Web Address: www.drallechevybuick.com

Owners: Dave Dralle & Greg Dralle

Business History: Dralle Chevrolet & Buick opened for business 45 years ago when Dave Dralle Sr. purchased the business from Meyer Bros. (father of Al Meyer, owner of Second Street Saloon). In addition to fine cars, the dealership also sold John Deere Farm Equipment. Sons Dave and Greg Dralle followed in their dad’s footsteps, purchasing the business from him in 1982. They currently have 40 employees, making them one of the larger employers in Peotone. These second-generation business owners have gained a great reputation for doing business the right way – providing a quality product at a fair price. This way of doing business has earned them many awards from Chevrolet for being the most effective Chevy dealer in the state. Their visibility in Peotone extends far beyond selling cars. Dralle’s has long been active in the community, supporting just about every group or organization, whether it is selling tickets for a church dinner, allowing school groups to host a car wash or donating a car to raffle off. When the school was in jeopardy of losing its extracurricular activities, Dralle’s donated a new car to raffle off, raising over $23,500 to help keep the activities in place. They also donate a car annually to the Eastern Will County Senior Services to raffle off. They truly give back to the community that supports them.

Best business advice: Borrowing from the legendary Notre Dame football coach Lou Holtz, Dave and Greg stick with his motto for success: There are three ways he leads his life and the way he expects his players to play: Do what’s right, try your hardest, and treat others the way you would like to be treated.

Secret to their success: “Don’t expect instant success. Surround yourself with great people, then train them. Be clear about what you want and expect: 1) Tell them; 2) Show them; 3) Let them; 4) Watch them; 5) Praise or redirect.