MEET: CELEBRITY CARS LAS VEGAS:

Not your typical used-car salesmen

Ken Tangen, left, and Ryan Hamilton pose at Celebrity Cars Las Vegas Wednesday, March 4, 2015. The company recently moved from a showroom at the Palazzo to a new 20,000 sq. ft. showroom at 7770 Dean Martin Drive.

Celebrity Cars Las Vegas

Address: 7770 Dean Martin Drive, Suite 301, Las Vegas

Phone: 702-818-1031

Email: [email protected]

Website: celebritycars.com

Hours of operation: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday

Owned/operated by: Ryan Hamilton and Ken Tangen

In business since: 2001

Describe your business.

We are a boutique automotive dealership specializing in exotic, as well as classic, cars and motorcycles. Our 20,000-square-foot showroom also is available for private events.

What is the most popular model of car you sell?

Our inventory always is changing, and we take select vehicles on consignment, so we never know what may come through the door. Most of our inventory is purchased from private individuals and collectors who have cared for these vehicles for many years, sometimes even decades.

What makes your business successful?

Our ownership is made up of born-and-raised Las Vegans, as well as longtime residents, so we understand how small a town Vegas is and how important going the extra mile for our customers can be.

What makes your business unique?

We have created a one-of-a-kind venue showcasing the finest automobiles combined with a first-class private events center. We value our relationships with our customers over all else.

Celebrity Cars Las Vegas

American muscle cars, including a Mustang Shelby GT-500 convertible, center, are shown at Celebrity Cars Las Vegas Wednesday, March 4, 2015. The company recently moved from a showroom at the Palazzo to a new 20,000 sq. ft. showroom at 7770 Dean Martin Drive. Launch slideshow »

What is your business philosophy?

We strive to make our customers feel like they have walked into the ultimate playground instead of a typical car dealership. Most buyers have grown tired of the high-pressure sales atmosphere and stigma that comes along with a typical car dealership.

What’s the most important part of your job?

We consider ourselves a marketing company more so even than sales. Our goal is to be a lifestyle concierge company, not just a place to buy a car.

What is the hardest part about doing business in Las Vegas?

Las Vegas has brought Celebrity Cars great success and support throughout the years, but the City of Sin’s image of unsophistication has been something to overcome as professional business owners.

What is the best part about doing business here?

Las Vegas is still a very small town with regard to its business community, and everyone works together to support each other. Having a great reputation will go a long way.

What are some obstacles your business has overcome?

We have had to overcome the task of differentiating ourselves from the typical dealership and the sales techniques they employ. Most of our cars you can’t find anywhere else. Our buyers appreciate our low-pressure environment, as we let our vehicles sell themselves.

How can Nevada improve its business climate?

Nevada should continue to work with businesses to encourage growth and ethical behavior.

What have you learned from the recession?

We have learned to focus on our core business model that allows us to keep our operating cost down while maintaining a high-class image. Allocating available funds appropriately is key.

Tags: The Sunday
Business

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