his first venture as an owner, which will bring with it anxious moments.
He said faith plays a central role in how he operates. Continue story below ad.
“That’s where your faith comes in,” Walcher said. “You have to believe He put you there for a reason.”
Most of the dealership’s 21 employees have remained, though Walcher said changes have been made in the service department. Three months after the purchase, he said he remains surprised by how many people are unaware of the new ownership.
Roughly 60 vehicles came with the dealership when Walcher purchased it. He has since increased the inventory to more than 100 vehicles, including about 20 new models with the remainder pre-owned.
Walcher said his focus is on creating a positive work environment and a customer-friendly dealership with fair pricing.
“We’re going to support local and reciprocate,” Walcher said during Wednesday’s radio appearance. “My office is 10 feet from the front door. You can see me. You can talk to me. I’m accessible.”
See the new company online.
