Since taking over ownership of Peninsula Subaru less than four years ago, John Dionas has aggressively pursued ways to improve the dealership — becoming Subaru’s first Stellar Performance Dealer west of Mississippi in 2002 and remodeling the facility the following year. Keeping up the momentum in 2004, Dionas has expanded his business to add a Suzuki dealership right next door.

“We took advantage of the opportunity of Suzuki growing…and were selected as a new point facility based on our success at Subaru,” Dionas said.

And just because a simple Suzuki dealership will not do for Dionas, the facility was remodeled into a so-called Suzuki Square, a concept that gives customers a state-of-the-art, friendly environment with distinct, eye-catching visual décor. The renovation is expected to be complete by the first week of November, and a new service and parts facility is being built to accommodate the new services.

Peninsula Subaru customers who have enjoyed exercising, surfing the Web, walking their dog and watching birds outside while waiting for their oil change or car service will not be surprised to find themselves pampered at Peninsula Suzuki. Dionas said they will maintain the same customer service philosophy at the new dealership. As someone who managed to increase sales by 65 percent within first year of ownership at Peninsula Subaru, he no doubt will keep his word.

Dionas, a Gig Harbor resident, came into the auto sales business as a car washer, working his way up to a manager and eventually venturing off into his own enterprise. His story got the national spotlight a couple of years ago, when Peninsula Subaru was featured as a makeover success story in “Automotive News.”

But Dionas doesn’t dwell much on his success — which he says is about “…going to work every day and not forgetting about the customers.”

“I am here to stay,” he said. “We’re trying to make Gorst a better place.”
  He says his own philosophy focuses on remembering his roots and giving back to others — which is one of the reasons he makes sure to mention Children’s Home Society any time he can. A big supporter of the nonprofit that provides services for low-income families, Peninsula Subaru was once named the group’s philanthropy of the year.