DuPage Chrysler dealership begins next chapter

Jim Spellman and Bret Matthews may seem like the odd couple of the automobile industry, but as in the famous television series, it's a relationship that works and works well. The duo, who have diverse work backgrounds, have been friends for 25 years and have found a calling together with three Chicago area car dealerships, including their latest acquisition, DuPage Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Glendale Heights.

The two dealer-principals bought their first store, Libertyville Chevrolet, in 2005, followed by Happy Hyundai in Oak Lawn in 2012. The DuPage store is a recent addition, brought into the fold in November.

Spellman has worked in the automobile business for most of his life, first as a porter for a Jeep dealership as a teen, and then selling cars while he was in college. He worked in various positions for the Bill Kay Auto Group for more than 20 years beginning in 1984 until he and Matthews purchased Libertyville Chevrolet.

Matthews, on the other hand, is new to the daily operations of the industry. Although he was a full partner from the time the Chevrolet dealership opened, he only began working full time managing the dealerships last fall with the acquisition of the DuPage store.

"We had a family business, Matthews Paint Co., that manufactured paints," Matthews said. "Jim and I had talked about partnering for a long time."

Spellman and Matthews have an easygoing rapport, often joking with one another and noting that they are almost like an old married couple. Matthews has learned most of business through Spellman, along with attending a smattering of industry seminars. The dichotomy between their business paths, however, has proved to be an asset in their current operations.

"He (Matthews) brings a different perspective to the business as I have traditionally worked in the auto industry my entire life," Spellman said. "But we are both comfortable that if one of us makes a decision without the other one present, that it would be a decision that we would agree on."

Matthews likened his former company to a dealership because it was a family business, a situation that translates well to the world of selling cars.

"It correlates with the ability to be part of a small family business," Matthews said. "You want to do right by your family and your customers and here you're taking care of your employees and along with them, taking care of your customers."

Taking care of their customers is just what Spellman and Matthews do at each of their stores.

"We believe we give a lot more to our customers than at other stores," Spellman said. "If you buy a car with us, we give you a free loaner car when your car is serviced here, as well as free carwashes. We really strive for the full customer experience from sales through service."

After purchasing DuPage CDJR, the duo made 35 loaner cars available for customers having their vehicles serviced. Not only that, they extended evening and weekend service hours and doubled inventory with 600 new vehicles and 150 pre-driven cars on the lot. The dealership has also added Dodge commercial trucks to its inventory.

"Business is booming," Spellman said. "Since we bought it (the dealership), our sales are up 50 percent over the previous owner," Spellman said. "Adding the loaners, though, has really been the catalyst for this store as we really pride ourselves on our service business."

Adding the Chrysler brands to their two prior dealerships appeared to be the ideal fit when Spellman learned from mutual business connections that the previous owner had put the DuPage store up for sale.

"They (Chrysler) are one of the hot brands at the moment because they have so many different vehicles, from the Dodge Dart to the all-new Chrysler 200," Spellman said. "The interiors are just phenomenal. They're fun, they're luxurious. Jeep has a great lineup; both of my daughters drive Wranglers."

Matthews has similar feelings about the lineup.

"Right now I am driving a Grand Cherokee. It's a great vehicle, but what has impressed me the most is the fit and finish on the inside," he said. "It has been great to see how wonderful the product line has become.

"These vehicles are sexy, they're energizing. They have a youthfulness that makes you look forward to getting behind the wheel and driving.

The reinvigorated lineup of vehicles notwithstanding, Spellman and Matthews still have an eye toward what the recession has meant for the car industry and for the population as a whole.

"Just as we have seen some tough times in the auto industry, we want to give back to the community, especially as we see the economy continuing to get better," Spellman said. "We have sponsored post-prom parties at one of the local high schools and have an annual Corvette show at our Chevrolet dealership that benefits local charities. We have also donated regularly to local food pantries and hope to do some of the same things here."

Outside of business, both Matthews and Spellman love hockey. Spellman loves the game solely as a spectator, going to Blackhawks games sometimes with his daughters, Carly, a student at Penn State University, and Erica, a senior at West Chicago High School. He also loves to ski, play golf and travel.

Matthews, on the other hand, is involved with the sport on the youth level, as sons Sean and Luke play for the Highland Park Falcons, while Max plays for Team Illinois. On many weekends you can find him and his wife, Carol, driving to a youth hockey tournament out of state.

"That's how I get to test drive all of these cars," Matthews said.

Auto Biography

<b>Jim Spellman and Bret Matthews, dealer-principals </b>433 E. North Ave. Glendale Heights (630) 466-1400 Dupagechryslerdodgejeepram.com

<span class="fact box text bold">Sales:</span> 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday.

<span class="fact box text bold">Service:</span> 6:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6:30 a.m-5:30 p.m. Friday and 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday.