LAYTON—Young Automotive Group cut the ribbon on their new headquarters March 29 but there was more to celebrate than just the grand opening – 100 years in business. The company started in 1924 with Seldon “Jack” Olsen, a mechanic in Morgan and grew to 32 stores operating across three states.

“Jack Olsen’s father died when he was 14,” said Spencer Young, Sr., the Young Automotive chief adventure officer. “He took a train to Idaho to make money on a ranch. He moved to a repair shop in Morgan with only a tool box.”

He worked his way up and in 1924 became a partner and eventually bought the company, said Young. “He applied for an Oldsmobile franchise in 1925 and then Chevrolet three years later.”

The Depression hit and it was very difficult, Young said. “He had to repossess 41 cars in 21 days. He didn't have any money, they were all going broke. He didn’t know he was broke too. He worked night and day.”

In 1935, the dealership burned down. Jack suffered severe burns trying to save a cash register and some tools, said Young. “In 1938 he purchased the Chevrolet franchise for what would become his Layton dealership. In 1948 he opened his Layton Chevrolet dealership on Main Street.”

In the 50s, Young said his father Sam Young married one of Jack’s daughters and came to work for his father-in-law. “I got involved in 1978 and in 1982 Sam bought the dealership and changed the name from Olsen to Young.”

The company went through the 2008 recession, he said. “General Motors and Chrysler franchises and manufacturers both went bankrupt. I called the banks to see how to protect myself and then went out acquiring Honda and Subaru to spread the risk among manufacturers.”

Young said they looked at several different parcels of land for the new headquarters building. “We looked at where the Tai Pan Trading building was and other parcels in Layton. We knew the Barlows still had agricultural property and thought that was perfect.”

The 145,000 square foot building is located at 613 W. 500 North in Layton. “It’s a unique building,” said Young. “The front is cantilevered forward representing leaning into the community. There’s a full size theater that can fit up to 200 people. It can be set up for large or small groups and has a split screen for training, not only for our employees but it can be rented out by other groups.”

There’s also a parts warehouse in the back, he said. “We sell specialized parts all over the U.S. We have a large automated parts operation. Anybody can call us and get any manufacturer’s part they need, Chevrolet, Ford, etc.”

Account administration for all three states is located there as well, said Young. “It’s built for future growth.”

It’s exciting, he said. “It’s fun to celebrate our 100th anniversary all year and do both (open) at the same time.”