Gene Johnson, has owned Rainier Dodge & Ram Of Olympia in Olympia since 1987. A lot of people in the Olympia Community who drive to Rainier Dodge & Ram Of Olympia in Olympia’s auto mall, don’t know Gene’s story. They are surprised to know how a restaurant acquaintance, a salesman, a shuttle driver and a growing cadre of college students shaped Gene Johnson’s business. And got him to ponder and ask questions: Why go out of your way to Care? Why be involved with people in your town who aren’t interested in purchasing a car from you? The answer for Gene was from people who took an interest in him. His father gave him guidance when Gene didn’t know what to do in his life. His Father said, “make a list of all the things you have fun and enjoy doing. Next circle all the things you could do AND get paid for doing.” His list had two words in common: “Auto Mechanic.” But it was Gene’s wife Cynthia, and her encouragement, that was the tipping point for Gene to pursue a Auto Dealership career. She would asked him, ” If you don’t do it, you’ll always wonder, ‘Could I have? Should I have?” February 1987 Gene took over Rainier Dodge & Ram Of Olympia, then located in downtown Olympia. Gene is very involved in the Olympia Community, he has rang the Bell at Christmas time for the Salvation army, he is apart of the Rotary because he believes and lives by their Motto ” Service above Self” and Gene also funds a Scholarship at South Puget Sound Community College for single mothers who have the hopes and dreams of college but didn’t think it could be a reality, Well Rainier Dodge & Ram Of Olympia and Gene have helped make those dreams come true! Gene says. ” I just want to be an example to others, to live by the Golden Rule and treat people the way I would like to be treated.”
