Oliver's great grandfather, Jack Olsen, and his grandfather, Sam Young, are being inducted into the Utah International Auto Expo Hall of Fame on January 13th. Sam had me take his photo and help him write his bio for the newspaper and his plaque. Here it is:
Samuel D. Young III began his life in Grand Rapids, Michigan. After attending Michigan State University, Sam had dreams of becoming an Air Force Pilot, so he enlisted in the US Air Force. His military service serendipitously had him transferred to Hill Air Force Base in Northern Utah, where he later met his wife, Bertie Olsen. They married in 1951 and proceeded to have six wonderful children over the next 15 years.
Sam began his career working as a bookkeeper for his father-in-law, Seldon Jack Olsen, in 1952 at Olsen Chevrolet in Layton, Utah. In 1952 all bookkeeping was done manually and Sam spent countless hours trying to get all the ledgers, books, and accounting numbers to match to the penny. His family remembers him bringing papers, books, and calculators home many times, where he worked in their living room for hours balancing the books. Sam continued to work hard and worked his way up the ranks focusing on the accounting department and fixed operations. One of his most significant business ventures that helped propel the growth of Olsen Chevrolet was Sam’s foresight in the purchase of 16 acres in Layton that fueled the new building and began the future expansion of the Olsen/Young automotive operation. Meanwhile, Kent Murdock, his brother in law came into the Olsen family business where they enjoyed many years of working together as a team.
On August 15, 1977 Sam and Kent purchased the business from their Father-in-law and became partners, Co-Dealer and Co-owners in Olsen Chevrolet where they both built a very successful and prosperous family business. Sam was responsible for the Office, Fixed Operations, and the Finance Department, while Kent headed up the New and Used Sales Departments. This model served them well for many years. Both Sam and Kent had several of their children work in the business and they have enjoyed the many family dynamics that come with a family operated business. Sam Young (Young Chevrolet) and Kent Murdock (Murdock Chevrolet) have both grown their respective family businesses far beyond the original Chevrolet store in Layton, operating multiple locations and many franchises.
Sam served in many civic and church organizations. He was the Rotary President, the Chamber President, Utah Automobile Dealers Association President, Commodore of the Lake Powel Yacht Club, Captain in the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and was a Scout Master for many years. Even to this day older men in their 50’s claim he was the best Scout Master ever.
Sam has long enjoyed the growth of his automobile and family business. He loves being with his family in the business environment and has transferred much of his business intuition and sense to his children. His prized love is the love of his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
