Lapeer, Michigan Auto and Truck Plaza Transformed From Abandoned GM Dealership Into Auto Super Center by Lapeer Woman; Reports Michigan Business Biography on NBC 25 News, Sponsored by Industry Visions

LAPEER, MI--(Marketwire - Aug 30, 2012) -  During the recent great recession General Motors closed countless auto dealerships across the country. One such dealership was Victor George Chevrolet, a landmark, modern auto dealership in Lapeer, Michigan. This huge facility caught the attention of Deb Stockman who operated two local neighborhood franchised mechanic shops. Her vision was to reopen the facility as a super auto repair center, Lapeer Auto and Truck Plaza, offering first-class auto dealership repair service at small mechanic shop prices. Reaction was mixed in the community; most thought the building and property was vastly oversized for the concept and that even the cost for utilities would be prohibitive for success.

"I had a lot of naysayers," said Deb Stockman in a recent appearance on Michigan Business Biography that airs on NBC 25 television. She went on to say, "We purchased the entire 13 acre site. I knew if I could basically divide overhead with another similar business I could make this work. Since it always was a successful dealership, I partnered with Suski used cars to move their already successful used car business to a second location, which was my lot. I also contracted with a successful auto parts dealer and body shop to serve their customers from here. Because of our visible location, we will rent the old showroom space to a restaurant that serves great food. Now I have everything that I need and everybody else does, too. My customers drive into the building and their repair order is taken by Mike, my service manager; after that they can wait in our two spacious waiting areas.

"We have a play area for children to occupy the kids while mom works or plays on the internet, using our free Wi-Fi service. Lapeer Auto and Truck Plaza is truly a state-of-the-art repair facility, doing very well. When I stop to think of all the people who said it wouldn't work I smile. It was scary; it was a huge move, but now we have plans to develop the rest of the 13 acres on this site with more business expansion. It's the American way. If I can do it, other people with dreams can make it happen too."

Michigan Business Biography is a television news presentation sponsored by Industry Visions on The NBC 25 Morning News. The scope of the program is to present an up-close and personal insight into Michigan entrepreneurs that have developed successful businesses. Industry Visions broadcasts the lofty endeavors of American business that benefit humanity at home and around the world.