Don 'K' dealership shows off expanded campus

The Don “K” car dealership in Whitefish unveiled its most recent expansion last week. The auto center on the U.S. 93 South strip now offers more than 50,000 square feet of showroom and service space spread across its 8-acre campus.

Owner Don Kaltschmidt says business has rebounded nicely since hitting a low during the recession when there were only 100 cars on the lot. Now, as many as 450 new and used vehicles are on display.

“We’ve seen continued growth, and we’re still seeing it,” Kaltschmidt said. “I hope it continues and I feel like it will.”

Sales in January and February were up 28 percent over last year. Don “K” currently holds the honor as the top car dealership in the state.

“We sell more new cars retail and fleet than any other dealer,” Kaltschmidt said.

Subaru is their top seller, followed by Chrysler and Chevrolet.

As part of the expansion, the Chrysler showroom on the south end of the dealership was totally remodeled to offer more elbow room and a more inviting customer experience.

The former Subaru showroom, which opened in 2011, now houses Chevrolet, while a totally new 14,000- square-foot Subaru showroom and service garage was built at the north end of the dealership.

Swank Enterprises was the project contractor, while Montana Creative completed architecture work.

The dealership recently purchased land across the highway where Austin Funeral Home is currently located. A few dozen vehicles are displayed on the lot. A portion of the property was rezoned last year to allow secondary business uses.

Kaltschmidt says there are no immediate plans to expand across the highway, although he says more growth is probable.

“I don’t think we’re done growing yet,” he said.

With the growth comes some challenges, Kaltschmidt said.

“We have to get used to the size and make sure the customer experience stays the same,” he said. “We have to train our personnel and recruit.”

Currently the dealership employs 95 workers under a $3.5 million payroll. That compares to 28 employees at the low of the recession.

Kaltschmidt is quick to point out that Whitefish is a unique location for such an expansive dealership, but says the town’s amenities are helping his business prosper.

“There are very few people who don’t want to come visit,” he said. “We have a winter playground on Big Mountain. A beautiful downtown with a good night life. We have Glacier Park in the summer.”

“There’s increased interest in Northwest Montana.”