The Weston Way

This month, Jan Weston and the Weston family celebrate the 50th anniversary of their dealerships in Gresham. With an iconic location and a reputation as one of the best places to work — and by quiet, generous giving — the Weston company continues to be an example of service and community.

By FAITH STEWART

In a world where businesses often chase profits above all else, the Weston family has built a lasting legacy founded on service, faith, and community. For fifty years, Weston Pontiac Buick GMC and Weston Kia in Gresham, Oregon have been more than just a family of car dealerships — they’ve been a symbol of unwavering dedication to people, loyalty, and a belief that doing good is not only the right thing to do, but the most rewarding.

Early newspaper man

Jim Weston, founder of Weston dealerships. This photo is on the desk of employee Diego Williams.

After serving in the Oregon Army National Guard, Jim Weston went to work for The Oregon Journal, managing delivery routes. One day, a family friend told him he thought he would make an excellent car salesman. In September of 1959 he was hired as a sales trainee by the Pontiac-GMC dealer in Oregon City. Jim was employed by that dealership for more than 14 years, and was promoted several times while learning all the ins and outs of the car business, eventually working his way up to General Manager. In 1974, he learned of a failing dealership in Gresham and was able to work out a way to buy it. With the help and prayers of family and friends, Jim, his wife Sharon and their three children, Jay, Jan and Jeni became the owners of Weston Pontiac GMC in Gresham on February 1st, 1975. The business was located on Burnside and operated from that location for the first 12 years. Jim’s son Jan remembers going to work with his dad after school was out in June, washing cars and scrubbing floors, doing whatever needed to be done. His brother Jay worked at the mill in Estacada for a couple of years before coming to work at the dealership.

Sudden reversal

Jim had a 7-year lease with a 5-year option to renew, and had been discussing purchasing the Burnside location from the owner starting in about the 8th year. The talks had gone well, and architectural and engineering plans had even been drawn up since it looked like a clear path forward. About 4 months before the 12-year lease term was ending, at the end of August in 1986, he received a letter from the property owner that started, “Jim, as you know, I have no intention of selling the property…” which was a shocking total reversal. The owner had changed his mind, and Jim still had to be out by January 31st, 1987 at midnight.

Discouraged, Jim called his sons Jan and Jay into the office to show them the letter and ask what they wanted to do. “What do you guys think? Should we just wind it down and go do something else?” They all agreed not to give up, and that they needed to find a way to keep going as there were 70 employees to think about besides themselves and their own family. It felt like an insurmountable challenge and impossible timeline, but miracles were about to happen.

Glimmer of hope

The few parcels of land for sale around Gresham were pretty small, but there was a derelict berry field on Stark Street by Zim’s Twelve Mile Corner. Jim was curious and stopped in front of the property, which had the right zoning and looked like it might be large enough for what he needed. He noticed an old faded plywood sign that had blown over and was laying on the ground. It said “7.35 ACRES FOR SALE” with a phone number. Calling the number, he discovered the property was still available and was owned by two attorneys along with the estate of a third. So he was dealing with three parties essentially, which is never simple. Incredibly, within 3 days they had struck a deal.

Needing to find a way to buy the land and put up a building, Jim reached out to the local GMAC branch where he knew the manager very well, having worked together since the Oregon City days. It was going to take about $2.5 million to buy the property and build, and GMAC was able to put the financing package together within 10 days.

Next he needed a contractor. Jim went to talk with P & C Construction in downtown Gresham. They were closely connected with an architect and an engineering firm and thought they could help. Everyone worked together quickly to come up with drawings and plans. Blueprints in hand, the last hurdle was going to the City of Gresham, which would typically be a 6 month review process. It was now September. Within an unheard of two weeks, the City signed off on everything and they were cleared to go ahead.

“Way too perfect”

Retelling the details, Jan says he is positive it all came together so quickly and smoothly because there were so many people praying for them. It was just way too perfect to be a coincidence. With all hands helping, it was a scramble moving pieces of the operation to multiple temporary locations all over Gresham while the new building was going up, and on June 1st, 1987 they moved into their brand new headquarters at 22555 SE Stark Street.

An image of the Weston Buick-GMC building on Stark Street in Gresham.
The Weston Buick-GMC building on Stark Street in Gresham.

“Character building phase”

Director of Fixed Operations, Dan Schofield, has been part of the Weston dealership family since 1982. He remembers how Jim let him know about the plans for moving and building in 1987, with Jim telling him, “We’re entering a character building phase.” Dan said what was clearest to him at the time was that “God had His hand on the whole thing – they did it in 6 months.”

Now, 50 years from the date their dad started Weston Pontiac GMC, Jan as CFO, and Jay as CEO run the business while Jan’s sons Joshua and Jacob are training to take their place one day. Jim Weston passed away at the end of 2016.

