Drive and Dine: Travis and Kristi Lundahl's Exclusive Night Out Courtesy of Pedersen Toyota
Travis and Kristi Lundahl of Highland Meadows were the lucky recipients of an evening out courtesy of Pedersen Toyota! Kristi says, “Pedersen Toyota presented us with a $100 gift card to a restaurant of our choice. This was an easy decision as Chimney Park Restaurant & Bar was top of mind. The evening was truly wonderful, starting with an amuse-bouche—an exquisite appetizer described by our server to cleanse the day's worries and prepare the palate for the evening's flavors. The service at Chimney Park was impeccable! The lobster bisque was my favorite, while Travis enjoyed the scallops.”
Stepping out of their usual routine added an extra layer of enjoyment, especially with the chance to drive a new vehicle. Ron Emery, Vice President of Pedersen Toyota, handed over the keys to a brand-new 2024 Toyota Crown. “The first thing I noticed was how quiet the hybrid engine was, and the roomy interior. The car had a lot of nice features that I have never experienced before such as a heated steering wheel as well as a great sound system”, states Kristi. Travis goes on to say, “I really had fun trying out the different driving modes from Eco to Comfort to Sport!”
Toyota Crown’s magnificent and innovative look breaks every convention in the book. It is unique for its class and adds bold style to the Toyota sedan lineup. The Toyota Crown offers two electrified powertrains, including the Hybrid Max system, and standard AWD across all grades. With its massive wheels and sleek and aerodynamic shape, the Toyota Crown is a ride that immediately catches the eye.
Both Travis and Kristi are Colorado natives who grew up in Fort Collins. Their family, including two children, Jameson (5) and Luca (2), loves the variety of seasonal activities that living in Colorado offers. Travis is in the remodel business, currently working for Impact Development Builders and Kristi, a pilot, is presently flying the Boeing 777.
Travis and Kristi extend their heartfelt thanks for this fantastic experience, thoroughly enjoying every moment of it.
About Pedersen Toyota
It’s moments like these that must undoubtedly be one of the enjoyable benefits of being part of an outstanding organization like Pedersen Toyota!
Mark Pedersen has been part of the automotive industry for most of his life. His father, Gerry Pedersen, became the sole owner of Colorado Import Motors in 1975. Mark recounts, “I grew up around the dealership working when I could in all the different departments. After graduating from high school, I attended Regis University in Denver and upon graduation, I was prepared to take a couple of months off. The day after I graduated, my dad asked when I was going to work. I told him I wanted to take some time off to enjoy life and he said, ‘Great, see you Monday.’ I’ve been at the dealership ever since.” Mark formally took over as President and General Manager in 2005 and after Gerry’s passing, he became the sole owner of the family business.
What makes Pedersen Toyota unique is its status as a family-owned dealership which brings a personal touch to its operations. Being family-owned often translates to a more hands-on approach to customer service, a focus on long-term relationships rather than quick sales, and a commitment to maintaining a strong reputation within the community. Family-owned businesses like Pedersen prioritize values like integrity, trust, and personalized attention, creating a unique experience for customers compared to larger, corporate-owned dealerships.
Due to the principles instilled by Mark's father, Gerry, they will forever cherish and uphold his affection for Northern Colorado, as reflected in their motto, "Driven By Community." Mark said, “We benefit in several ways from being connected to the community. Such connections can foster brand loyalty, increase visibility, and create goodwill. By engaging with the community through sponsorships, events, or charitable initiatives, the dealership can build trust and rapport, attracting local customers who prefer supporting businesses involved in their area. Moreover, community involvement often leads to valuable word-of-mouth referrals and a deeper understanding of the community's needs, allowing Pedersen Toyota to tailor its services more effectively. We really are proud to support our Northern Colorado Community and this motto reflects our dedication and commitment to the people of Northern Colorado.”
Pedersen Toyota always has the Fort Collins community front of mind and prioritizes sales for anyone living in this area over someone from Denver or out of state. One piece of advice that Mark offers is, “Try to have patience and flexibility. Acquiring a new vehicle is getting easier since the supply chain issues of COVID-19; however, some vehicles are still in short supply. Flexibility in color and trim will make it easier to get a vehicle in a timely fashion.”
Ron Emery, Vice President of Pedersen Toyota, aligns with Gerry’s founding principles, which have been continued and built upon by Mark. When Ron worked as an Area Sales Manager at Toyota Financial Services, one of his accounts was Pedersen Toyota, and he worked closely with Mark and Gerry. Ron said, “It was always a fun and productive visit with the two. It was during this time I knew this was a first-class organization and they truly cared about their customers and employees.”
In January 2021, Ron had the opportunity to join Mark as his Chief Operating Officer and in November 2022, he was moved to his current role of Vice President. “I am honored to carry on the founding principles and to help guide an elevated customer and employee experience”, stated Ron.
Throughout his career, Ron has been fortunate to live in several places and make many lifelong friends in Pueblo, Denver, Seattle, Huntington Beach, Orlando, Parker, and Dallas. He now calls Timnath home. He has a daughter, Kassie, and a son, Dylan. In 2021 they welcomed the first grandson, DJ, into the family. In his limited spare time, he likes to wake surf and play golf.
Both Mark and Ron eagerly embrace the future of Pedersen Toyota filled with promise and innovation. Fueled by a legacy of customer-centric values and a passion for community, they stand at the threshold of an exciting future. With a dedicated team, there is a lot of enthusiasm for the road that lies ahead.
Pedersen Toyota
455 S. College Avenue
Fort Collins, CO 80525
970-223-3100