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Every day, thousands of central Illinois residents see and hear his name, and on Jan. 27, his name was called out at as an award winner at the East Peoria Chamber of Commerce Dinner.
Gary Uftring, dealer principal and president of the Uftring Auto Group, had his chain of automobile dealerships chosen as Company of the Year for 2012 by the East Peoria Chamber. The auto group, which has six locations throughout the region, does business in East Peoria at one of their locations.
“Gary could have located almost anywhere, but he decided to build in East Peoria,” said Rick Swan, executive director for the East Peoria Chamber of Commerce. “Through the good times and bad, he’s weathered the storm and stayed there and been a real anchor for that end of town.”
For Uftring, his love of cars began as a hobby and turned into a career that has positively impacted the entire central Illinois region.
“He truly has a passion for cars,” said Jim Weber, the collision centers director for the Uftring Auto Group. “I’ve never seen someone with his passion in the automobile industry.”
His passion for cars goes outside of his work, as he owns a collection of antique automobiles.
“He just loves cars, all cars,” said Weber. “He has a collection of antique and collector’s vehicles from the 1930s, 40s, 50s and 60s and loves those vehicles and looks back at the way the automobile has evolved and its conception.”
After getting his start in the automobile industry in his hometown of Minonk, he worked his way up in the business over the next few years before purchasing a dealership in Washington in 1982.
From there, Uftring has gone on to open five more dealerships throughout the greater Peoria area. He also runs 13 different franchises, which include General Motors, Ford and Chrysler, as well as a number of foreign imports.
Even more important is the fact that more than 400 people are currently employed at the different Uftring stores and dealerships throughout the area.
Despite his success, Weber said Uftring continues to work long hours, which can be attributed to his love for cars.
“Gary doesn’t really have set hours,” Weber said. “ When he’s here working, he’s in his office every day, and he’s usually in every morning and stays until later in the evening.
“He’s just so passionate about the car business. If he’s in the office, he’s doing something work-related and if he’s at home, he’ll be on his laptop reading (car) information,” Weber added.
Every day, thousands of central Illinois residents see and hear his name, and on Jan. 27, his name was called out at as an award winner at the East Peoria Chamber of Commerce Dinner.
Gary Uftring, dealer principal and president of the Uftring Auto Group, had his chain of automobile dealerships chosen as Company of the Year for 2012 by the East Peoria Chamber. The auto group, which has six locations throughout the region, does business in East Peoria at one of their locations.
“Gary could have located almost anywhere, but he decided to build in East Peoria,” said Rick Swan, executive director for the East Peoria Chamber of Commerce. “Through the good times and bad, he’s weathered the storm and stayed there and been a real anchor for that end of town.”
For Uftring, his love of cars began as a hobby and turned into a career that has positively impacted the entire central Illinois region.
“He truly has a passion for cars,” said Jim Weber, the collision centers director for the Uftring Auto Group. “I’ve never seen someone with his passion in the automobile industry.”
His passion for cars goes outside of his work, as he owns a collection of antique automobiles.
“He just loves cars, all cars,” said Weber. “He has a collection of antique and collector’s vehicles from the 1930s, 40s, 50s and 60s and loves those vehicles and looks back at the way the automobile has evolved and its conception.”
After getting his start in the automobile industry in his hometown of Minonk, he worked his way up in the business over the next few years before purchasing a dealership in Washington in 1982.
From there, Uftring has gone on to open five more dealerships throughout the greater Peoria area. He also runs 13 different franchises, which include General Motors, Ford and Chrysler, as well as a number of foreign imports.
Even more important is the fact that more than 400 people are currently employed at the different Uftring stores and dealerships throughout the area.
Despite his success, Weber said Uftring continues to work long hours, which can be attributed to his love for cars.
“Gary doesn’t really have set hours,” Weber said. “ When he’s here working, he’s in his office every day, and he’s usually in every morning and stays until later in the evening.
“He’s just so passionate about the car business. If he’s in the office, he’s doing something work-related and if he’s at home, he’ll be on his laptop reading (car) information,” Weber added.
In addition to his work ethic, both Weber and Swan said his integrity and care for customers stands out in the business community.
“The most important thing about him is honesty and integrity,” Weber said. “In commercials, he says ‘We wouldn’t sell it to our family if we wouldn’t sell it to yours.’ He truly feels that way. His goal is to do business with honesty and integrity and to provide value for the price he charges.
“He’s truly a quality individual,” Weber added.
Swan agreed with Weber’s sentiments.
“Gary’s the type of guy that cars have been his passion, whenever you talk to him or anyone that works for him, you sense that pride in what he does,” Swan said. “That passion just flows when you walk into one of his stores or facilities. It’s customer first. It’s all about how he can better serve the customer.”
While many in the community are aware of Uftring’s passion and integrity, he quietly gives back to charitable efforts across the area.
“He’s a very charitable person. People don’t realize how much he gives back to the community,” Weber said. “He’s involved in Peoria Promise, the Red Cross, United Way and donates to a lot of charitable events.”
Weber added that Uftring created an employee group called Uftring Ambassadors that gives back to the area.
“We have a group of people from all the dealerships that looks for ways to give back to the community,” he said.
Among the activities the Uftring Ambassadors have helped with include working on vehicles for the Festival of Lights, assisting with painting at the Neighborhood House and working at the Peoria Rescue Mission.
“Gary gives more back to the community from his car dealership than anyone I can think of,” said Weber.
All of the attributes of Uftring and his auto group led to it being named the Company of the Year for 2012.
Swan added that his East Peoria Auto Mall also makes a great first impression for those heading across the river.
“When you cross the bridge, the first thing you see (in East Peoria) is the auto mall,” he said. “It’s always looking its best, and Gary is a great partner for the community.”
