Kirk Stokes gave my wife, Peggy, and I a tour of Stokes Automotive’s new building this week and I have to admit I was much impressed.

Most of us have watched the construction of the building as it was being built in the shadow of the Peach Water Tank near the intersection of Highway 145 and I-65.

Having the opportunity to walk through the dealership with Kirk as our guide was something special.

It didn’t take us long to realize Kirk put much thought into the facility, especially when it came to customer care and the comfort of those who work there.

Peggy especially liked the treatment on the floors throughout the building and the lounge where customers can sit and even watch a big-screen television.

I was amazed at the air-conditioned shop area that includes a built-in-the-floor system to remove exhaust fumes from the building when a vehicle needs to be running when it is repaired.

The large showroom is not only attractive; it is also efficient.

Kirk said certain sections of the floor room are designed to display the different models sold at the dealership.

Offices line the area where customers can work with individual sales people just off the showroom floor.

I got caught up in the tour and even began looking at some of the new vehicles. However, the look in Peggy’s eye watching me eye the new cars let me know quickly I could look but not touch.

Kirk said the dealership is planning a grand opening in a few weeks after he and the staff have had time to move everything into place.

Considering the number of dealerships that are scheduled to close throughout the country, having new dealership buildings at McKinnon Toyota and now at Stokes Automotive is an indication of the faith the car manufacturers have in our dealerships here as well as the faith the dealerships have in the people of Chilton County.

– You can reach Mike by email at mike.kelley@clantonadvertiser.com. His column appears each Weekend.