By Cheryl Dennison onSuccess
It’s fitting that the former Patsy Lou Williamson Automotive Group, now Shea Automotive Group in Flint Township, is owned by a woman. Stacy Fields, along with partners, purchased the dealership in May of 2019. “I thank Patsy Lou Williamson and the late Don Williamson for the opportunity,” says Fields. “We implemented new management to build our own unique team.” According to Fields, Shea Automotive wanted to improve the culture at the dealership and be more customer oriented. “We feel like we are making great strides,” she reports. “We have spent the last six months perfecting our foundation so we can deliver better service to the community.”
And with 189 employees at the GM dealership that includes Chevrolet (new and used), Buick/GMC, Mega Lot (used cars from both stores), Certified Pre-Owned Chevrolet, Service Department, Maintenance Department, Service for Medium Duty trucks and Body Shop, Fields boasts of having a dynamic team. “It takes a joint effort to keep a place of this size running smoothly on a daily basis,” she admits. “We are only as good as our team.”
As a woman, it is important to Fields that women feel confident when doing business with Shea Automotive Group. There are several women in key positions at the dealership, including Service Director, Illyana Bevins. Connie Glavin is one of Shea Automotive Group’s top salespeople. “We empower our women employees to educate and serve the community,” says Fields. “And it is very important to us that our women customers feel comfortable and educated in the buying and service process. It’s part of our mantra here.”
Once a month, the dealership plans to host Women’s Empowerment Night, when the female management team will provide valuable information for women about their automobiles.
“It is very important to us that our women customers feel comfortable and educated in the buying and service processes.”
Stacy Fields
It is the new owner’s goal to build a family-like atmosphere for both staff and customers, and to become involved in the community. Shea Automotive Group is happy to be hosting the Kick-off Cruise-In for the 48th Annual Sloan Museum Auto Fair in June. There will be 150 classic cars on display at the dealership. They are also very excited about their huge Grand Opening Celebration which will be held in mid-May. Shea Automotive has supported other community activities such as Hurley’s Pink Night Palooza and Whaley’s World’s Greatest Office Party, to name a few.
Fields has prior experience in industrial real estate sales and development. “My previous career prepared me for the technicalities of owning a dealership, as well as the intricate part of dealing with the manufacturers. It has helped me prepare the company for growth and making sure key people are in place,” she notes. And so far, being at the helm of the dealership has been a very enjoyable experience for her. With a hands-on approach, Fields doesn’t just sit behind a desk every day. She has an open-door policy and is out greeting customers and making sure they have a good experience. “We are getting a lot of positive feedback!” she exclaims. “It is important to me, personally, that I sit and talk with our customers.”
What does the future hold for Shea Automotive Group? Fields has enjoyed getting involved in the community and learning about it. “It’s exciting! We are one of the largest GM dealerships in the area! There is a large opportunity here for us to grow the dealership, as well as support the community. We are building a solid foundation for success in the future.”
