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SPOTLIGHT NEW MEXICO
Hassle-free shopping at Houston WholesaleBy Glen RosalesFor the Journal
Houston Wholesale Cars does things a little different than most auto dealerships.
For one thing when customers walk into the cozy, bustling office they won’t find a salesperson.
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Houston Wholesale Cars Things most people don’t know about the dealership - Co-owner Frankel served in the military and also has a degree from the University of Phoenix. - Favorite vehicle: “It’s a Ferrari but we don’t ever see any of those,” Chavez said. - Upcoming promotions: None because “every day it’s a sale at Houston Wholesale,” Padilla said. |
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Instead, customers immediately speak with one of the company’s three owners: Gary Padilla, Scott Frankel or Emilio Chavez.
“We want to offer value for the dollar,” Frankel said. “That’s one reason why we don’t have salespeople.”
And on the modest-sized lot at 4718 Lomas NE, there is every make and model imaginable because Houston Wholesale deals strictly in used vehicles.
The cars and trucks are culled from local and regional auctions, trade-ins and occasionally from other dealers.
The only common denominator among the vehicles is that each undergoes a rigorous inspection.
Additionally, Chavez said, “If you want to take it to your own mechanic, you’re more than welcome to do that.”
The company started in 1998 and the current ownership triumvirate took over from founder Gerry Houston when he retired in 2009.
“His belief was that you can give people value and they will come back,” said Padilla, who was the only one of the three to work at the business. “We are continuing that tradition. People know what they are getting. They know the cars are quality.”
And the customers respond, Chavez said.
“Most of our customers are repeat and referral customers,” Padilla said. “And we rely on volume sales.”
“We stock the product that will make a happy customer,” Frankel said. “People really just want a good deal and they don’t want to be hassled.”
That also makes it more challenging, he said.
“You have to know and be able to talk about every single type of vehicle,” Frankel said. “We don’t have just one type of product.”
The company also relies on the longevity of its small workforce, most of whom have been on staff predating the ownership change.
“They understand our goals,” Frankel said. “And that’s to give everyone a fair deal.”
