Myrtle Beach Celebrates 20 Years of Auto World of Conway!
Conway may seem a little off the beaten path for some Myrtle Beach locals, but it’s home to a real gem—Auto World of Conway. As they gear up to celebrate 20 incredible years in business, owner Ron Geris reminisced about how it all began. Can you believe they started with just a half-acre lot, five cars, and a dream?
The Humble Beginnings
“When we started, everyone thought we were a bit crazy,” Ron told us with a chuckle. “We had to park our personal vehicles up front just to give the illusion that we had more cars available.” Fast forward two decades, and what once was a small lot is now a bustling five-acre facility brimming with vehicles and a dedicated team of 58 employees. Ron and his business partner, Dan Febbroriello, have truly transformed the place!
Ron, a Conway resident and proud Coastal Carolina University grad, attributes a lot of their success to a higher power. “We’ve been blessed in everything we do. It’s like we’ve been blessed seven times 70!” he exclaimed. It’s clear that his faith plays a big role in the welcoming atmosphere that has kept customers coming back again and again.
Growing With the Community
It’s not just about selling cars for Ron and his team. They’ve built their reputation on exceptional customer service. “We always made it a priority to instill a great attitude for customer service in all of our employees,” he said. “That’s really paid off with all the word-of-mouth referrals.” And who doesn’t love a good recommendation from a friend?
Over the years, Auto World has expanded significantly, adding a “classic car” lot on Highway 501. “At first, our customers were getting confused with two lots, so we turned it into a specialty that we are passionate about,” Ron explained. This decision speaks volumes about their commitment to customer satisfaction.
Going Global
Then came the pandemic, which flipped everything upside down—but Ron saw it as an opportunity. With car shipments now going worldwide, Auto World has turned into a treasure trove for buyers near and far. “Advancing technology has changed the game for everyone in the auto industry,” he said. They were among the first to establish an online presence, showing just how forward-thinking they’ve always been!
And let’s chat numbers for a sec. Ron shared some eye-opening stats: back when they started, most certified pre-owned cars ranged between $5,000 to $7,000. These days, you’re looking at an average price tag closer to $20,000. It all sounds crazy, but that’s the state of the auto world!
Maintenance & Repair Services
Many locals might not realize that the Auto World location on Highway 90 is not just about selling cars. It’s a full-service facility providing everything from repairs to body work, tires, brakes, and so on. “Over half our staff is dedicated to maintenance and repair,” Ron revealed. They believe in keeping all services in-house, ensuring you can get your car back on the road in no time!
Celebrating Two Decades of Success
Now, Ron is no stranger to the spotlight, having been dubbed “the man in the hat” by the community. He laughs as he explains how it came to be: “It started when my wife suggested I wear a hat out in the sun. Now, when folks can’t remember my name, they just say, ‘Oh, you know, he’s the guy in the hat!’” Talk about a trendy branding move!
With their 20th anniversary just around the corner, Auto World is planning a big celebration on September 14. Mark your calendars—there will be giveaways, including Taylor Swift tickets, and other festivities that you don’t want to miss!
So, Myrtle Beach friends, whether you’re looking to buy a new ride, get some maintenance done, or just soak in the vibes of a local legend—Auto World of Conway is here for you. Here’s to another exciting 20 years!
