Capistrano Toyota

Capistrano Toyota
By Shelley Hudson

As Capistrano Toyota General Manager Roger Hogan, Jr. surveys the expansive dealership, he stops to shake hands and chat with every customer along the way. Maintaining the highest standards of personal attention and integrity are the founding principles upon which his father Roger, Sr. grew the business into the success it is today.

Capistrano Toyota’s sterling reputation and no pressure sales philosophy are the cornerstones that continue to fuel its growth. “My dad was determined to make this industry more reputable,” Roger explains. “We want customers to know that car people can be good family people. The easier we can make a customer’s experience with us, the more successful we are. We like what we do, and we want to offer a fair deal.”

Jerry Hernandez, Irvine Valley College basketball coach and loyal Capistrano Toyota customer, sums up his experience, “Going to the dealership is like dining at your favorite family restaurant where you know everyone. The Hogan brothers are always there—it’s about a sense of trust and the security of knowing that someone will take the time for me. I’ve referred at least 25 friends or family members to Capistrano Toyota in the last ten years.”

Community outreach remains an integral component of the Hogan philosophy as well. Capistrano Toyota recently partnered with the Dana Hills High School football team and Honor the Valor to raise over $20,000 for military veterans. “We were approached by one of the players about helping out with a fundraiser. When I learned about Honor the Valor, I said, ‘How about if we donate a car?'” recalls Roger. “I have a soft spot for veterans—both of my grandfathers served during the Korean War and we work with many Marines from Camp Pendleton. This was a team effort, and I was happy we could be a part of it,” he adds. As the fundraiser’s grand prize winner, local resident Bill Sidenfaden couldn’t be more pleased with Roger’s donation of the new 2014 Toyota Matrix.

Homefront America is another worthy organization that benefits from Capistrano Toyota’s generosity. This group provides scholarships to military dependents and assists military families in need. The dealership and several employees “adopt” families each year to provide necessities and support. The Ocean Institute, youth education and sports programs, and Capistrano Animal Rescue Effort (CARE) are also organizations that receive assistance from the Capistrano Toyota family.

Roger Hogan, Jr. is enthusiastic about his dealership’s outlook for 2014 with the upcoming rollout of several new vehicles. The Corolla, Tundra, RAV-4, and Highlander have completely new body styling, and all 2014’s come standard with Bluetooth technology. The top-selling Prius and the new RAV-4 EV plug-in models are all highly-anticipated and well-reviewed. With the opening of the Toyota Truck Center on the adjoining property earlier this year, sales of trucks and SUVs have skyrocketed and Capistrano Toyota is now the fastest-growing truck seller in Southern California. The Hogans have even more expansion in the works—Claremont Volkswagen is scheduled to open in early 2014 next door to Claremont Toyota (operated by Hogan
brother Stephen).

The service department has also increased capacity with the addition of several new service bays at the Truck Center, allowing customers to get rolling even quicker. On top of the always complimentary Wi-Fi, local shuttle, concierge service, car wash, and continental breakfast, new customers can score $10 oil changes for any vehicle on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

December is the busiest month of the year in the auto sales industry, and Capistrano Toyota is ready to meet the demand. Inventory is packed with competitively priced new and pre-owned cars, SUVs, and trucks. Be sure to ask your salesperson for the locals only “Back Yard Deals” and incentives.

Roger, Stephen, and Kyle Hogan have grown up in the car business alongside their father Roger, Sr., and all three brothers are now raising families of their own. Roger, Jr. is excited to welcome “Oh Baby!” #5, due to arrive in Spring 2014. “We all work hard, but our families are most important,” says Roger, “I still have lunch with my dad every day, and I wouldn’t change a thing.

[ Check out our behind the scenes footage of our Capistrano Toyota photo shoot! ]