In 1984, after starting his career selling left-over 73's at Royal Chev Olds, Bob VanderSluis decided to take a risk and open up his own dealership specializing in newer used cars.

Sitting at his desk in Orangeville Motors on Broadway 25 years later, the founder/president can safely say it was worth the risk. At the time, though, he could hardly be blamed if a little doubt was present in his mind.

Mr.VanderSluis was not just selling cars, he had also bought some land and put a building on it. He was entering his own business selling relatively big ticket items at a time when interest rates were around 24 per cent. "My wife and I had a lot of sleepless nights." he recalls.

"I've always loved cars." says Mr.VanderSluis. "I trained to be a mechanic, but ended up following a different avenue."

Instead, he pursued the sales and management angle and has built a family business that includes his wife Barb, eldest son Archie and long-time employees Terri, Dick and Vince.

In Mr. VanderSluis' opinion, Orangeville Motors is one big extended family. "It's been very rewarding. We have been blessed with a great staff and with good customers."

The dealership has survived recessionary years before and is confidently weathering this this most recent economic downturn.

Mr.VanderSluis's philosophy in this condition is quite simple. "Work hard, get back to basics and watch the pennies."

What won't be compromised, however, is the high standards the company sets for the vehicles it acquires for resale on the lot. To ensure that more thorough information is available, all vehicles must have an Ontario history and less than 50,000 kilometres.

Orangeville Motors shies away from selling ex-rentals or accident vehicles since they tend to have taken more of a beating. It's all part of the company's mission statement: If you treat people fair, they will treat you fair.

"Dufferin County has been super to us," says Mr.VanderSluis. "It's been a great place to do business. We've had three and four generations of families buying cars from us."

"It's been a pleasure for us to grow up with this town."