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Marking the 25th anniversary of its opening on N.C. Highway 24-27, the staff of Bypass Auto Sales held a “Customer Appreciation Day” celebration on Nov. 8.
“We started here in 1999,” said Jeff Burleson, who has been with the business since day one. “We started small, and have built up our inventory over the years.”
After having worked at Huneycutt Motors and Lentz Auto Sales, Burleson originally partnered with Jerry Dutton in the early days of the business. Eventually, Dutton sold his share of the dealership to Burleson.
“Our first sale was a Ford F-150 Truck,” he recalled.
Since that time, Burleson estimates that he has sold more than 6,000 vehicles, and credits “lots of good customers who keep coming back” with the dealership’s success.
“That’s who we’re here to thank today,” added Julie Souther, who also works in sales.
One of those happy customers is “Rev” Medley, who estimates he has bought “20-plus” cars from Bypass over the years.
“He’s our number one customer,” Souther said.
Asked about the ups and downs of the business since 1999, Burleson recalled that the COVID-19 pandemic slowed business down.
“That was one of our toughest times,” he said.
On the other hand, the early months of each year tend to be productive, according to both Burleson and Souther.
“When the tax refund checks start coming in, more people are looking to buy cars,” Souther said.
According to Burleson, one of his ongoing challenges is finding good quality vehicles to place in the dealership inventory.
“That’s becoming harder and harder,” he said, adding that he attends a number of dealer auctions in an effort to find and purchase high-caliber used cars and trucks that can be sold at reasonable prices.
Although he has been in business for a quarter-century, Burleson says he has no retirement plans in the works.
“I’ve been blessed through the years,” he said.
Souther, a former teacher assistant at Endy School, considers her work at the dealership a blessing as well.
“Jeff is the best boss, a wonderful friend, and a great person to work for,” she said.
From a customer’s standpoint, Medley offered Burleson and Souther a suggestion for future customer appreciation days — one he says will guarantee a big increase in business.
“Do a buy one get one free promotion,” he said.
Bypass Auto Sales is at 1400 N.C. Highway 24-27 in Albemarle. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call 704-982-6400.

Toby Thorpe is a freelance writer for The Stanly News & Press.