WHAT 100 YEARS MEANS TO THE BERGER TEAM

Berger Chevrolet has been a family-owned business for 100 Years! We asked our employees what Berger’s 100th anniversary means to them or the community. Here are some of their responses!

“It shows that Michigan is still the home for all things automotive.” – Jameson B.

“It’s an awesome statistic, and incredibly rare in today’s world that a family-owned business (especially a car business!) can thrive and build such a legacy. We are so lucky to have the support of the wonderful Grand Rapids community, and personally, it is very humbling.” – Tony K.

“It’s great to see a locally owned business like this strive through the good and bad of the automotive industry.” – Tim G.

“It means determination and commitment to providing a great product and service to match! Our community involvement speaks volumes to the kind of business Berger is and that’s what keeps people coming back. ‘It’s always better at Berger’ is not just a great slogan, it means something to the people that make that true.” – Carmen R.

“I am honored to work at a company that has been serving the greater West Michigan community for so long!” – Nathaniel S.

“To me, I take pride in being able to provide a great deal of guidance and knowledge when it comes to service. I enjoy being able to take care of the customer from a concern to general maintenance intervals. The reward is having customers call you when they need help and are in a bind, because they trust you, and being able to get them taken care of is what it means to provide for the community as well.” – Devon S.

“Being able to be a part of an incredible company and realize how far Berger has come and how great of a place it is to work here!” – Riley M.

“Berger’s 100th year means that we have a lot to live up to and must continue the great service we have been known for.” – Andy B.

“Longevity of family operations, giving it that hometown feeling.” – Jeff F.

“Means that we have a reputation as one of the longest-standing Chevy dealerships in the country! Proud to be part of an organization that meets the transportation needs of the local community.” – Erik C.

“I haven’t been here long and am so honored to be a part of the Berger family. Berger’s 100th anniversary just shows that Berger is doing it right!!!!” – Nicole G.

“I’ve been here 17 years this month and have always admired the 5 generation family business that Berger is. It is an amazing accomplishment and I am thankful for the difference it has made to me and my family and the other 100’s that have and still work here and to the community of Grand Rapids and beyond. Thank You!” – Robin L.

“Berger’s 100th anniversary shows how resilient Berger can be throughout the years, including the multiple struggles that Berger has overcome in their 100 years of operations to offer the best customer service to our community and long-lasting employee culture. To name a few struggles that Berger had to overcome, the Great Depression, multiple world wars, GM strikes, and most recently, the COVID-19 vehicle/parts shortage.” – Kelsey M.

“It’s so special to me for many reasons. I guess the 1st reason is because I’ve been here for 34 of those 100 years. I’ve seen SO many changes from the buildings that have been added to the remodel and the growth of every department. It’s rather surreal but SO incredibly awesome! I love being part of the history that makes Berger Chevrolet what it is today.” – Jennifer S.

“Berger’s 100th anniversary means that they represent a commitment to the community and their employees past, present, and future!” – Yvette L.

“This is an amazing milestone for any company!!!” – Bob S.

“Many years of customer service, great salespeople, and a great place to work!” – Bruce F.

“It’s always better at Berger!” – Aaron S.

“What I’ve learned about Berger in the 2 plus years that I’ve been working here is that they really care about their employees and customers and it shows by the customer care that we give our customers and the comments that I receive out in the community when I deliver parts to them.” – John C.

“Great place to work and a great place to do any kind of service here.” – Duane W.

“Trustworthy. Family honest.” – Alesha R.

“Everything!” – Larry M.

“They must be doing things right for business, the community, and integrity to be around for 100 years. Congratulations on a job well done.” – Leon M.

“Knowing Berger has been here for that long, and in that time has stayed a pillar of the community means something. I have not been with the company very long, but I am very happy to have the opportunity to work here and hope to spend many years here. This dealership has the most efficient service department I have ever been a part of.” – Adam N.

“It’s so great that the Berger family has owned the dealership for 100 years! I’m proud to be a part of the Berger team.” – Jackie K.

“Berger’s 100th anniversary means a lot to me! I’ve reached top employee and sales status with 3 different organizations just to have the rug pulled from underneath me because of companies being sold or going under from lack of sales within a failed industry. I’m happy to know that even during the roughest years (WW2) Berger was able to pivot (move to household appliances) and resurface stronger than before. This gives me confidence when speaking to family, friends, and clients. The community is tired of things not working out. Whether it’s failed relationships, businesses, or governments, I enjoy seeing a sigh of relief on people’s faces when they realize they’re becoming a part of something much larger than a Chevy dealership. They’re becoming a piece of a legendary success story!” – LC C.

“It means focusing on customer loyalty and building relationships that enhance and expand business for the greater good of the community and the morale of all Berger employees. What comes around goes around.” – Alain B.

“I never could have imagined I would be working here in my retirement after working at the BP gas station on the corner in 1974 or ‘75. It was a Standard Oil station back then. My father would drop me off on his way to work.” – David W.

“100 years of engineering and mechanical accomplishments. 100 more years of Chevrolet Dealer of the Year!” – Nik R.

“True commitment and reliability. Berger’s name and ownership/leadership have withstood the test of time and the vast rollercoaster that is the car business. There is no better place I would rather be than at Berger Chevy.” – Ethan A.

“It’s a great place to work and the people are very nice.” – Robert S.

“To me, it means the dedication to serving the community for 100 consecutive years even through the Depression and recent COVID-19. I witnessed COVID-19 hinder us but it could not break us because of our continued resilient efforts that we put forth to be and do better. To the community, it means that we have done right by them for 100 years and will continue to strive to be the best we can at what we do for not only selling and servicing the cars but also giving back to our community as we have done and will continue to do. Whether that be a women’s shelter, a flower shop, or even a park, we have no boundaries on helping our community with whatever the current needs are.” – Al D.

