WHO WE ARE

OUR FOUNDERS

 

Dan WIlder Sr. began his career in the car business in 1966 as a parts delivery boy for a VW Dealer in California. In 1977 Dan and his wife Sally had the opportunity to move to Port Angeles, Washington to buy a car dealership. At the age of 28, Dan became the second youngest Volkswagen dealer in the United States. Dan attended Corban University from 1970-1974 and was recognized as Alumni of the Year in 2007. Dan later served on the Corban University Board of Trustees. Wilder Auto Group employs over 100 people including his daughter, Tami Rose, son Dan Wilder Jr, and son-in-law Dale Rose. Also, as part of their benefit package, Wilder employees can send their children to Peninsula College with up to two years paid tuition or attend Stayer University "Degrees @ Work" for advanced degrees at no cost to employees. Dan and his family were members of Independent Bible Church in Port Angeles where served on the IBC Church Elder Board for over 40 years. In 1995, Governor Lowry appointed Dan to the Peninsula College Board of Trustees. He was later reappointed to the board by Governor Locke. He was President of Washington State Auto Dealer Association, and recognized as Washington State Dealer of the Year by WSADA. Dan was recognized by Time magazine in 2010 as it's Washington State Dealer of the Year. Dan was actively involved in the community for over 40 years, volunteering his time at Olympic Memorial Hospital Foundation fundraisers, Senior Babe Ruth Baseball organization , and Young Life of Clallam County among many other charaties.

IN 1977 DAN WILDER SR. PURCHASED HIS FIRST FRANCHISE, WILDER VOLKSWAGEN

He becomes the second-youngest owner in the history of Volkswagen franchises. Toyota was added in 1980,  followed by Nissan, Honda, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep ,and Ram Four decades later, Wilder has built an automotive powerhouse on the North Olympic Peninsula.

"I want people to come to our dealership and have a great experience."

Dan Wilder Sr.

OVER THE YEARS, THE WILDER AUTO • RV • HOMES HAS GROWN

In 2002, the dealership expanded into RV sales with the addition Coachman Motor Homes. Dan soon added Forest River, Palomino, R•Pod, No Boundaries and others, near his Nissan Dealership next to Bushwackers. Later he moved the RV sales to across the street to the old Lietz farm store at 1527 East Front, St. Port Angeles, WA. He later expanded the RV sales from travel trailers and toy haulers to add Park Model RVs, tiny-home like semi-permantion destination units for short-term stays and vacation rentals.

2015 saw the completion of the new addition to the location off Deer Park. The road to the new location was named Jetta Way in honor of Dan Sr's Volkswagen roots.

In 2021 Wilder opened Wilder Affordable homes which carries lines of manufactured homes from Skyline and Fleetwood located in the ioriginal RV lot at 1536 East Front St Port Angeles, WA.

Dan credits the success of the business to it's family atmosphere - about 20 employees have been with the company for over 15 years. A few have been here more than 30.

"You're only as good as your employees!"

Dan Wilder

The company also takes pride in giving back to the community actively giving to many non-profits and charitible organizations throughout the Peninsula, including Olympic Memorial Hospital fundraisers, Senior Babe Ruth, and Young Life, just to name a few.

 

 

 

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