The Jenkins Auto Group understands that a car is more than just a vehicle. It’s an investment. That’s why when it comes to selling and maintaining cars, nobody beats the Jenkins difference.
Accidents happen. A quick glance down while driving and you’re suddenly screeching to a stop to avoid hitting the car in front of you. A careless driver breaks a minor traffic rule and you’re involved in a textbook fender-bender. In worse scenarios, the damage can be serious, even catastrophic.
Many people don’t know that Jenkins has a full service Collision Center and they have just “gone green,” utilizing a water-borne color paint similar to the factory process. This new system offers a superior color match and reduces the VOCs released into the environment.
“The reason we established the collision center was to accommodate our customers who needed body shop work, and Mr. Jenkins wasn’t happy with some of the work that was being performed elsewhere,” says Cory Pool, Vice President and CFO of Jenkins Auto Group, which includes Jenkins Mazda, Jenkins Hyundai, and Jenkins Acura. “We wanted to make the automotive experience convenient for our customers—a reliable environment where they could buy a vehicle, service their vehicle, and then if they find themselves in a situation, have quality collision repairs made. We try to make this one-stop shopping.”
Originally housed in a small building on-site, the Collision Center today is a 42,000-square-foot facility, the largest of its kind in Marion County, both in physical size and staff size. Its team of technicians, which boasts over 70 years of combined experience, services vehicles of all makes and models. They regularly straighten frames using one of the four Chief Uni-body machines, align vehicles with one of the three Laser Uni-body systems, correct paint damage in one of two down-draft paint booths, and provide window tinting and complete detailing options. The center even offers 24-hour tow service.
“With the equipment that we have, the outstanding quality of our work, and our cycle time getting the car back to the customer as quickly as possible, we take care of everything,” says Collision Center Manager Mike French, who grew up working in body shops. “We’ll even help you process your claim through the insurance company.”
The collision center is not exclusive to Jenkins car buyers—in fact, most of the vehicles they service are not from the Jenkins dealerships—but buying at these dealerships is certainly a smart move. With all of the Mazda, Hyundai, and Acura models to choose from, Jenkins customers can find the vehicle that best fits their lifestyle at the best price, starting at as low as $10,000. Moreover, thanks to the dealerships’ highly informative websites with their online chat feature, customers can research vehicles and price points from the comfort of their own home.
“We use a variety of different lenders, too,” adds President/CEO Tom Formanek. “We have the ability to get just about everybody financed.”
Jenkins Auto Group sells thousands of vehicles every year, more than any other auto group in Marion County, with approximately 40 percent of its sales coming from repeat customers. Jenkins Hyundai is consistently one of the top 20 Hyundai dealerships in the country for volume. The Jenkins difference, however, as Formanek is quick to point out, is its people.
“We have a lot of long-term employees who have been with our organization for many years, some since the very beginning,” he says. “The selling and buying experience is a little kinder and easier here. It’s an experience without the high-pressure tactics.”
One other important reason for Jenkins’ success may be its renowned commitment to community. The company is heavily involved in local charities and groups, such as the Marion County Humane Society, Fine Arts for Ocala, Marion Literacy Council, and the Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce.
“We are part of this community,” Pool stresses. “When people come to buy a car from us, they’re placing their trust and faith in us, so it is important that we give back to the community. It’s not a corporate-owned business. We all live here, work here, and have families here.”
For Formanek, the secret to success is a simple one and has yet to steer the company wrong.
“The only way you’re going to hold onto your customers,” he says, “is to take good care of them.”
1. Jenkins Collision Center
1420 SW 12th Street, Ocala
352-629-6143
metbyaccident.com
2. Jenkins Hyundai of Ocala
1602 SW College Road, Ocala
352-620-2264
OcalaHyundai.com
3. Jenkins Acura
2025 SW College Road, Ocala
352-867-1800
JenkinsAcura.com
4. Jenkins Mazda
1740 SW College Road, Ocala
352-620-9000
JenkinsMazda.com
5. Jenkins Hyundai of Leesburg
9145 US Hwy. 441, Leesburg
352-326-3585
JenkinsHyundaiofLeesburg.com
6. Jenkins Hyundai of Bradenton
2503 1st Street E, Rt. 41, Bradenton
941-747-9262
BrandentonHyundai.com
