Boardwalk Volkswagen; Richardson, Texas
Boardwalk VW was number one in sales for Texas in 2006 and held fourth place in sales in the USA. Boardwalk Auto Group held the first spot for 2002's Dallas 100. The Dallas 100 winning companies demonstrate an impressive history of growth both in revenue and in the number of employees. The service department at Boardwalk Volkswagen in Richardson, Texas, runs smoothly. The dealership boasts one of the few Volkswagen service departments in the nation open until midnight.

Burt Kuni Honda; Centennial, Colorado
In 2002, Kuni Automotive and Burt Automotive partnered to purchase Empire Oldsmobile Honda in Denver, Colorado. The franchise was relocated to a brand-new 9-acre Honda exclusive facility on Arapahoe Road in 2003. Whether you're looking for the all new Civic Coupe, Civic Hybrid Sedan, a reliable Accord, or any other vehicle from the Honda line, Burt Kuni Honda is ready to serve the Centennial, Colorado, community in all of your Honda needs.

Continental Acura and Continental Audi, Naperville, Illinois
Founded in 1961 by John and Herman Weinberger, Continental Motors began its existence as an import repair shop in Lyons, Ilinois.  Little did the Weinbergers know: they had just started the seedling of what was to become an automotive giant. Today, the new car franchises of Continental Motors include Toyota, Honda, Ferrari, Nissan, Acura, Jeep, Audi, Maserati, Chrysler, and Scion.  Despite the rapid growth, the Weinberger family has always remained committed to providing superior service and adhering to strong business ethics. John's two sons, Jay and Joel, along with Herman's daughter, Cheryl, continue to carry on Continental's daily commitment to exceeding customer expectations. Today, the Continental Motors Group is recognized in the top 125 dealer groups in the nation. Continental Acura is an active member of the Naperville community.  Organizations and events they sponsor include Naperville Park District's Wildflower Park, local blood drives, the 2007 "CRAM the S.A.M.!" winter clothing drive, the ever-popular, annual 'Concert in the Park' series, the DuPage Children's Museum, and Little Friends.

Devon Hill BMW; Delaware Valley, Pennsylvania
Owned by the Wetherill family, Devon Hill BMW is known for superior customer service with the region's finest sales and service departments.  Delaware Valley's premier BMW dealership, Devon Hill will be celebrating 25 years of dedication to the Main Line in 2009. In addition to various regional charity endeavors and support of the police and fire department. Devon Hill participates in "Drive for the Cure" every year by donating $1 per mile to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Devon Hill BMW sponsors and support programs which help children and families, and have partnered with David Akers Kicks for Kids (who provide assistance to children and their families being treated at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia), The J Foundation (which provide direct help to families struggling with a child's life-limiting illness), and the Hubert J.P. Schomaker Classic (one of the premier organizations in the country offering services to those with special needs). Devon Hill BMW promises their commitment to their customers goes well beyond the deal.

El Dorado Motors; McKinney, Texas
Stan Graff of El Dorado Motors has been involved with the family business since he was child. His passion to provide quality service at El Dorado Motors and the admiration for his family and community make him a recognized individual in Collin County. Born and raised in the Dallas area, Graff considers himself abundantly blessed for having a wonderful family and an amazing community that he supports through donations and personal involvement. Graff pursued his higher education at Texas Christian University and developed a passion, appreciation and understanding for the arts once he was out of school. His desire to help build a strong center for the arts, accessible to all residents, was a top priority.  Graff believes that a good education is the keystone for continued growth and success of his community and for Texas.  As such, El Dorado is committed to offering scholarship opportunities for graduating seniors in the community and for every employee's child that attends an accredited University or vocational school. As President and CEO of The El Dorado Family of Dealerships, Collin County's largest automotive dealership, Graff created the first environmentally sustainable car dealership in North Texas, and has been involved in finding ways to improve the McKinney community. Being a good neighbor and enriching the community is important as well.  El Dorado Community Involvement includes Partnerships with Allen and McKinney schools and school foundations, American Red Cross, Environment McKinney project, Meals on Wheels, McKinney P.D.'s "Kid's ID Program," Rotary Club & Lions Club, Chamber of Commerce, United Way Board, Collin County Historical Society, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, Salvation Army Toys for Tots, Sponsor of McKinney Concert Series, and many other local community initiatives.

