Built in the Valley: Celebrating Jay’s 36 Years at Valley GMC

Some milestones deserve more than a quick congratulations.

After 36 years as part of the Parts Department at Valley GMC in Auburn, Jay is retiring.

During Jay’s career, vehicles changed, technology changed, our dealership grew, and generations of employees and customers walked through our doors.

For a little perspective, Jay was here before the GMC Yukon had a nameplate and when our General Manager, Bryant, had hair!

We found proof:

Exhibit A: Jay at the Parts counter circa 2002

Exhibit B: General Manager Bryant Claudon, circa 2010.

Jokes aside, 36 years in one Parts Department represents an incredible amount of experience. Through all that change, some of the most important things have stayed the same.

Knowledge matters. Relationships matter. And having good people who care about the work they do matters.

36 Years of Automotive Experience in Auburn

Anyone who has worked in a dealership Parts Department knows how much knowledge the job requires.

Behind nearly every repair is someone making sure the right part gets to the right technician at the right time. Parts professionals also help customers find everything from replacement components to accessories that make their trucks and SUVs work better for the way they use them.

For 36 years, Jay has been one of those people.

He’s worked alongside generations of Valley employees and helped take care of countless customers and vehicles throughout Auburn and the surrounding South Sound communities.

He’s also accumulated the kind of Parts knowledge that makes you think twice before letting someone retire.

More Than a Place to Work

Jay’s retirement gives us an opportunity to reflect on something that’s important to us as a family-owned dealership.

We want Valley GMC to be a place where good people can build careers.

There’s something special that happens when people spend years working together. Knowledge gets passed along. Coworkers become friends. Customers return and recognize familiar faces.

Today, General Manager Bryant Claudon and Parts Manager Ewan Campbell had the opportunity to celebrate with Jay as he gets ready for his next chapter.

And yes, you may notice that hair is apparently not a requirement for management at Valley GMC.

Built in the Valley

Jay’s retirement is also a reminder that some of the best parts of Valley GMC aren’t the vehicles. They’re the people behind them.

Whether you’re here to buy a vehicle, find a GM Genuine Part or accessory, or trust our Certified Service team with your vehicle, there are real people behind that experience.

People who learn their craft, share what they know and take pride in taking care of our customers.

For 36 years, Jay has been one of them.

Congratulations, Jay

Jay, thank you for the knowledge you’ve shared, the customers you’ve helped, the coworkers you’ve supported and everything you’ve contributed to Valley GMC over the last 36 years.

We’re going to miss seeing you in the Parts Department, but we’re excited for everything retirement has in store for you.

Congratulations, Jay, and thank you for 36 years in the Valley.

36 Years. 

Built in the Valley.