Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
The beginning of the 2010s were pivotal years for the Young Automotive Group. They had recently endured the storms of the national financial crisis, and were on a mission to diversify their business.
The company expanded into new areas of Ogden and re-entered the Morgan market they were founded in nearly 90 years earlier.
In 2012, they were approached with a unique opportunity — to acquire Ensign Toyota Honda and establish a presence in Cache Valley.
Today, the Young Automotive Group operates not only two dealerships in Logan, but powersports and truck and trailer locations as well. The company's presence in the region has become a pivotal part of their operations — a fact that's been further established in their 100th year of business.
"I think what we saw with the acquisition of Young Toyota and Young Honda was a business looking to expand the right way," Young Honda's general manager Ben Swenson said. "The Young Automotive Group knew that it wouldn't be enough to just enter the market. They had to make sure that they could add something meaningful to the community."
Automotive
Previously operating as one dealership, the Young Automotive Group quickly began expanding their recently acquired facility — developing a state of the art building with a beautiful showroom floor. Shortly after, they constructed a new dealership and split their Toyota and Honda operations between the two facilities.
Both locations have been able to thrive in Logan, and have been able to connect with the community at a level outside of business as well.
In September of 2023, they teamed up to assemble 2,500 weekend meal kits — known as pantry packs — for Cache Education Foundation. The event was part of a 15,000 pantry pack assembly initiative hosted by the Young Automotive Group's nonprofit, the Young Caring for Our Young Foundation.
"Every location at the Young Automotive Group is dedicated to delivering on their commitment to the community," Young Toyota general manager Blaine Fawcett said. "We love showing the people of Cache Valley that we're here to do more than just business."
Young Toyota and Young Honda also host trunk-or-treats each year, which have become staple events in Cache County during Halloween.
Truck and trailer
Nine years after the company had entered Logan with its Honda and Toyota dealerships, the Young Automotive Group was approached by Poulsen Trailer Sales to acquire their location on 2900 South. Seeing opportunities for both parties, an agreement was made and the dealership was renamed Young Truck and Trailer Logan on July 1, 2022.
"Travis and I have over 50 years of experience in the industry," Colby Poulsen said. "Working with the Young Automotive Group has helped take this business to new heights. We're providing Cache Valley with an unparalleled experience."
The dealership celebrated its grand opening on Sept. 23, 2022. Since the acquisition, they've been able to join the automotive locations's Halloween trunk-or-treat events as well as other initiatives.
"Becoming a part of the Logan community has been an incredible experience," Matthew Rosenlund, the general manager of Young Truck and Trailer said. "We've loved being able to serve this area and expand our reach. This dealership has performed well during our short time here and I'm excited for what the future holds."
Powersports
After analyzing the success of their automotive franchises as well as their Truck and Trailer location, the Young Automotive Group knew Cache Valley would be an incredible destination to expand their powersports division. The company celebrated the grand opening of Young Powersports Logan on May 6, 2022.
Located a few blocks away from the Toyota and Honda dealerships, the Young Automotive Group made sure to not only create a team of enthusiasts, but of people local to the community.
"Cache Valley's culture is both rare and special," Dan Curtis, a Logan resident and sales professional at the dealership said. "Our community has shared values and an incredible amount of dedicated riders. We know that we have a team here that can best help the people in this area."
As a way to show that they're more than a place of business, the dealership recently held their first bike night event. Gathering motorcyclists from Richmond to Brigham City, bike nights feature food, competitions and rides.
"Any opportunity to engage with the community outside of the showroom is looked forward to here," general sales manager Carson Schwope said. "I love this area and it's become a home for me. I've met several of my best friends in Cache Valley, and having a chance to put together rides with them as well as engage with new faces at bike night is something I value."
The beginning of 2024 marked the Young Automotive Group's celebration of 100 years in business. Founded by Seldon "Jack" Olsen in 1924, the company has grown from a single mechanic shop in Morgan, Utah to an operation with over 30 automotive and powersports franchises.
As the company continues their path into a second century, Cache Valley will remain a focus in the future of their business.
"One of the best things about the Young Automotive Group is that it's always growing," Fawcett said. "It provides our employees with great opportunities to advance their careers and for us to show new areas that we're more than just a business. We're dedicated to our communities and finding the best ways to support them both in and outside of the dealership."