Greg's Japanese Auto; Kent, Washington
The Greg's Japanese Auto story started in Alaska on a chilly winter morning in 1984. Greg Huntley, Greg's Japanese Auto founder helped a woman stranded on the side of the road start her car. His good deed was quickly transformed into a business when he and his brother David, got an old mail truck, painted it orange and stocked it with recycled batteries. Greg drove around each day before the morning and evening commute looking for stranded motorists. One day, he couldn't get a car to start, so he towed it home to fix it. Soon, they had a full-time technician and regular customers. The lessons Greg and David learned in Alaska are the foundation of Greg's Japanese Auto right here in Puget Sound. Treat your customers right and not only will they come back, they'll bring their friends and family with them. In 1987, Greg and David opened the Renton store. Greg was the service writer, David was the parts man, tow truck driver and Len Gidley was the technician. Len has since retired but those first Puget Sound customers are still with us. Today the business includes over 65 employees, service centers in Renton, Bellevue, Federal Way, Covington, Puyallup, Seattle, South Center, and soon Lynnwood. Greg's is also dedicated to community service. Some of their efforts include "Toys for tots," "Coats for kids," and local church and community donations that are given. Greg's Japanese Auto is the fastest growing independent auto repair facility in the northwest. Greg and company look forward to a goal of 50 stores and even better service and comfort for Greg's customers.

Preston Automotive, Delaware and Maryland
It all started with Ford back in 1975 when Preston Ford Inc. was founded by the late Frank Showell Sr. and Robert MacDonald Sr. In 1981 they gave a 21-year-old kid, David H. Wilson, a chance to take a leadership role in Preston. The "frog" was born in 1984: Since it was leap year, Preston Automotive Group decided to give away a free frog. The first "frog" commercial aired February 1st and Preston Automotive Group was completely unprepared for what happened next. Customers immediately started asking for the frog. Amazed at the loyal following the frog had developed, they quickly turned the frog into "The Frog." Their customers loved it! From that day forward, Preston Automotive Group has given a stuffed frog to every customer who wanted one. The Frog became an integral part of the Preston Automotive Group family and a frog image has even been incorporated in their logo. Now The Frog can be seen visiting various community and civic events as well as at dealership events. The Frog also continues to enjoy starring in some of the dealership commercials.  From a single Ford dealership, Preston Automotive Group has expanded to represent 11 franchises in 5 cities across two states. In addition to growing the business, the Company focuses on achieving excellence within the industry.  Preston Ford is the only dealership on Delmarva that has been in the Top 100 Ford Dealers in the nation.  David Wilson, Jr., recently appointed Vice-President/General Manager of Preston Ford, is committed to achieving this distinction once again in 2008.  In his new position, he plans on continuing the family tradition of high customer satisfaction combined with high volume sales.  "We are proud of the Company's many accomplishments and are excited about the future," says David.

Toyota of Chula Vista, California
Toyota of Chula Vista is committed to providing superior service to every guest that enters the premises. Their dedication to service dictates open communication, immediate attention to guest requests, and resolution of issues before they become problems. Guests receive the utmost respect, honesty, integrity, and professionalism. In the two short years since they opened they have already received Toyota's highest honor, the Triple Crown Award for excellence in parts, service, and sales. In addition they support local schools' sports teams and little leagues, have the donated fences for the baseball and softball fields at San Ysidro High School, and participate in a weekly route with Meals on Wheels. Toyota of Chula Vista employees strive to be friendly, helpful, and courteous to both guests and one another. They pride themselves on their exceptional collective staff of knowledgeable, flexible team members dedicated to growth through regular training and education and promise that every person visiting Toyota of Chula Vista will experience a welcoming, relaxed environment because their Image USA II facility demands higher standards of convenience, cleanliness, and complete customer satisfaction.


And that's it for this week's AskPatty Cars Around the World Blog Carnival! Make sure to submit your article for next week's "Automotive Advice for Women Blog Carnival" using the online form  or by emailing Ask Patty at info@askpatty.com.

By Brandy Schaffels
AskPatty Editor