Today we’d like to introduce you to Falon Wiesner-Jones.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
John Wiesner was born in Richmond, Texas, and attended Hempstead High School, where he met his wife, the late Elizabeth Sorsby. The couple graduated from Southern Methodist University after marrying their sophomore years and raised three sons.
Wiesner began his career as a salesman for his father-in-law at Sorsby Chevrolet in Hempstead. After working in all areas of the dealership, he bought the business; he then purchased the Chevrolet franchise in Baytown.
In 1972, Wiesner acquired the Buick Pontiac GMC franchise in Conroe and John Wiesner, Inc. was born. The company began with 10 employees, three of whom quit in the first week, to at one point having more than 500 employees, with multiple locations.
In 1984, the company moved to 1645 I-45 North, the flagship location, in Conroe.
Wiesner added the Hyundai franchise and later opened Conroe Collision Center in 1988.
The Huntsville dealership opened in 1994 and the Chevrolet franchise was acquired soon after. Wiesner purchased Tomball Dodge, as well as Wiesner Dodge Rosenberg, Wiesner Chevrolet Oldsmobile Rosenberg, and Wiesner Pontiac Cadillac GMC Rosenberg, in 1997, all of which were sold in the early 2000s.
The Wiesner name is synonymous with loyalty and excellence. Workforce retention has always been important to Wiesner, and a dozen of his employees have worked for him since the ‘70s and ’80s. The organization’s high expectations are evident in its significant accomplishments, which include: No. 1 GMC Retail Suburban Sales in Nation, 1990-94; No. 1 GMC Retail Sierra Sales in Nation, 1991-96; No. 1 GMC Total Retail Sales in Texas for eight years; No. 2 GMC Total Retail Sales in Nation for five years; Houston Business Journal’s No. 8 Family Owned Business of Top 50 in Houston; Time Magazine Quality Dealer Award, 1997; Texas Automotive Dealers Association’s Key Award Outstanding Director, 1998-99; and General Motors’ Mark of Excellence Award. Wiesner was president of the Texas Gulf Coast Pontiac Dealers, the GMC Truck Dealers Advertising Associations and served on the National Dealer Council for General Motors.
Wiesner believes in giving back to the community and is a proponent of development and progress for Montgomery and surrounding counties. He served on many boards and was vital in establishing the Lone Star College System in Montgomery County. Wiesner chaired the committee that created North Harris Montgomery Community College District in 1991 and continues to serve on its Foundation Board. He also served as chairman for Lake Conroe and The Woodlands Chambers, Montgomery County Appraisal District, Conroe Regional Medical Center Hospital, and is on the Board of Directors for the Conroe Symphony Orchestra.
Wiesner’s son, Don Edd, became Dealer in 2014 and proudly continues the family legacy. He operates the company with the same principles and values upon which it was founded. John Wiesner’s visionary business approach, appreciation for and dedication to his employees and customers, and commitment to his community has led to John Wiesner, Inc.’s longevity. The company’s strong foundation will continue its trajectory of growth, helping it to face the challenges that lie ahead in this exciting, dynamic industry.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
We have faced many challenges along the way. For example, in 1972, the company began with 10 employees, three of whom quit in the first week!
It certainly has been a tumultuous past 45 years, but with dedication, support of an incredible team, and playing by the rules, it has been very rewarding and worth every struggle along the way.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
We are an automobile dealer who offers the full General Motors lineup (Buick, GMC, Chevrolet, Cadillac) as well as Hyundai, Genesis and Isuzu Medium Duty Trucks. We also have a Pre-Owned department.
We have two locations. One in Conroe, Texas and one in Huntsville, Texas.
We offer state-of-the art service departments to our customers and our goal is to provide a completely satisfying experience. We also offer a Commercial Truck Body Shop.
We are most proud of being family owned and operated and having been in the business since 1930.
Currently, Don E. Wiesner, who is the third generation, oversees the store with the help of his daughters.
Lauren Wiesner-Blackmon (Finance Director) and Falon Wiesner-Jones (Director of Public Relations).
We are also very proud of our employee retention as many have been employed 25 plus years.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I think we experience the proudest moment every day. It is so rewarding to come to the office and be greeted by our smiling, happy employees. It brings a sense of pride and joy knowing that we continue to work so hard to maintain this company, not for ourselves, but so that the employees can continue to provide for their families. Our employees are our greatest assets.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1645 I-45 North
Conroe, Texas 77304 - Website: www.wiesnerauto.com
- Phone: 936-523-6800
- Email: falon_wiesner@wiesnerauto.com
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