“Pretty great!” – James F.

“Everything starts at the top and being open for 100 years means we have an elite group of people here running Berger. People that can teach and pass on our ways to continue being elite. Also, I have seen other dealerships in West Michigan sell to corporations, but Berger is still here under the Berger family. We care about the people of West Michigan!” – Ryan D.

“100 years of greatness and advancement and 100 years of being in business.” – William H.

“Great customer service. Great Chevy cars and products. Great place to work.” – John M.

“Berger’s 100th anniversary is an important milestone to me because it means we have been serving the community of Grand Rapids and surrounding areas for a century! I originally started at Berger in 2014 and have always admired the work ethic and determination of all of the employees here that make Berger. It’s both a great place to work and a great place to buy or service a vehicle. The team effort that Berger displays is top-notch. We love what we do and love our community!” – Jordan C.

“Standing on the shoulders of the successes of those who came before us.” Steve V.

“I am so proud to work for a business with this kind of longevity which is so rare, especially in the car business. This lends so much credibility to our dealership.” – Beth D.

“It’s truly an honor to work for a company that is celebrating 100 years as a family-owned and -operated business! Serving the West Michigan community’s automotive needs for an entire century? Simply incredible! This centennial anniversary is a testament to the resilience of the Berger family and employees through the highs and lows. The legacy and history built throughout the last 100 years have created a strong foundation for our current team to grow and thrive into the next century. Cheers to 100 years!” – Emily L.

“In a world dominated by impersonal big box stores, life pivoting to online convenience, and losing the luster of care and personal time spent with consumers, I take pride in working at Berger. Despite being a large company that evolves with the times, our commitment to quality and care remains steadfast. It is quite special to be a part of a family-owned business, in which employees feel important, valued, and respected. The longevity of many employees’ tenures and the fact that some have returned for multiple tours of employment illustrate the comfortable, homelike atmosphere that’s been cultivated. Celebrating this monumental milestone and being involved in the storied history is a privilege. Reaching 100 years is no small achievement; it is a well-earned accomplishment and something we can all be proud to be a part of.” – Micaela S.

“It shows the tradition of a great family that has given great service to its customers for the last 100 years!” – Todd R.

“A milestone moment, reflecting on a remarkable journey, with a commitment to excellence, community service, and family.” – Aimen K.

“An impressive start that has carried through generations. Decades before I was born, William H. Berger II took a chance on his own future and that of our community. He carried the dealership through many major world events that have impacted our lives still today. The Berger family’s resilience and strength that started in the early 20s continues even today. Since joining the Berger family in the late 1990s as a quick lube technician, I have moved up the ranks to management. I have been with this team through multiple building remodeling projects, lots of NASCAR and Berlin races, building a parade float, watching as the 2nd airplane hit the World Trade Tower on 9/11 with other employees on TV, the great recession, and surviving cancer. Through all these major life-changing events I have personally witnessed the same leadership, compassion, and strength that started 100 years ago. I wouldn’t be the person I am today or still have my passion for this Berger community without the Berger family and leadership through the years. I am forever grateful to my God for blessing me with the opportunity to personally experience and witness the heritage, leadership, and strength of the Berger family for the last quarter of a century. I am encouraged that this journey is far from over. I am encouraged to see how God continues to honor and bless the Berger family and the Grand Rapids community.” – Amanda B.

“It means that the community has faith in Berger Chevrolet for the longevity of business and family values. I’m a delivery driver and my customers on my route love to see me coming because of the dependability that we bring to their business.” – John C.

“Love, family, and compassion. Love Berger!” – Jeremy M.

“Strength, determination, loyalty, endurance, and all that good stuff because it takes a lot to make it 100 years strong and thriving.” – Nick K.

“100 years of serving our community and ensuring everyone leaves better and happier than they arrived.” – Jacob V.

“It all comes down to TRUST. If a guest can not trust us then they will leave and do business someplace else. They have to trust us to stand behind their new purchase, trust us to stand behind our diagnoses when they bring their vehicle in for service, and trust us to always do the right thing. Our name “Berger” and our integrity is something that is not for sale. We have and will make mistakes, but it is what you do when that happens to make it right with our guests that makes Berger the best. One time I had one of our guests who had a clerical error on their bill. The owner did not see it and was caught a few months later by us. We called the guest up and gave them a refund. The owner said this is exactly why we do business with Berger. “I Trust Berger.” Things like that is why we have been around for 100 years and will continue to be around for another 100 years.” – Steve J.

“Great place to work and great people! Having excellence in Grand Rapids for 100 years makes me glad to work for them.” – Jerry H.

“As we celebrate an incredible milestone of 100 years of excellence at Berger Chevrolet, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the dedication and commitment it took to achieve such high levels of performance. This journey has been one of unwavering dedication to our community, employees, and families, and I am reminded daily that my achievements stand on the shoulders of those who have come before me. We are in an era of remarkable technological revolution, transitioning from dial-up and green screens to maximum bandwidth, AI, automation, and innovative software development. These advancements have shaped our work and pushed us to new heights. Being part of this phenomenal team at Berger Chevrolet for 23 years, almost a quarter of a century of our history, fills me with immense pride and humility. I must strive to perform in a manner that makes our predecessors proud and carries forward the legacy they have built. Thank you all for being a part of this incredible journey and for your continued dedication to excellence.” – Jon C.

Berger employees in 100-Year apparel