Jerry Wisneski
General Manager
Phone: 610-399-1300 ext. 102
jerryw@stillmanvolvo.com
As a member of the third generation, Bill and Evelyn Stillman were not only the couple who started our family business, they were Mom-mom and Pop-pop to me. I have the fondest memories of my grandfather; a kinder, more understanding person, you couldn’t hope to meet. As a teenager is prone to do, I tested the limits of his patience on more than one occasion. However, being a bit of a rascal himself when he was young, he was well prepared for his role as a grandfather to dispense wise and respected council. He passed away at the all too early age of sixty-six and we all still miss him very much. As of this writing, my grandmother is ninety-seven, healthy and sharp as a tack. The two of them working together in the paneled office at the business on 45 S. MacDade Blvd. is the picture that comes to mind whenever I think of them and the business. Despite the fact that my grandparents lived with us for much of my youth, I would have to say my most vivid memories outside of the business would have to be of boating on the Chesapeake. To say that Bill Stillman loved being “on the boat”, would still be an understatement. He relished even the thought of it. For Evelyn, let’s just say, not so much.
I began working at the business when I was in my early teens washing cars and helping out in the parts department with my uncle, Bill Bingman. If there’s ever a competition for “nicest guy in the world”, and he doesn’t win, it would have to be rigged. Ok, I know what you’re thinking, first his grandfather’s the kindest and now his uncle’s the nicest, this is too much. So no more of that, I promise. What I am saying is, I have been privileged to work with and be a part of a family business with some very special people, and for that I am grateful.
My involvement with the business as an adult came suddenly when, in 1976, my grandfather’s health declined rapidly after a two year struggle with cancer. At that time, Stillman’s was a small, struggling Volvo/Saab dealership with few resources and fewer options. By default, during the summer between my Sophomore and Junior year of college, at the ripe old age of twenty, with some bedside direction from my grandfather and not a clue what I was doing, I assumed the role of General Manager. To the employees and customers of that era, my sincerest apologies. God was good and somehow we survived.
In 1978 I decided to move on to “greener pastures”, working for Burroughs Corp. (Unisys) in sales, pursuing an MBA and earning a Masters of Divinity at Westminster Seminary, before returning in 1988 to the family business where I have been ever since.
I am married to the lovely Judy and have three children Paul, Sarah and Laura – all of whom give me more joy than I deserve.