The Weston Dealerships’ mission statement: “To genuinely serve our customers, community and employees with the highest degree of honesty, integrity, quality and respect in order to establish lifelong relationships. A customer is the most important visitor on our premises!”

The Kia dealership opportunity came along in 1999, when the district manager for Kia approached the Westons about opening a store. He talked to Jay, who was not that interested at the time. Really wanting to have a Kia dealership on the east side, the representative persisted, and Kia ended up making it so simple and low risk for them to get started that they decided to go for it. Initially the Kia operation was set up across the street from the Pontiac-GMC store on a small lot, but it wasn’t too long before it was clear they were going to need more space. 

The Zimmerman family owned the Twelve Mile Corner property at 223rd and Stark (named for being exactly 12 miles from Portland’s City Hall). Carl Zimmerman had told his wife, Ada, years before he passed away in 1959, that she should never sell their properties. But, Jim talked to her and she decided to sell this one property to him. In 2006, the Kia operation moved to this new location. The Kia dealership ended up being a big part of keeping everyone afloat during some of the more challenging times ahead.

“In the people business

The Westons’ 135 employees and their families are a vital part of the business. One of the first things Jan remembers his dad saying about the dealership was “We’re not in the car business, we’re in the people business.” His philosophy was that it’s most important to get to know people and build a relationship with them, then help them buy a car when they need one. This applies to the average 225 customers a day between the two dealerships, with 90% of them coming in for service. Great care is taken to ensure ongoing connections are made and well maintained.

Long-term employees

Multiple long term employees are a sign that a business is doing something right. Several of the service technicians have been at Weston longer than 40 years – Brian Vail the longest, at 46 years.

Dan Schofield will have 43 years being part of the Weston family this year. He explained using the leadership approach from Ken Blanchard’s classic book “The One Minute Manager” and training staff to be empowered by asking “What would Dan do?” because he in turn applies the question “What would Jan do?” to his own work.

Dan Schofield has been with Weston dealerships for nearly 43 years.

Dan tells a favorite story with Jay. “Years ago, there was a business conference over in Beaverton. Jay told me to ‘be sure to wear your sportcoat tomorrow.’ So the next day I get in the van with all the department heads, and Jay starts handing out tickets. These tickets were different colors. ‘Why’s Dan’s ticket a different color?’ one of the guys asked. ‘Well that’s because Dan’s going to be on the stage with the President of the United States,’ Jay answered. And I was like, ‘Excuse me? What?’” Dan laughs at the memory. Jay is a big, strong guy but he has never liked the spotlight. Dan said when they reached the event, it was 90 degrees out and the main ticket line stretched around the building. Not the special ticket line though. There were only two people in that line, and as the Secret Service directed Dan through the metal detector, they said “Thank you Jay, put your phone right here and walk on through.” So he did. He ended up in a seat with a sign that said ‘Jay Weston’ and soon he found himself shaking hands with the President, who asked “How are you doing, young man?” and when Dan had a chance to glance over in Jay’s direction, he was in the balcony giving two thumbs up with a great big smile.

Dan continues, “I adore Jay and Jan. I would do this for free. It doesn’t feel like work. I come in, get to work, and then I look up and it’s 6:30 at night, time to go home. Blessed beyond imagination to work with the Westons. Jan is a champ. He loves music, plays the bass guitar in the group at his church. They’ve both done so much for people that no one knows about. They maintain lifelong relationships. The mission statement really exemplifies what we do here.” After working as a service tech for 20 years (and inspired by the competitive spirit between himself and his identical twin Don, who had chosen a more white collar career path), Dan decided to get a degree. He worked full time at Weston and went to night school too, getting his bachelor’s degree in 18 months and then finishing his master’s 18 months later. Jay and Jan heard about this during Dan’s last term and decided it was time to promote him into the spot from which another longtime employee had just retired: Director of Fixed Operations.

The Weston dealerships were recognized as one of the “Best 500 Businesses to Work for in Oregon” a few years back. Ross Ames, who has been with the Westons for over 30 years, tells the story of going along to a dinner with about 1,500 people at the Convention Center a few years ago. They did not know they were about to be awarded first place for a business of their size, and when their name was announced, Jay Weston leaned over to Ross and said “Go up there and accept the award.” Ross explains, “They just never want to take the credit, they’re so humble. Generous to a fault, always helping, always donating where there’s a need. They really care about the community as a whole and the individuals in it. None of us know all of it, we just get glimpses.”

