Eldersburg, Md. (Map, News) - There’s competition among car dealers in Eldersburg, but it’s a kindlier, gentler competition than in most towns.

Kevin Buehler, owner of Patriot Automotive, said that type of camaraderie, where dealers attend auctions together, steer customers toward each other and generally abide by the Golden Rule, is what prompted him to start his dealership there five years ago.

“If I’m not busy, I help him. If he’s not busy, he helps me,” said Buehler of a neighboring dealer. “We are competitive, but it’s a friendly competition. That sets us apart for some other communities.”

Patriot Automotive also has carved out a somewhat unusual market niche, dealing only in used cars.

Parents looking for a first car for a teenager are a large segment of the dealership’s market.

The cars sold to those customers are often less-than-common autos, such as Jaguars or other specialty cars.

Families typically buy more standard cars, but no matter what automobile they seek, customers seem bound to Patriot because of its business philosophy.

“We do not do high-pressure sales. It is quite simple,” Sales Manager Roy Hall said. Customers are invited to browse without interruption.

Staff members answer questions and voice suggestions when asked, but not more often.

“They are not used to it. I had one customer get halfway to his car and say ‘Don’t you want to sell me a car?’ Hall said with a laugh. “I told him, don’t pressure the salesperson.”

Hall, who sold the aforementioned customer a Toyota, had worked in large dealerships before joining Patriot. The neighborly atmosphere keeps him there.

“This is a whole different atmosphere,” Hall said. “And guess what? It works.”

Buehler also had his share of experience with high-volume, high-pressure dealers. When he opened Patriot, he consciously chose a locale and market that would not require him to adopt aggressive sales tactics.

“This is a great place for anybody to be in business,” said Buehler, a self-described car nut who has owned nine autos at any given time. “It’s a great way to enjoy life.”

Patriot Automotive

6229 Sykesville Road (Route 32) at Lee Lane, Eldersburg

410-552-0997, toll free: 877-840-0994

www.patriotautomotive.us

Comments from Examiner Readers

12:41 AM MST on Tue., May. 6, 2008 re: "Vintage Triumphs roll on"

Examiner Reader said:
It is refreshing to see that their are motorcyclist out there that are as passionate about their bikes as the Harley Davidson nation. And heck, I think it is great that they are passionate about their bikes too! I am a motorcyclist and I love to ride. I do ride a Honda VTX1300R. It is my second Honda and I also have owned a Kawasaki (KLR250). I have always loved the styling of the old Triumph's and from what I have seen of the new bikes, the Tiger, Bonneville, Speed Tiples and others they are really incredible looking and performing bikes. Much like Harley, from what I understand, they have worked out a lot of the old bugaboos that came with the bikes in the past. Again, I think it is great that everybody has their own personal prefernce but when it comes down to it I love to ride. I can't fathom the comments that I have heard like, "If I can't ride a (blank) I won't ride anything." Hondas, Triumphs, Victory, Harley, Ducati, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Norton... I love 'em all! John Mozuk

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10:15 PM MST on Tue., Mar. 25, 2008 re: "Tidewater Yacht Service: A port in the storm"

IN THE KNOW said:
This place is going to be sold to Marine-Max or so it goes around the Harbor

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3:41 PM MST on Sun., Mar. 2, 2008 re: "Tidewater Yacht Service: A port in the storm"

Examiner Reader said:
The new location looks very nice....The service is still luke warm at best, and the charges are out of line for the east coast

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3:35 PM MST on Sun., Mar. 2, 2008 re: "Tidewater Yacht Service: A port in the storm"

Examiner Reader said:
You should check with yacht owners that have gone to other yards due to poor service and overpriced labor! I tell every one up and down the ICW to avoid this place at all cost. You do your readership a great diservice when you write such crap!

28 agree | 31 disagree
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10:36 PM MST on Fri., Feb. 22, 2008 re: "Tidewater Yacht Service: A port in the storm"

Never Again said:
This fluff piece is a buncha hooey. They have a really bad reputation.....have had it for years.... They are arrogant from the top down..... Tidewater Yacht Service Tidewater Yacht Service.....

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7:03 PM MST on Fri., Feb. 22, 2008 re: "Tidewater Yacht Service: A port in the storm"

Examiner Reader said:
This yard is a rip off. You store your boat there for the winter and then they remeasure it after you have paid them and charge you more a coupla months later.

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9:16 PM MST on Tue., Nov. 27, 2007 re: "Dealer ensures cycles 'fit' the customers"

Examiner Reader said:
I was fortunate enough to meet these guys last weekend and let me tell you one thing, Jon and Shawn are a class act in both customer service and up front honesty. Very few business men who can fit this mold. Keep up the great work guys. Looking forward in building my dream bike soon. Thanks for all your advice! Big Daddy Dog Route 40 Bikers' Paradise USA

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