ORANGE PARK – A longstanding staple of Clay County is celebrating its 30th year of business.

Gordon Chevrolet, which opened in Orange Park in 1991, has served the community in more ways than one. From supplying vehicles, donating to local charities or providing jobs to families, executive manager Nathan Potratz is humble about the business’s accomplishments. Potratz gave a peek into the history of the dealership and the relationships that started with something as simple as shopping for a new car.

Potratz was not always in the car business. He said he wasn’t a car nut because he’s been more of a motorcycle fan.

Having started his retail career selling cameras through his last years of high school and his time at college, Potratz says he was first drawn to the car business because of the people. Helping others find a vehicle that suits their needs and budget gave him the chance to meet and work with new people every day, something he has always enjoyed.

That love of working with people and the spirit of generosity can be attributed to Potratz’s work in ministry. After achieving an undergrad degree in religion, he went to seminary in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. When burnout started to creep in from attending school and preaching at two different locations, his father – also a minister – advised him to take a break.

During his year off from seminary Potratz started working at Gordon Chevrolet in Detroit and he never looked back. When Gordon purchased the property in Orange Park in September 1991, Potratz, who had risen through the ranks in Detroit, leaped at the chance and moved to Florida to run the new dealership.

To put the years in perspective, that year the Chevrolet Cavalier was the car company’s top-selling car.

In speaking about the company’s success for the last three decades, Potratz said he attributes everything to the grace of God – a pattern he’s followed since his first day at the dealership.

“We have always operated with integrity,” he said. “I think that is transparent to people when they do business with us, both in sales and in service. We also try to fix our mistakes. That is what keeps people coming back year after year.”

The Church has always been a large part of Potratz’s life and the way he interacts with customers, friends and the community at large.

Gordon Chevrolet has partnered with the Jacksonville Auto Dealers Association to donate to local charities across the county, including Father’s Heart Ministries, which provides meals and necessary items to more than 6,000 families in need.

When thinking back over the last three decades, Potratz reflected on the relationships he has seen evolve and the relationships he has built for himself at Gordon.

“I have some lasting friendships that started from some encounter at Gordon… I have also had a couple of managers retire after working with us, both of whom I am better for knowing. After is all said and done, accomplishments are a far second to relationships,” he said.

With 30 years under his belt, Potratz has advice for anyone looking to start their entrepreneurial career off right.

“When I started in the car business, a friend told me the secret to success; to dress nice and call people back,” he said. “As simple as that is, it’s true but I would add one more, do everything with integrity.”

Thirty years of connections have led to relationships with many in the community. Because of that, Gordon wants to continue celebrating their anniversary for the remainder of the year.

To remain up to date on any promotions or events, check the Gordon Chevrolet website or stop in at the dealership at 1166 Blanding Blvd.