And Then There Was One
Do these names sound familiar? Barry, Biles, DeLorean, Fairchild, Ganley, Guthery Schreiber, Hale Zupan, Koepke, LaRiche, Lossman, Marc Lance, and Spitzer. They may not be if you were born after 1980. These new and/or used car dealerships dotted the Lakewood landscape for many years. Now only one full service dealership remains in Lakewood, Steve Barry Buick, located at 16000 Detroit Avenue.
How has Steve Barry Buick continued to thrive after 57 years? Owner Steve Barry says, "We're a family- oriented business that depends on our customers for our longevity and our success." Complete customer satisfaction in every transaction has been the goal since the family dealership was established in 1975.
From 1955 to 1966, father Stephen R. Barry was a Lincoln-Mercury dealer. In 1966, he bought Biles Buick which was located in the Detroit Avenue bulding which now serves as the office of U.S. Congressman Dennis Kucinich. Mr. Barry died in 1991 at the age of 67. His four sons and two daughters have carried the "family tradition" since that time. St. Edward High School graduates Steve, Mark, and Bruce operate the dealership now. Longtime Service Manager Al Ballas and his ASE and GM certified technicians offer complete service for all GM models and makes. "Like New" repairs are available at the collision center across the street. A good selection of pre-owned vehicles is also available in the lot on the south side of Detroit.
The dealership is also an engaged supporter of community activities. They are supporters of the Lakewood YMCA. The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce has honored them for their long-time membership. They have always encouraged Lakewood youth with their participation in the Halloween "Window painting" project. Barry Buick also has an annual Christmas meal and celebration for current and former customers. In return, the customers bring donations for the Lakewood Community Service Center. Barry Buick has contributed to Lakewood High and St. Edward Sports programs, and have generously given door prizes to neighborhood church groups.
The corporate trend to high volume mega-dealerships often results in inconvenience to custormers who must travel a significant distance for sales and service. Lakewood is fortunate to have a dedicated, customer oriented, centrally located dealership that has the respect and trust of so many loyal customers.