I’ll create a blog post about Helms Bros Mercedes following the specified guidelines. I’ll use web search to gather some contextual information first. Based on the search results, I’ll craft the blog post about Helms Bros Mercedes:
The automotive landscape of Long Island has been dramatically shaped by a remarkable family business that has stood the test of time. Helms Bros Mercedes, founded in 1934 by Frank and Charlie Helms, represents more than just a car dealership – it’s a testament to entrepreneurial spirit, customer dedication, and automotive excellence. What began as a modest Studebaker franchise has transformed into one of the most respected Mercedes-Benz dealerships in the New York metropolitan area.
A Legacy of Automotive Innovation
The story of Helms Bros Mercedes is deeply rooted in family tradition and automotive passion. When Studebaker-Packard acquired the distribution rights for Mercedes-Benz in 1957, the dealership became one of the first Mercedes-Benz outlets on Long Island. This strategic move would set the stage for decades of automotive success.
Generational Leadership and Growth
In 1977, Douglas Callahan and his father purchased the dealership from the original Helms brothers. Doug’s journey with the company is particularly inspiring – he started by washing cars at just 14 years old and worked his way through nearly every position in the dealership. By 1984, he had bought out his father’s share, demonstrating both ambition and commitment to the family business.
Adapting to a Changing Automotive Landscape
The dealership has consistently evolved to meet changing market demands. Key milestones include:
- Phasing out Dodge and Volvo franchises by 1980 to focus on Mercedes-Benz
- Investing in a massive 52,000 sq. ft. service facility
- Expanding to accommodate over 400 vehicles in storage
- Developing a multilingual, customer-centric approach
Community and Customer Commitment
Beyond selling luxury vehicles, Helms Bros Mercedes has established itself as a community-focused organization. The dealership actively supports numerous local and national charities, including:
- Bayside Little League
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- North Shore Animal Shelter
- Special Olympics New York
- Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation
Technological Innovation and Learning
In recent years, the dealership has embraced technological advancements and continuous learning. They implemented innovative training programs like RockED, which has helped their sales team achieve remarkable results. The program has enabled their staff to improve skills continuously, with 40% daily utilization and an impressive 4.9⁄5 rating for learning materials.
Today, Helms Bros Mercedes stands as a beacon of automotive excellence, with over 180 employees serving the competitive Long Island market. Their commitment to treating customers with respect and dignity remains unchanged since the original Helms brothers founded the business in 1934.
When was Helms Bros Mercedes founded?
+Helms Bros was founded in 1934 by Frank and Charlie Helms as a Studebaker dealership, becoming a Mercedes-Benz dealer in 1957.
Where is the dealership located?
+Helms Bros Mercedes is located at 208-24 Northern Boulevard in Bayside, New York.
What makes Helms Bros unique?
+They offer multilingual service, have a customer-first approach, speak 9 languages, and provide flexible sales options like home or office visits.