Currie Motors Sells More Than Cars: Business Spotlight

Ask Currie Motors Drivers Edge General Manager Jeremy Humpal what he likes best about his job, and he'll tell you the repeat customers.

In fact, Humpal has been at Currie Motors since its doors opened ten years ago.

Patch stopped by to see what makes this business a plus in Olympia Fields.

Patch: How long has Currie Motors been in business?

Humpal: Currie Motors has been in business over 50 years. I've been with the company for ten years, the last six as general manager.

What are your specialties? 

At this location we have guaranteed credit approval for car loans. We get everyone approved. We have our own finance company as well as dealing with other finance companies and banks. We also have a storage business on site which we opened in the last three years. We have indoor climate control as well as outdoor storage for boats, carsm RV's and more. 

Any tips for those looking for a used car?

Buy from an established company, a place you can trust. Our company has been around a long time. Our reputation is very important to us, more than a particular sale. We can back that up with repeat business.

You want to see the company let you have an independent inspection of the vehicle. All of our cars go through a service and safety inspection before they are put on the lot. We have no problem someone taking the vehicle to their own mechanic for an inspection, in fact we encourage it. We run an auto check on every vehicle and that is available to the customers.

If you don't see things like that, there is probably something to hide. We don't have anything to hide. We want you to know everything up front because we want you to come back and send your family and friends.

Do you have specials going on right now? 

Right now in the storage business I'm currently offering up to two months free and also free use of our moving truck to customers who move in their items to the storage facility. We cover the cost of the truck and insurance. On the car side we run a referral fee. We give $200 per referral for the month of December and January if the customer they refer purchases from Currie Motors Drivers Edge in Olympia Fields.

Any recommendations to those wanting to start their own business?

First of all, you don't want to grow to fast. You don't want to extend yourself to far. In my experience, when I've seen new business's trying to do to much to quickly, the business winds up not getting much accomplished.

In any business make sure the job you do is the best possible job. Do the job professionally and don't try and take on too much. You'll start off with poor customer service if you don't take care of your customers properly. This is a tough market to open a business in but it is improving. 

What are your favorite local places to eat and shop?

My favorite place to eat is . Most of us at Currie shop at Lincoln Mall area along with Sams Club and Target in Matteson.