Sara Witherell began working at the family dealership when she was 15 years old. She started as a part-time receptionist and continued answering phones and assisting in the office throughout high school and eventually, college.

Witherell graduated from Illinois Wesleyan in 2014 and moved back to Galesburg to begin a full-time position at the dealership. “My father, Rick, felt we should create a Business Development Department, so I helped form our Service BDC and our Sales BDC shortly after. I then began getting more involved with our websites, marketing and advertising. Over the past few years, I have enjoyed learning more about Sales and Finance and Fixed Operations. I work along-side all managers to find ways to improve and grow our company.”

When asked what the biggest challenge she has faced or been a part of at the dealership, she says, “Finding the right combination of individuals to lead our teams and work towards common goals.” Witherell is the third generation at her family’s dealership. We asked her what it means to her to work day by day, every day with her dad. She fondly says, “It is a blessing to work alongside family. Growing up, it was great to see the relationship and bond that my grandfather and father shared. While day-to-day challenges are constant in any business, the ability to learn from my father and our time spent together is extremely meaningful.”