Ralph Honda cuts the ribbon on a brand new showroom
It was more than 80 years ago, in 1933, when Andy Ralph began selling cars on West Main Street in Rochester. Four years later, he became a Pontiac dealer. In 1970, after many successful years, he decided to take a chance with a little-known car brand, becoming the first Honda dealer in New York State. By 1979, it was time to grow again and Ralph moved the dealership to its present location on West Ridge Road in Greece.
Fast forward to 2017, Ralph Honda continues to move ahead with an all new state-of-the-art showroom and service department unveiled earlier in May.
Andy Ralph’s grandson, Steven Ralph, is the third generation of Ralphs and President at Ralph Honda. “Many of our employees have been with us for 10, 20 even 50 years! We are fortunate to represent the Honda brand, that together with a tremendous team, are key to our continued growth and success. Having a great product and treating people right have brought us where we are today,” says Ralph.
Keeping it in the family, Steve’s cousin, Zac Ralph, is General Manager. “We owe much of our longevity and success to our employees and customers, many of whom have bought four and five cars from us over the years,” says Zac.
Growing up in Rochester, the Ralphs believe giving back is an important part of doing business. They have been long time supporters of high school sports, sponsoring Section V basketball and hockey, various youth leagues and senior night at the Greece high schools. Both Steve and Zac chose to raise their families in their hometowns.
“Community, quality education and family are number one for me. Why would I go anywhere else,” says Steve.
Like all businesses, Ralph has had to keep up with the fast paced ever changing world. Much of auto ‘shopping’ is done online, through dealer and manufacturer web sites. Integrating all aspects of digital marketing including social media platforms are part of everyday business, but doing things the ‘old fashioned’ way is still an important part of every relationship.
“Next to a new home, a car is still one of the most significant purchases a person will make and we don’t take that lightly,” notes Zac. “When people drive home smiling, we know we did it right.”
According to Zac, “though the internet is a huge part of the car business, brick and mortar car dealers and showrooms are not going away, we’ll continue to evolve and find the best way to serve our customers and our community.”
The renovation does just that; doubling the number of service bays, adding a new carwash, new alignment equipment, new diagnostic tools, additional detail bays and lifts plus Express Service bays to get people in and out without long wait times. And that’s just what goes on behind the scenes. Ralph has a new showroom designed to showcase Honda’s advanced technology with added comfort for customers.
“My grandfather was the first dealer in New York State to join Honda, and I am proud to continue to represent the brand,” says Steve Ralph.
About Ralph Honda: Located at 3939 West Ridge Road in Greece, Ralph Honda is New York’s first Honda dealer selling new and pre-owned vehicles.
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