Mazda of Everett opened its new location a little more than three months ago in Everett, just a short distance from its old lot on Highway 99.
Jerry McCann, president/dealer principal, worked for months with the Mazda corporate design team on the details of the site at 11409 Highway 99.
“This is the prototype store for all of the Mazda stores,” McCann said. “All the Mazda dealerships in the U.S. going forward will be modeled after this format. It turned out really cool.”
The $6 million project includes a state-of-the-art building, 14 service bays, a waiting area for customers and massive video display and glass offices for the sales staff.
The new lot is also far more spacious than the old location. The dealership went from 6,500- to 19,000-square-feet and can hold about 500 vehicles. The lot employs 44.
McCann leased his previous lot about a half mile north from the new site. He purchased the former Moss Trucking property in 2013 for his new dealership.
“It’s kind of nice to come to work when you know it’s your store and your property,” McCann said.
This is the latest of several dealerships in Snohomish County to move into newer, remodeled locations including three in Marysville.
McCann grew up in Everett and went to Mariner High School just a short distance from his new lot. He began his career selling cars at Roy Robinson Chevrolet in Marysville and worked his way through the ranks. He purchased his own dealership, Bellingham Hyundai, in 2000 and ran that operation until 2004.
During that time, he also became a part owner in Whidbey Island Volkswagen Mazda.
Ten years ago, Mazda was looking at opening a new store in Everett. The company had one in town years before, but it had closed.
McCann jumped at chance at a dealership in Everett, in part because it is his hometown and in part because it was a larger market.
His old lot in south Everett was close to several other dealerships. McCann said he likes having separation from the other businesses.
“Where we were it was kind of like an automall,” McCann said. “I wasn’t sure if I’d like (moving south) or not, but I found I really like it. When the customer is here, they’re not looking across the street to another dealership.”
McCann praised G2 Construction of Marysville for the construction on the project as well as the city of Everett and Snohomish County. He said he’s glad that he’s done with the project.
“The good thing is I don’t have to worry about that anymore,” McCann said. “It’s been nice just focusing on the business.”
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