InTouch with Southern Kentucky July 2020 | Page 14

“We simply outgrew the old facility,”
he said. “We have tripled the size
of the old showroom, and now we
have a much more robust service
department. We went from 6 to 16
service bays and offer full-service
detailing.”
An order from Governor Beshear,
which took effect on March 23,
imposed broad restrictions on
nonessential retail establishments,
including car dealerships. They could
provide repair, parts, and service, but
showrooms were closed to in-person
traffic for nearly 40 days.
The KIA dealership continued
to sell cars on the internet, and
since reopening at the new
building, employees have been
taking precautions, wearing masks,
and observing social distancing
procedures.
Wilson said that prospective car
buyers have not had any trouble
finding the new showroom.
“I just tell them that we are at
stoplight #2 now, and we are clearly
visible from Highway 27,” he said.
Established in 1968, the Don
Franklin Family of Dealerships has
grown to over 20 dealerships and
employs over 600 people throughout
Kentucky.
“We were #1 in sales of any
dealership in Somerset last year, and
we just had to get something bigger,”
Wilson said. “This new place is just
1,000 times better.”
14 • In Touch with Southern Kentucky July 2020