Stocks have tumbled.
Real estate isn't what it was.
But individualized service is as valuable as ever, car dealer Michael Rowen believes.
That's why Rowen is optimistic about the future of his Michael's Motor Cars, which recently finished renovating its 922 N. Queen St. building.
The firm, which was marking completion of the work with a ribbon cutting at 5 p.m. today, serves as a personal car shopper for customers, finding exactly what they ordered.
"It's a neat business model that works whether the economy is good or bad," said Rowen.
Michael's Motor Cars also sells collectible cars and offers temperature-controlled, secure car storage at the 10,000-square-foot building, formerly home to Aument Brakes.
But the bulk of its business is serving customers who don't have time to visit dealer lots.
Instead, they meet with Rowen, who takes down exactly what the customer wants and finds it for them.
Rowen said he sells those vehicles for "a little less" than the usual retail prices, passing on the advantages he gains from having low overhead expenses.
His typical customers want vehicles that are two or three years old, priced from $6,000 to $45,000. They order everything from Ford minivans to commercial trucks to Ferraris.
"People assume we do (only) high-end cars. But I do a lot of regular cars. My average car is a $20,000 car," explained Rowen.
Rowen, who also is vice president of the School District of Lancaster school board, started Michael's Motor Cars after stints as a vice president of Susquehanna Glass and owner of Great European Motors.
Opened eight years ago on Columbia Avenue, he moved the four-employee business to Queen Street in October 2006, then began renovating the building, with the guidance of designer Tom DePaul. Rowen has invested more than $500,000 in the property.
Now that the work is done, said Rowen, the ribbon cutting event will be "our coming out party."
Staff writer Tim Mekeel can be reached at tmekeel@LNPnews.com or 481-6030.
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