16
THAT WAS THEN, THIS IS NOW
September 2013
Where You Get More For Your Money
• 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty
• 5-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty
• 5-year/100,000-mile limited anti-perforation warranty
• 5-year/50,000-mile 24-hour roadside assistance*
KIA
416496 TWT0913
Back in 1959, longtime Es-
tacada resident JimWeston took a
chance, trading in his job coor-
dinating newspaper routes for a
career selling cars.
Now, althoughWeston is
retired, he keeps his nger on the
pulse of the business and con-
sults with his sons, Jay and Jan
who now run the family business
known today as Weston Buick Kia
GMC.
A third generation has even
joined in. Jan’s sons Jacob and Josh
are learning the trade.
Weston built his business with
equal parts sweat and word of
mouth. As a salesman for the for-
mer Vic Bowman Pontiac GMC
in Oregon City, he rose through
the ranks, being promoted to
sales manager within eight years.
Soon after, he moved up to general
manager.
By 1975, Weston was ready to
go solo and purchased a failing
Pontiac GMC Jeep dealership on
East Burnside Road in Gresham.
He put his name - which had be-
come trusted in the industry - on
the business.
JimWeston Pontiac took o
like a rocket. e dealership went
from last place in the region for
sales to rst place within one
month of opening.
After 12 years at the Burnside
location, Weston Pontiac GMC
opened a showroom and service
department on Southeast Stark
Street. In 2000, the dealership
celebrated 25 years in business and
the new millennium by adding
a Kia franchise across the street
at the intersection of Southeast
223rd Avenue and Stark Street.
In 2006, the company moved
the Kia dealership to a new
building at what was once Zim’s
12-mile corner.
Under Weston’s leadership, his
dream of owning a successful car
dealership has resulted in decades
of satis ed customers. Now, more
than 38 years later, the Weston
name is still known for quality and
its ties to the community. Weston
remains a notable name as spon-
sor for area athletic teams and a
benefactor for area nonpro ts and
organizations serving the com-
munity.
“My dad always said, ‘We sell
cars, but we’re in the people busi-
ness,’” said Jan Weston, dealership
chairman and CEO.“...Our job
is to help the customer nd the
truck or car that ts their need.
We’re all about relationships. We
truly appreciate all of our custom-
ers and want them to know how
thankful we are that they choose
to do business with us.”
223rd & Stark • Gresham 503.665.2166 buyweston.com westonkia.com
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Left to Right - Jim Weston,
Jay Weston & Jan Weston
Jay & Jan Weston
Left to Right - Jan Weston, Jacob Weston ( Jan’s son), Jay Weston
Former Jim Weston Pontiac location on Burnside in Gresham
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