“Hello, what can we do for you today?”
Such was the question posed to James Holland in October 1992 at America’s Car-Mart of Rogers, Ark. He had just retired from the military, moved to Rogers, Ark., and needed a vehicle. James purchased a 1990 Ford. He liked the car, he liked the Car-Mart people, and he liked the customer service.
Soon thereafter, he met Bill Fleeman, owner and founder of Car-Mart, and they did some business together. He liked Bill and his values.
That was 31 years ago, and when James became all-in for Car-Mart. “I decided that Car-Mart was where I was going to spend my money on my vehicles,” smiles James.
Today, James is still a satisfied Car-Mart customer. In fact, he’s a Car-Mart family. He and his wife, Mellissa, have two Car-Mart vehicles, as do his son and grandson. And when his 17-year-old grandson turns 18, James will take him to Car-Mart!
After all, he wants to keep it all in the family!
It’s the cars
The Hollands have purchased 22 vehicles at the Car-Mart Rogers dealership. They’ve had Fords, Chevrolets, Dodges, Lincolns, and GMCs. James’ favorite car is the one he’s driving now – a Ford King Ranch F-150, which is the ‘most primo vehicle he’s ever owned.’ Mellissa drives a Lincoln Navigator.
Looking back, James fondly remembers their Corvette.
Melissa always wanted a Corvette, so they bought one in 2013. “Unfortunately, it’s only good for two people in the seat. When we went grocery shopping, we forgot all about that. I put Mellissa in the car and piled the bags all around her, in the back, on the floor. I got in there with bags surrounding me. We looked like a gypsy caravan. That was the last time we went shopping in the Corvette. We traded it in and bought a pickup for her. Then she wanted a Camaro,” laughs James.
“The Camaro had so much power. She punched it,” he continues. “And its dark color made it difficult to see at night.”
James continues to be impressed with the quality and reliability of vehicles at Car-Mart. “Their inventory has really improved, and they’ve always had what I wanted,” says James, who, through the years, has purchased vehicles for his company.
It’s the customer service
James also appreciates the easy, no-pressure car-buying process. “They [Car-Mart associates] do their best to make you comfortable,” James states. “They go through the qualification piece very discreetly. The salesperson shares as much as he knows about the car and stays with you throughout the entire process.”
Additionally, when James’ truck was in the shop, Car-Mart called him every other day with a status report. “That’s customer service for you,” he says.
It’s about family
Most of all, James values the people at Car-Mart. “They know my name, and that’s the important thing. The Car-Mart people are down to earth. That’s why I stick with them,” James says. “I can go to Car-Mart, walk into the GM’s office, and he’ll shake my hand and talk to me. That doesn’t happen at other dealerships.”
Car-Mart is there for James and his family when they need a new vehicle, have a question, or need help during a challenging time. It’s what families do.
“We think of James as family here,” says Curtis Valentine, General Manager at Car-Mart of Rogers. “He’s not just a great customer but a great person. Car-Mart of Rogers is lucky to have him as part of our family.”
“Car-Mart is a down-to-earth company. They are people who understand people. They treat me with respect. And they talk to you,” James says. “I’ve always had good experiences at Car-Mart. Car-Mart has been good to me. I keep coming back because of the people. They’re kind-hearted and they’re sincere.”
“Car-Mart is a good company. It started in 1981 with one lot in Rogers, Ark, and it’s grown from there. Bill Fleeman started something,” continues James. “I want to see a Car-Mart lot in every major city in the U.S.”
So, yes, when James visits Car-Mart to make a payment, purchase another vehicle, or just to say hi, the Car-Mart team will warmly welcome him and greet him with smiles. After all, he’s part of the family.
At America’s Car-Mart, we strive to provide exceptional service for every customer! Read more from our customers about their experiences and why they trust America’s Car-Mart.
