CLUTCH MOVES

THIS SEASONED EXEC SHARES SECRETS TO RUNNING THE OLDEST SUBARU/KIA DEALERSHIP IN THE STATE

BY JESSICA JONES GORMAN • PHOTOS BY ROBERT NUZZIE

Scott Harvey has always been fascinated by cars. In high school he began detailing and accessorizing them, and by the time he was in his early 20s he’d launched a career in sales at a luxury car dealership in Monmouth County. After working the way up to management, he was offered the opportunity to run the entire dealership.

“I’ve always had a passion for motor vehicles, so this industry was a natural fit for me,” Harvey noted. But after a few years, he made a U turn of sorts choosing to join a large public company in the boating industry, and ran one of New Jersey’s largest boat dealerships.

“I learned a lot about financials and accountability there, but I missed the auto industry immensely,” he recalled.

So, he returned to his roots managing a couple of luxury car dealerships before forging an agreement in 2016 with Bruce Coleman, the second generation owner of Coleman Subaru & Kia in Ewing.

“Bruce was readying to retire, so we formed a partnership,” Harvey said. “My wife Robin and I assumed full ownership of the dealership when he eventually retired in 2019.”

Purchasing the oldest Subaru/Kia operation in the state and the third oldest in the United States quickly proved advantageous: The family owned and operated business had a solid reputation with area residents, and while Harvey changed the name to Scott Harvey Auto Group and Collision Center, he kept Coleman’s “family run” concept.

“My wife and I are here five…six days a week, and my son, Ryan, recently finished studying at Monmouth University and came here to work in the service department,” said Harvey. “My son in law, Dennis, is our collision center manager and our youngest daughter, Mackenzie, works in the accounting office. It was important for me to continue this business as family owned, because that fosters trust. My own personal cell phone number is on every business card I hand to clients, because the goal is to make certain that buying and servicing a vehicle here is different than any other car experience you’ve ever had.”

Harvey boasts, for example, of high Google quality scores for the business, as well as top ranking endorsements from third party partners like JD Power and Associates, Kelley Blue Book, and the National Insurance Institute of Highway Safety.

“Our cars out score most other manufacturers in terms of safety and value, so I’m proud to represent both of these phenomenal brands,” he said. “It’s a beautiful mix when you take an owner operated family style dealership and combine it with award winning vehicles.”

Situated on six acres of property and featuring over 300 cars on its lot, the business features a large showroom and a latest tech service department with all new equipment and company certified personnel.

“We use only factory authorized parts and technicians,” he added. “Hopefully our clients never need it, but we also maintain a full service collision center and offer insurance on anything car related. We are a one stop shop, because life is hectic; this piece of equipment should take you to and from work and get your kids back and forth from school. You shouldn’t have to worry about taking care of it…we’ll do that.”

The dealership was also the recipient of the 2019 Subaru Love Promise Customer Commitment Award a recognition for demonstrated excellence in all areas of customer performance.

“The award highlights exceptional service,” said Harvey. “That’s something extremely important to me as an owner. Every employee who works on this property has to sign the “Scott Harvey Promise,” which states that they will respect each customer, never taking advantage or pressuring someone into a sale. In my opinion, it’s that type of treatment and satisfaction that makes buyers return,” adding that brand reputation for safety is an additional and pivotal draw.

“When you cross shop other brands, our price point is the same or lower, and our models have some of the highest safety certifications on the road,” he explained.

“We treat Subaru and Kia customers the same way I treated guests in the luxury car environment,” Harvey replied when asked to compare past and present sales experiences. “We offer loaner cars, food and beverages in the customer lounge, and free car washes. I think those added touches make a big impact.”

The co owner also indicated that he would consider expansion if the right product mix becomes available.

“I’m very particular about who I partner with,” he said. “I need to believe in the brand before I can represent it.” At the moment, though, Harvey is focused on maintaining his family run operation.

“As the years click on, I would love for my kids to take more active roles,” he concluded. “And I’m very proud to say my grandson, Lincoln, is already showing a passion for cars…maybe one day he’ll work here too!”

Scott Harvey Auto Group and Collision Center
1710 N. Olden Avenue, Ewing
609.883.2800 / scottharveycars.com