In honor of International Women’s Day, we felt it was important to honor and highlight our female owner, Carol Duchmann. Enjoy a little history of Carol and her family’s legacy in the automobile industry.
The Beginning of a Family’s Legacy
In 1954, the legacy began when Kurt Sedlmeier, Carol’s father, opened the North Ellicott Garage in Buffalo, NY. Kurt was able to expand the business in 1962 when he acquired the Peugeot franchise, which is where Carol’s journey as a female leader in the automobile industry began.
Female Leader: Carol
Carol Duchmann entered the industry back in 1982 at her family’s Peugeot Dealership in downtown Buffalo, NY. By 1988, the family had already established another dealership in Orchard Park and in 1995 they were awarded the Volkswagen franchise creating Volkswagen of Orchard Park.
Since the opening almost 27 years ago the dealership has remained in the family with Carol assuming the role as owner after her father retired.
Under Carol’s leadership, Volkswagen of Orchard Park has had many achievements including receiving the Wolfsburg Crest Award. This award is earned by those dealerships who have exceeded Volkswagen standards in service and sales.
Carol’s Legacy
Outside of leading a successful Volkswagen dealership, Carol is also a board member of the local Niagara Frontier Auto Dealers of Western New York. In 2017, she became the first Chairwoman of the board that served a 2-year term.
Carol has 2 children and 4 beautiful grandchildren with her husband of 43 years.
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