Today we’d like to introduce you to Allen Levit.
Allen, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Wheels of Chicago is a family owned and operated business serving the Chicago-land community since 1984. My parents, Oleg and Svetlana Levit founded the company in 1984. In 1976, my parents had immigrated from the CCCP (Soviet Union) looking for a better life-style. My father (Oleg) is originally from Moscow, Russia – and my mom (Svetlana) is originally from Kiev, Ukraine. Shortly after arriving in the U.S.A. my father’s passion for vehicles grew greater and greater. He couldn’t speak much English and realized that school just wasn’t for him, so he dropped out of high school to pursue his love for cars and opened up Wheels of Chicago. At first, we started out as a Body Shop – repaired everything and anything we could get our hands on to make a buck. But as business grew and we got more familiar pre-owned automotive sales – we fully transitioned to Automotive Sales.
For as long as I could remember, I’ve always been around cars whether it was detailing them, repairing them, or selling them. In 2012, I graduated the University of Iowa with a degree in entrepreneurial management and dove right into the family business. Having an extensive background in the automotive industry, my sister and I paired up in hopes of expansion and greater growth. We grabbed the reins of the company and have been running it ever since. We are now considered Chicago’s largest ‘Buy Here Pay Here’ automotive group. We have our own related finance company (RFC) named Chicago Acceptance that my sister Maura manages while I run the Dealer-side of operations. Our niche is giving the community around us an opportunity to purchase a vehicle and build their credit regardless of their credit/financial situation. Bad credit, no credit, previous/current repossessions, bankruptcies. etc. we work with it all. Every single applicant of ours is 100% approved and we structure programs that cater to our clients’ needs and set up a plan that enables them to succeed.
We are a truly owned and operated company that now has 3 locations, 2 service centers, and a financial institution. We truly have come quite a long way and will continue to grow!
Has it been a smooth road?
We have definitely not had a smooth road, as anyone in business who tells you they have wouldn’t be telling the truth. We’ve had quite a bit of struggles which are as follows:
1. Finding and shaping the proper team
2. Understanding the sub-prime customer and their life-habits to be able to better structure a loan that will enable them to perform
3. Being able to buy the proper inventory in terms of the vehicle longevity, performance. etc.
4. Setting up our RFC, Chicago Acceptance, and ensuring proper compliance as a financial institution
5. Getting Satellite locations set up properly and enabling them to thrive in different markets
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Wheels of Chicago – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Wheels of Chicago is a pre-owned automotive dealership that is considered a “Buy Here Pay Here.’ We sell pre-owned vehicle of all sorts and specialize in acquiring financing to a sub-prime or “secondary” clientele-base that are credit impaired. We help and enable people with bad credit, no credit, bankruptcies, etc. purchase a vehicle and obtain financing for them from our related-finance company. `We are known for helping our community find transportational needs when everyone else says no. I am most proud of being able to give my clients a second chance with a great certified, pre-owned car vehicle and watch their credit build and work hand in hand to provide them with a brighter future.
Our entire mission and dedication to each individual customer is what really sets us apart from all other dealerships. At Wheels of Chicago, if our customer succeeds, we succeed. All of our vehicles are also hand-selected and fully serviced/certified before hitting the sales lot. All of our vehicles also come with full warranties to give each customer peace of mind.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Best: The food. The food here is absolutely incredible and you’ll find any cuisine out there to enjoy.
Least: The weather. Weather out here gets crazy from time to time and you never know what you’re going to get.
Contact Info:
- Address: 6229 N. Western Avenue, Chicago, IL 60659 (Head Quarters)
2669 N. Cicero Avenue, Chicago, IL 60639
415 N. Green Bay Road, Waukegan, IL 60085 - Website: www.wheelsofchicago.com
- Phone: 773.262.7500
- Email: allen.levit@wheelsofchicago.net
- Facebook: https://business.facebook.com/wheelsofchicagoinc/?business
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
