Anchorage. Chrysler Dodge Center.

• Author: PARDES, JOAN
• Position: Brief Article - Statistical Data Included

2001 Top 49er Ranking: 11 Position Last Tear: 19 2000 Revenue: $84 million Number of Employees: 140

With 140 employees and $84 million in sales for the year 2000, the Anchorage Chrysler Dodge Center not only weighs in as the largest dealer of Chrysler and Dodge cars and trucks in the state-it's the second largest Chrysler dealer in the Pacific Northwest.

Established in 1963, when Anchorage was home to less than 100,000 residents, the company flourished under the leadership of several owners. Current President and Owner Rod Udd started his career with the dealership as a part-time car salesman in 1970.

Nineteen years later, Udd bought the company and under his management the Anchorage Chrysler Dodge Center has grown from a five-acre facility that housed $9 million worth of cars and trucks to its current $24 million inventory that sprawls over 10 acres in downtown Anchorage. Earlier this year, the National Automobile Dealers Association honored the Anchorage businessman by awarding him the prestigious 2001 Time Magazine quality Dealer award during its annual convention.

When asked about his company's success, Udd modestly chalks up the dealership's unprecedented growth to its long history of community involvement.

"Being involved with the community has helped sales in immeasurable ways," said Udd. "You can't put your finger on it because people don't come in and say 'I want to buy a truck from you because you sponsor the Iditarod,' but I believe we have a higher percentage of the market because of our community involvement and our willingness to meet customer needs."

Since 1989, when Udd assumed ownership of the dealership, the Anchorage Chrysler Dodge Center has donated the Official Iditarod Dodge Ram pick-up truck to the winner of the Last Great Race.

"We always support the Iditarod," explained Udd. "Along with the winner's truck, we also supply a Dodge Ram for the event's annual raffle and loan out about 10 or 11 trucks and cars for the vets who take care of the dogs along the trail."

Last year, Udd's company sponsored the development of a bronze memorial trophy in memory of the late Joe Redington, the "Father of the Iditarod," that was unveiled in Nome after the last musher crossed the finish line.

"Mushers are amazing people to me. I have the utmost respect for the incredible amount of time and effort they...