Roger Galvan stands out as one of the most recognizable faces at Currie Motors Ford of Valpo, where he serves as the service manager. Whether customers are dropping in for routine maintenance like an oil change or more substantial repairs, they trust Roger with their vehicles, confident that he'll return them in better condition than when they arrived.
Since taking on the role of service manager in 2016, Galvan has been a key part of the dealership's service department. However, his connection to Currie Motors Ford of Valpo spans three decades, with his journey in the automotive industry reaching back even further. His initial venture into dealership work started in 1988 as a porter, where he admired the service department from a distance.
Reflecting on his early days, Galvan recalls, "Washing cars I would get a glimpse of the service department and the team helping people, I really looked up to them. I saw that desk and said to myself, 'this is something I want to do,' and I pretty much begged for the opportunity while I was still washing cars."
Persistence paid off as Galvan eventually transitioned into a service writer role and joined a Currie Motors dealership in 1997. Since then, he has steadily climbed the ranks within the organization reaching his current position at Currie Motors Ford of Valpo.
Galvan attributes his success to his ability to connect with customers. "I just had a knack for speaking with customers," he explains. "I found I was able to really advise them on their needed services and ensure those services were completed satisfactorily. When you do that, you're not only accommodating the customer, you're accommodating the dealership."
On any given weekday, Galvan can be found at the dealership from 5:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., overseeing a team of 24 mechanics, six service advisors, as well as the body shop and parts department. "I'm interacting with every department, every day," he notes. "I'm the person everybody looks to if they have a concern or a problem that needs to be solved, whether that's our mechanics or our customers."
Galvan relishes the opportunity to brighten his customers' days. "It's my favorite thing to do, hands down," he enthuses. "I love communicating with customers and finding ways to make them happy."
Thanks to their commitment to honesty and quality service, Galvan and his team have a loyal customer base. He has built friendships with customers who truly trust him with their vehicles. "I have one customer who wasn't thrilled with the service he was receiving at another dealership, and he came in to speak with me," Galvan shares. "By the time he left, we were pretty good friends. Since then, he's made a point to visit me whenever he can, despite living in another state now. He takes the time to travel out, see me, and get whatever he needs done."
Ford holds a special place in Galvan's heart, stemming from his childhood when his father worked for Ford Motor Company. Today, he continues the tradition by driving Ford vehicles himself. "While I haven't been on the car building end of things like my father, ever since I got into the dealership business it's always been Fords," he remarks. "I drive a '22 F-150, and I also have a '22 Explorer."
To discover more about Currie Motors Ford of Valpo, visit fordofvalpo.com.
