TL;DR

• Jeffrey Kallister transformed S&K Buick GMC since 2007, earning awards like the Buick Mark of Excellence and leading regional brand efforts.
• Buick, founded in 1899, overcame early struggles thanks to William Durant’s leadership, setting records in early automotive races.
• Buick was integral to the creation of General Motors and known for performance, reliability, and technological innovation.
• Through world wars, Buick contributed to military manufacturing while growing global sales, especially in Asia-Pacific regions.
• Despite setbacks during the Great Depression, Buick bounced back with affordable models and iconic designs in the 1930s and beyond.
• Buick’s postwar success included industry-first innovations like the torque converter transmission and distinct styling that defined American automotive culture.

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Since joining S&K Buick GMC in 2007, Jeffrey Kallister has taken the family business to new heights. Promoted to Owner and Dealer Principal in 2019, he now oversees every detail of the dealership’s operations, ensuring exceptional service and efficiency. His leadership was recognized in 2020 when S&K Buick GMC earned the prestigious Buick Mark of Excellence honor. Additionally, he has been a contender for the Small Business Owner of the Year Award, reflecting his commitment to excellence.

Beyond his dealership responsibilities, Jeffrey serves as the President of the Buick GMC Local Media Advertising (LMA) for the Champaign and Springfield district, helping to solidify the brand’s presence within the region.

Jeffrey’s professional foundation is built on a BS in radio, television, and digital communication from Bradley University. Before his automotive career, he worked for Mark Burnett Productions in Los Angeles, where he assisted with post-production workflows for feature films. Recognizing the importance of growth, he later graduated from the National Auto Dealers Association Academy to hone his expertise in the automotive industry.

Dedicated to giving back, Jeffrey actively supports local initiatives such as the Central Illinois Foodbank, Walk to End Alzheimer’s, and Prevent Child Abuse Illinois. He also enjoys coaching youth football, instilling teamwork and resilience in young athletes.

A mainstay of the General Motors (GM) lineup for generations, Buick is the oldest car brand still in operation worldwide. Its roots extend to 1899 and founder David Buick, who had a successful business producing marine and stationary engines. Chief engineer Walter Marr envisioned a transition to automobiles, with the company’s namesake reluctant to take the plunge into this new technology.

Buick only produced 37 horseless carriages in the first year, and the venture was not financially successful. The founder turned to William Durant, who owned and operated the nation’s largest horse-drawn vehicle manufacturer, for guidance. Despite initial reluctance to enter a market that undercut his own business, Durant decided to become a controlling investor in Buick. His sales network, including a showcase at the New York Auto Show, helped secure 1,000 pre-orders on the next generation of Buick vehicles before 40 were actually produced. By 1905, the company had increased production in three years from 750 to 8,800, and transferred operations from Detroit to Flint, Michigan.

With Buick sales outpacing Ford and Oldsmobile sales, Durant established a holding company known as General Motors that folded in acquisitions such as Cadillac, Pontiac, and Oldsmobile. At this time, Buick was known for its speed, comfort, and reliability. It achieved victories in early car races and was the only vehicle to complete a 1,000-mile relay race held from Chicago to New York in 1906. From 1908 to 1910, the Buick racing team achieved 500 trophies, led by drivers such as Wild Bob Burmann and Louis Chevrolet.

When World War I arrived, Buick expanded manufacturing to include Red Cross ambulances and Liberty aircraft engines. By the mid-1920s, car production exceeded 250,000, and four years later, reflecting an increasingly global market, Buick opened a sales office in Shanghai. To this day, the US brand maintains enduring popularity across the Asia-Pacific.

Buick sales plummeted as the Great Depression took hold in the 1930s, reaching a nadir of 40,000 cars produced in 1933. This reflected the fact that fewer consumers had the ready cash for premium models, opting instead for cheaper alternatives such as the Ford Model T. The following year, former AC Spark Plug president Harlow H. Curtice took the helm. The sales wizard revitalized Buick’s fortunes through the launch of the compact Series 40, which cost a reasonable $865 and brought production back to 78,000 units.

With this breathing room, Curtice gave GM design chief Harley Earl, a committed Cadillac driver, a simple and effective mandate: “Design me a Buick you would like to own.” This led to the 1936 launch of legendary Buick models such as the Roadmaster, Super, Special, Century, and Limited. Production quickly exceeded 200,000, as the company gained a reputation for sleek, contemporary styling.

During World War II, Buick’s ramp-up in production contributed significantly to Flint’s status as an “arsenal of Democracy.” Taking on more than 30 military contracts, the company produced hardware that included Hellcat tank destroyers and aircraft engines. Buick’s high-water mark came in the mid-1950s, with production reaching 745,000. Its innovations included a pioneering torque converter automatic transmission for the 1948 Roadmaster and a high-compression V-8 launched in 1953. On the design front, the “toothy” vertical-pillar grille embodied the postwar era, with hardtop convertibles taking flight in 1949.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Jeffrey Kallister?

Jeffrey Kallister is the Owner and Dealer Principal of S&K Buick GMC, recognized for excellence in dealership operations and community leadership since 2019.

When was Buick founded?

Buick was founded in 1899 by David Buick, starting as a marine engine company before transitioning into automobiles.

What role did Buick play in General Motors’ history?

Buick’s early success helped William Durant launch General Motors, absorbing other brands like Cadillac and Pontiac under GM’s umbrella.

How did Buick perform in the early automotive industry?

Buick became known for winning races, speed, and reliability, surpassing early competitors like Ford and Oldsmobile in sales and accolades.

How did Buick navigate economic downturns like the Great Depression?

Buick adapted with affordable models like the Series 40, revamped leadership, and modern design strategies that revived production and sales.

What are Buick’s postwar achievements?

Buick introduced key innovations like the torque converter automatic transmission and expanded into global markets, becoming an iconic American brand.