Kent and Susan Nelson, residents of Grand Park Drive were the lucky recipients of an evening out, courtesy of Pedersen Toyota! Pedersen presented the Nelsons with a $100 gift card to a restaurant of their choice.

 

With Rare being a favorite place of theirs, the decision on where to go was an easy one. The evening started off with a shared Caesar salad, Susan followed with a filet and a side of the Ragù, while Kent ordered a New York Strip with a side of Surf and Turf Linguini. A wonderful Brunello, recommended by Michael their server, was paired with the meal. Susan said “My filet was our favorite, but it was all wonderful. We had a delicious meal and our waiter, Michael was friendly, fun, and provided great service to us. We had to include him in our picture.”

 

An extra layer of enjoyment added to the evening, was the chance to drive a new vehicle. Ron Emery, Vice President of Pedersen Toyota, handed over the keys to a brand-new 2024 Toyota Highlander. The Nelson’s said “The Pedersen Toyota Highlander we drove was very nice. We liked the spaciousness inside, the good visibility all around, and its responsiveness on the freeway.”

 

Toyota Highlander’s striking look and bold design displays the perfect balance of power and refinement. The Highlander offers five gas models as well as six hybrid models, including the Hybrid Platinum, a masterstroke in automotive design that stands as a beacon of luxury and performance. The Toyota Highlander turns heads wherever you go. 

 

Kent and Susan extended heartfelt thanks, saying “Pedersen Toyota was so kind and generous to us that night, and the next day returning the car. Thank you again for choosing us. We had a fun night!”

 

It’s moments like these that must undoubtedly be one of the enjoyable benefits of being part of an outstanding organization like Pedersen Toyota!

 

Mark Pedersen has been part of the automotive industry for most of his life. His father, Gerry Pedersen, became the sole owner of Colorado Import Motors in 1975. Mark recounts, “I grew up around the dealership working when I could in all the different departments. After graduating from high school, I attended Regis University in Denver and upon graduation, I was prepared to take a couple of months off. The day after I graduated, my dad asked when I was going to work. I told him I wanted to take some time off to enjoy life and he said, ‘Great, see you Monday.’ I’ve been at the dealership ever since.” Mark formally took over as President and General Manager in 2005 and after Gerry’s passing, he became the sole owner of the family business.

 

What makes Pedersen Toyota unique is its status as a family-owned dealership which brings a personal touch to its operations. Being family-owned often translates to a more hands-on approach to customer service, a focus on long-term relationships rather than quick sales, and a commitment to maintaining a strong reputation within the community. Family-owned businesses like Pedersen prioritize values like integrity, trust, and personalized attention, creating a unique experience for customers compared to larger, corporate-owned dealerships.

 

Due to the principles instilled by Mark's father, Gerry, they will forever cherish and uphold his affection for Northern Colorado, as reflected in their motto, "Driven By Community." Mark said, “We benefit in several ways from being connected to the community. Such connections can foster brand loyalty, increase visibility, and create goodwill. By engaging with the community through sponsorships, events, or charitable initiatives, the dealership can build trust and rapport, attracting local customers who prefer supporting businesses involved in their area. Moreover, community involvement often leads to valuable word-of-mouth referrals and a deeper understanding of the community's needs, allowing Pedersen Toyota to tailor its services more effectively. We really are proud to support our Northern Colorado Community and this motto reflects our dedication and commitment to the people of Northern Colorado.”

 

Pedersen Toyota always has the Fort Collins community front of mind and prioritizes sales for anyone living in this area over someone from Denver or out of state. One piece of advice that Mark offers is, “Try to have patience and flexibility. Acquiring a new vehicle is getting easier since the supply chain issues of COVID-19; however, some vehicles are still in short supply. Flexibility in color and trim will make it easier to get a vehicle in a timely fashion.”

 

Ron Emery, Vice President of Pedersen Toyota, aligns with Gerry’s founding principles, which have been continued and built upon by Mark. When Ron worked as an Area Sales Manager at Toyota Financial Services, one of his accounts was Pedersen Toyota, and he worked closely with Mark and Gerry. Ron said, “It was always a fun and productive visit with the two. It was during this time I knew this was a first-class organization and they truly cared about their customers and employees.”

 

In January 2021, Ron had the opportunity to join Mark as his Chief Operating Officer and in November 2022, he was moved to his current role of Vice President. “I am honored to carry on the founding principles and to help guide an elevated customer and employee experience”, stated Ron.

 

Throughout his career, Ron has been fortunate to live in several places and make many lifelong friends in Pueblo, Denver, Seattle, Huntington Beach, Orlando, Parker, and Dallas. He now calls Timnath home. He has a daughter, Kassie, and a son, Dylan. In 2021 they welcomed the first grandson, DJ, into the family. In his limited spare time, he likes to wake surf and play golf.

 

Both Mark and Ron eagerly embrace the future of Pedersen Toyota filled with promise and innovation. Fueled by a legacy of customer-centric values and a passion for community, they stand at the threshold of an exciting future. With a dedicated team, there is a lot of enthusiasm for the road that lies ahead.

 

Pedersen Toyota

455 S. College Avenue

Fort Collins, CO 80525

970-223-3100