Wayne’s Auto Sales ends business operation

By Melissa Hargrave

LSN

A business which has been a prominent Kaplan feature has sadly reached an end after nearly 15 years of operation.

Wayne’s Auto Sales, located on West Veterans Memorial between Sonic and Comeaux’s French Market, officially closed its doors on the last day of 2009.

For owner Wayne Guidry, the early retirement is a bittersweet moment. Wayne’s choice to cease operations was fueled in part by a sluggish economy.

Dealerships were no longer sending their used vehicles to the auctions which Wayne frequented. Many dealerships are retaining their received trade-ins in order to supplement their sales. Wayne felt the pinch of the economy when he quickly became unable to find quality vehicles to fill in the gaps of his car lot. Most importantly, he was unable to meet the growing needs of his customers.

The business owner always felt the key to his company’s success has always been keeping the clientele number one on the list.

He feels that selling cars is not about money, but about being able to help the community when they are in need.

Wayne’s Auto Sales has definitely earned the reputation of being honest and caring. When potential or past customers phone in with a specific request – whether it be a price range or a vehicle type – Guidry has always gone the extra mile to try and accommodate.

However, when auction pickings became slim, the prospect of closing loomed.

The helping spirit has always been alive in salesman

The Saturday following his Gueydan High School graduation, proved to be another bittersweet time for the area native. It was the day he received his Vietnam draft notice –and also the day of his wedding.

It was the late 1960’s, and the U.S.’s involvement in the war was beginning to wind down.

Stationed in San Diego, California, he was in charge of helping the vets regain their lives after returning from overseas. He helped them find jobs, start new careers, and return to school.

It was that experience which allowed Wayne to realize the potential to help others within himself.

After his two-year enlistment in the Marine Corps, the young soldier returned home and worked briefly at a few local businesses, including Abshire Lumber Yard, Lafitte Wholesale, and TG&Y. He later became employed as a salesman at Jerry Ashley Chevrolet in Crowley.

The career move to car salesman was a hesitant one for Wayne. He had been approached several times previous to taking the job. Each time he turned the job down for the same reason.

Wayne recalls, “The sales manager wanted me to go work for them, and I kept telling him that I couldn’t go because I can’t sell cars. I can’t lie to people. I don’t believe in lying to people and I don’t believe people lie to me.

“Six months later, he asked me again and said, ‘I don’t care how you sell them, go ahead and do what you want. You don’t have to lie to people, just as long as you sell cars.’”

In his first month on the job, Wayne made top salesman and virtually remained so for the next 15 years. During that time, Wayne was also promoted to assistant sales manager.

When he left Crowley, Guidry took a salesman position at a Chevy dealership located in Kaplan. He also worked for a period of six years for the Acadia Vermilion Community Action Program (AVCAP). Wayne then became employed where his car lot is currently located.

Wayne worked as a salesman for two-years before purchasing the business in 1995 with the help of his silent partner, Jack Gupta.

Guidry says he has tried to live his life based on the following aphorism, “I have always been honest to people. I have built my life on honesty, regardless of how it falls on me.”

For over 20 years, Wayne has taken an active role in the Lion’s Club where he is currently serving as president. He is also a member of the American Legion.

Wayne enjoys having the opportunity to give back to the community in an arena outside of his career. He is especially proud of how the Lion’s Club has been able to help fund glasses for the elderly population.

Guidry says the outpour of support from the community has been comforting and will miss the involvement with the people he has come to know over the years.

“I have so many good friends here in Kaplan. They are friends and family, more than customers to me.”

He would like to extend a hearty thank-you to all of his loyal patrons from the Acadiana area and beyond. He is also grateful to his silent partner Jack Gupta, his landlord Mickey Frith, and their families for always making him feel welcome. Wayne also wishes the best of luck to other automotive businesses in the area.

He and his wife of 24 years, Jackie, have five children and 10 grand-children. They reside near the outskirts of town.

Retirement plans include the search for another job to keep him busy.