Hours & Directions | About Us
In 1973, at the age of eighteen, Dave Edwards started selling cars at Genesis of Council Bluffs’ dealer group. The owner, Bob McIntyre, saw a spark in young Dave and knew that he wanted to train him for success in the automotive industry. On Dave’s first day of selling cars, he called everyone he knew and told them to come down and see him. He sold his first car that day to a family friend who was a fire fighter. “I thought this is kind of fun… I think I will stick it out, “said Dave Edwards. Dave worked many different management positions at the dealership and in 1982 was made partner of a store. Dave knew from a young age that the keys to success were to treat others with respect, honesty and fairness- principles that continue to guide the Genesis of Council Bluffs’ auto group to this day.
Founded 34 years ago, our auto group is a family business with Dave’s two sons, Brett and Todd as partners. Troy Ratigan is also a partner and is the Vice President of the group. Our group has grown to 14 car franchises, 8 powersport franchises, 9 dealership locations and over 400 employees. They have now expanded into Bellevue, Nebraska and Storm Lake, Iowa. “We give credit to our 400 employees for helping us achieve the Mark of Excellence year after year.”, said Brett Edwards.
One asset that makes our group different than other dealers, is that they can offer their employees opportunities within the group to get promoted quickly. Some positions can take years for an employee to gain proper recognition to be promoted. At Genesis of Council Bluffs they are able to see the potential much quicker, which allows for the employee to be given an opportunity to further their career.
The diversity of the group allows them to meet the needs of the customers. Buyers can trade in campers, ATV’s, motorcycles, imports and much more. The group has even taken cattle and band instruments in on trade in their early years. Todd Edwards played the baritone in band and never understood why, now he knows…. His father took it in on trade! “No matter what a customer comes in wanting to buy, we can move inventory around to help them get top dollar for their trade” said owner Dave Edwards.
Much can be said for the family business that started in Council Bluffs 34 years ago. Decades have gone by, times have changed. But, one thing remains intact for the auto group. “My commitment has never changed from the beginning. We are here to exceed and meet the needs of our customer, we want to get them the best value they can” said Dave Edwards.