Kerry's father, Robert "Buff" Whelan, started the business in spring of 1970 when he purchased the old Engle Chevrolet in Utica. Mr. Whelan knew he needed to expand in order to have a full service dealership. He soon acquired 13 acres of land on Van Dyke, south of 18 Mile, in Sterling Heights. It is still the location where the new and used car showrooms, body shop and service facilities are housed. The dealership became know as the place "Where the deals make the difference every day."

Through dedicated employees and strong customer service, Buff Whelan Chevrolet has racked up numerous awards for top performance. It has received the General Motors Mark of Excellence Award annually for the last seven years running. The past six years include the Jack Smith Leadership Award, the highest honor given only to the top 110 GM Dealers nationwide.

 When your vehicle needs repair or maintenance, the best place to turn is Mr. Goodwrench, the team of ASE certified, factory-trained technicians known for their precise service and use of the latest diagnostic equipment and Genuine GM Parts.

 Buff Whelan also cares about the community through regular support of the holiday Toys for Tots drive, quarterly American Red Cross blood drives, and donations to various charitable and service organizations, including the American Cancer Society. The dealership also is a member of the Utica Community Schools Foundation for Excellence through participation in a career day luncheon for their sixth graders.

 Just as Buff Whelan Chevrolet has entered the second generation of family leadership, so have many of their customers. Kerry Whelan says many families' second and third generations are buying vehicles and having them serviced here. "Some of the customers have also turned into employees. It's all about relationships, which we take great pride in."