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One block away from its iconic Chevrolet location on Main Street in Layton, the Young Automotive Group's new headquarters stand as a symbol of the organization's accomplishments as well as what they believe is to come, according to owner Spencer Young Sr.
"This building has the space, machinery and technology we need to take the Young Automotive Group to new heights," Spencer Young Sr. said. "That said, it's also an homage to our rich history as well as a beacon for innovation and commerce."
The 145,000 sq. ft. project broke ground in 2022. Today, the facility holds nearly 250 office spaces, an art gallery, classic car displays and an automotive parts warehouse. It's one of the Young Automotive Group's proudest accomplishments — and it celebrates its grand opening during the company's 100th year of business.
A long and storied Utah history
The Young Automotive Group traces its origins back to Morgan county mechanic Seldon "Jack" Olsen, who signed an Oldsmobile selling agreement in 1924 at the age of 25. Three years later, his business became a two-roof operation that was also able to sell Chevrolet vehicles.
"My grandfather was someone who was able to exercise keen intuition," Spencer Young Sr. said. "While he had some prior experience in the industry, he was still a young man and had to roll with the punches during a lot of challenging times. He set a precedent for how we deal with difficult situations even today."
A few years after opening his doors, Olsen began facing the challenges of the Great Depression. He was forced to repossess 41 vehicles in 21 days due to new manufacturer loan requirements, resort to bartering to keep inventory moving and recover from his dealership burning down. Despite the struggles, Olsen kept his eyes on expansion.
In May 1948, Olsen Chevrolet opened its doors on Main Street in Layton — where it stands to this day. It was there where he hired his son-in-law, and Young's father, Sam Young.
"I think the reason my father and grandfather were able to succeed was because of the work ethic they shared," Spencer Young Sr. said. "They were both extremely driven and sought paths for innovation at their business. I'm grateful for the opportunity I had to be mentored by both."
As Sam Young worked his way up Olsen's business, he brought his sons into the dealership. Spencer Young Sr. began his career there as a lot technician in the late 1960s.
The Young family took on a more prevalent role at the company during the 1970s. Sam Young served as a general operations manager and Spencer Young Sr. began selling cars. Olsen passed down the remaining shares of his Layton location to his family before his death in 1979, leaving behind a legacy that inspired generations of growth.
Ongoing expansion
During the 1980s, the Young family began establishing their name in Utah's automotive industry. Sam Young bought sole ownership of the dealership and later renamed it Young Chevrolet — the name it continues to carry today. The company also acquired a second location on Main Street in Layton as well as a Geo dealership in Wyoming.
As they expanded, the Young Automotive Group appointed Spencer Young Sr. as president of the company. He prioritized the diversification of the company's assets.
By the turn of the century, the Young Automotive Group had become a five dealership operation that included a location in Idaho, a trailer division and the iconic Rocky Mountain Raceways track. Upon entering the new millennium, the company acquired their Young Wraps and Xtreme Xccessories businesses before braving the storm of the financial crisis.
While many dealerships had to scale back, or even shut down their business during the Great Recession, the Young Automotive Group kept all of their locations running. In fact, it was after the financial crisis that the company devoted more resources to expansion.
"We needed our business to become something that could survive even the scariest trials," Spencer Young Sr. said. "We had the fortune of being able to withstand the biggest trial this industry has faced in the last 60 years, and we felt we needed to capitalize on the opportunities that were presented to us."
In a five year span, the Young Automotive Group doubled in size, acquiring Young Subaru in Ogden as well as multiple locations in Morgan and Logan. During 2014, Spencer Young Sr. passed down control of the organization to his son, Spencer Young Jr.
Today, the company operates 21 automotive locations across three states as well as eight powersports franchises. Their incredible growth has brought them recognition on lists such as Utah Business' Fast 50, MountainWest Capital Network's Utah 100 and Automotive News Top 150 Dealership Groups.
"It can be surreal to look back and realize you've led something that's played such a prominent role across three states and several communities," Spencer Young Sr. said. "I'm satisfied with the legacy I'm leaving, and incredibly proud of the people who are leading this company into the future."
Dedicated to helping communities it serves
The Young Automotive Group's commitment to community stands at the heart of their business, according to Spencer Young Sr. In 2007, they founded a nonprofit named the Young Caring for Our Young Foundation — an organization that's dedicated to solving issues related to youth clothing needs, hunger, literacy, and homelessness.
Since its inception, the Foundation has donated over $6 million to community causes in Utah, Idaho and Montana. In 2022, Young Caring for Our Young started a new initiative called the KIND Fund. Standing for Kids In Need, the program empowers educators to provide clothing and essential assistance to students for whom they have observed an urgent or persistent need. Once the educator has identified the need, the Foundation assigns a $150 gift card to a volunteer shopper, who then delivers the clothing and supplies back to the educator.
"I think what makes the KIND Fund unique is its ability to engage anyone in our charitable causes," Spencer Young Sr. said. "A lot of companies work to better their communities with big checks and volunteering efforts. We've begun to go even further than that, and it shows that the Young Caring for Our Young Foundation has become more than just the charitable wing of a major organization."
To date, the KIND Fund has helped over 3,600 children. According to Young Caring for Our Young, the Foundation has supplied over 6,000 children with clothing and coats in the last two years through their program as well as through their participation in several events.
The Young Automotive Group's new headquarters will celebrate its grand opening March 29. As ribbons are cut and employees celebrate, those impacted by the company will be given a time to reflect — to appreciate the company's growth, their impact on the community and the dream of the young mechanic that started their organization.
