‘Boosting Business by Doing Good at a Nissan Dealership in South Carolina’

Jane Vaden Thacher had a vision when she joined her family’s business in 1994: to open her own dealership at a younger age than her father, who started his first dealership at 41. In 2001, at just 34 years old and with a toddler and infant twins, Thacher achieved her goal.

As the president of Vaden Automotive, she now oversees nine dealerships, including four Nissan locations, in southeast Georgia and the South Carolina Lowcountry. Thacher has always prioritized community engagement, emphasizing meaningful partnerships and volunteer work over simple sponsorships.

One of her more recent initiatives involves partnering with Bluffton Self Help in South Carolina, aiding immigrants in learning English and essential life skills. This partnership has not only benefited the community but also the dealership, as it has helped Vaden recruit employees who reflect the diverse populations they serve.

Valentina Ramirez, a salesperson at Vaden Nissan Hilton Head, is a testament to the success of these community partnerships. Originally from Venezuela, Ramirez struggled with English when she started but received support from Vaden to improve her language skills. Through her dedication and the community connections provided by the dealership, Ramirez has built a strong customer base and even outsold her colleagues in December 2023.

The impact of community involvement goes beyond just business success for Vaden Automotive. By embracing diversity and actively engaging with different community organizations, the dealership has created a more inclusive and successful environment for both employees and customers.