Since becoming the first Kia dealership in Indiana more than 20 years ago, Thomas Kia of Highland has set an example of how a dealership should provide unmatched customer service and give back to the communities they serve.
“We try and help different organizations numerous times throughout the year,” said Tom Seely, general manager of Thomas Kia of Highland. “Right now, we’re working with the Duneland Boys & Girls Club to collect as many shoes as we can for the Kenya Real Shoe Drive.”
The shoe drive is just one of the many charitable givebacks the dealership supports. Earlier this year, they donated funding to the Chesterton Fire Department, the Lake County Humane Society, and Lakeshore PAWS.
“We were able to help Lakeshore PAWS with some social media marketing for an event they were hosting,” Seely said. “We had three of the people here at the dealership adopt dogs from that organization. It was neat to see the dogs get their forever home with our employees.”
One day last year, the Thomas Kia team met one afternoon to put together essential bags for people who are homeless. The bags consisted of toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, combs, socks, and other items to help those in need get through the winter.
“We took the bags to a few different homeless shelters in the Chicago area and passed them out,” he said. “It was very rewarding and to me. It really demonstrated what we can do as a team when we come and utilize all of our resources together to help out.”
For Thomas Kia, lending a helping hand to local organizations is a priority.
“Giving back is something we have to do,” Seely said. “Everyone here is so fortunate with what we have and where we’re all at and to live in this country. If we can give back, even a little bit, I mean gosh - it makes a difference in the world.”
If you ask any of the staff at Thomas Kia of Highland what they love most about the dealership - they’ll say it’s the family aspect of the company. It’s that facet of the business that makes the team want to join forces to help organizations across the Region and the Chicagoland area.
“One of the best attributes of this dealership, in my opinion, is that it feels like family,” he said. “Any time one of our team members comes to us asking if we can help a specific organization, we find a way to do so.”
It’s not every day you hear of a car dealership who really gets to the root of community giving and support, but that is a precedent set by owners of Thomas Kia of Highland decades ago. It’s one that will likely live on for decades to come.
To learn more about Thomas Kia of Highland call (219)-934-2266 or visit them online.