“I feel more like family”

Diego Williams has been with the dealership for nine years. (Photo Mike Wiley)

Nine-year employee, Diego Williams tells his story, “When I moved to Oregon in 2007, Weston was the first place I went to for service. I was always treated kindly by the staff and instantly became a loyal customer. Over the next few years, I purchased four vehicles. I became friends with some of the employees and always felt that I was in good hands. In 2016, one of my friends suggested that I apply for a sales position. Because of the stigma surrounding a ‘car salesman’ I was hesitant but did it anyway and have been a Weston employee since. I’ve seen the Westons sponsor many community events since I’ve lived in the area, and in my time working here I have been part of quite a few of them. They give back to the community more than anyone I know. The Westons truly care about the community and their employees. I feel more like a part of a family than an employee.” On his desk, Diego has a customer-facing picture frame with photos of Jim Weston both as a young man (where he looks much like Jan’s son, Jacob) and later in Jim’s life.  He can then share the Weston story with people who sit down at his desk. Diego explained, “I never got to meet him, but I’ve heard many stories about what a great man he was. I thought it would be a nice way to honor him.” Jan recalls being so impressed when he first noticed it, that Diego would so thoughtfully recognize his dad that way.

The Weston dealerships’ entire team is family. Family takes care of each other. On facing tough times like the downturn in the late 2000’s, Jan said, “When you see the economy start to go down it’s hard. With all the scary unknowns, you just have to know that God will take care of things. It may not look the same, or the way you thought you wanted it to, but you’re going to be OK.”

Watching for widows

Following the example their dad showed them, Jan and Jay find great joy in being able to help other people. They don’t wish to draw attention to themselves so the full scope of those who have benefited is unknown. Jan and Jay have trained the entire team as well to keep an eye out to help where they see a need. Jan explained he’s very tuned in to helping widows as they are dealing with their loss. “They’ll come in for an oil change or service and I won’t charge them. I really think it’s a way that you can be obedient to God, and it really blesses people.”

Red fire truck

The Westons have a cherry red 1954 fire engine that’s a familiar sight around Gresham. During the COVID pandemic, employee Brad Roe came up with the idea of using it to help celebrate birthdays and other special events in the community with drive-bys, since traditional celebrations were on hold. On March 2nd, Roe will celebrate 38 years with Weston. On the Gresham Helping Gresham Facebook page, he coordinates a weekly $50 restaurant gift card giveaway. Nearly all of these gift cards are supplied by the Weston dealerships, and occasionally a restaurant will throw in an extra one. “Everybody loves food,” Brad laughs. “Doing this can make a difference and it provides positive exposure.” This began as a small way to support the local restaurant community during COVID, and has been so popular that it continues today. Brad works remotely from central Oregon since relocating earlier in 2024, handling the GM car orders online, dealer trades and keeping in touch with people. He averages 3-5 calls a day from longtime customers who know they can count on him.

Ask for more

The Westons support many local organizations, one of which is Pink Sistas, a non-profit supporting women with breast cancer led by Deb Hart. (Photo Mike Wiley)

The Westons support many local events and organizations. One of their favorites, run by Deb Hart, is the nonprofit Pink Sistas breast cancer support group. Deb shared how she approached Jan Weston 13 years ago with her idea. He said, “Tell me your story,” and Deb detailed how she had just gone through the sudden loss of her 22-year old son and been diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer, all in the same year. She had a vision to start a charity that could inspire and support other women facing breast cancer, and was asking for a very minimal donation to get started. Jan advised her, “You’ve got to learn how to ask,” encouraging her to think bigger, while agreeing to help. Since then, Weston Dealerships has been a tremendous supporter and allowed the Pink Sistas to offer free retreats to fighters and survivors on their very special pink and blue “party barge” pontoon boat, which was acquired with help from the Westons. Deb says of Jan, “He’s not just a sponsor, he’s my friend. Jan is super compassionate.”

A family legacy

Jan’s sons Jacob and Josh are now integral parts of the Weston organization. (Photo Faith Stewart)

Jim Weston was well known for his generous heart. A man of quiet faith, he would often tell his children that the most fun a person can ever have, is found in giving to others. He never missed an opportunity to give, help, advise, and make life easier for other people if he could see a way. Good things happen when your focus is on helping others, and the Weston family feels blessed to be able to make a difference. Jay adds, “We’d like to thank the community for their support for the past 50 years, and hope to keep the relationships going forward.”

50th Anniversay

For 50 years, Weston Buick GMC and Weston Kia have been more than just a family-owned car dealerships — they have been a steadfast example of faith, community and generosity. Through every challenge, every change, and every triumph, the Westons have stayed true to their guiding principle: we’re not in the car business, we’re in the people business. Their legacy of service, humility, and giving back isn’t just a testament to their success—it’s a blueprint for how to build a business that lasts.

Looking forward, the Westons are committed to continuing their tradition of excellence in service, faith, and community involvement for generations to come. Their story is proof that when a business is built on principles of integrity and genuine care for others, success is not measured in sales — but in the lives impacted and the relationships formed along the way. HVN