Jeffrey Wetzel was born to Betty and Dick Wetzel in Salt Lake City, Utah. Growing up in Salt Lake, he attended Highland High School. He then served a two-year mission in Manchester, England. Following his mission, he attended the University of Utah, graduating in 1985 Cum Laude, majoring in economics. In 1987, he received an MBA from the University of Utah while working full-time at Zions Bank. Jeff is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society.
In 1981, Jeff married his teenage sweetheart, Molly Warner. She has been the inspiration, strength and love of his life. They have four children and 10 grandchildren. Being with Molly, children and grandchildren is the most cherished and meaningful part of his life.
Jeff started his career in the automobile industry in 1985, selling new and used vehicles at Rick Warner Ford. In 1986, he attended the National Automobile Dealers Association Dealer Academy. Also in 1986, he became the general manager of Rick Warner Chrysler Plymouth. In 1990, he also became the General Manager of Rick Warner Nissan. Jeff and Rick Warner applied for the coveted new General Motors Saturn franchise in 1990. Based on their care of customers and employees, they were awarded the Utah market area for Saturn, “a different kind of car, a different kind of company.”
Saturn of Salt Lake was constructed and opened in 1991 with salaried sales consultants, one-price selling and vehicles with polymer door panels. The Saturn Difference propelled CSI scores and sales penetration to the top of the industry, according to JD Power. In 1995, Saturn of Orem opened in Utah County. Saturn continued to thrive, and in 1999, Saturn of Riverdale began operations.
In 1988, Rick Warner Chrysler Plymouth was the recipient of Chrysler Corporation’s highest award, the Award for Excellence. Saturn of Salt Lake, Saturn of Orem and Saturn of Riverdale were awarded Saturn Corporation’s most prestigious award earned by less than 5% of retailers nationally, the Summit Award, recognizing customer enthusiasm, sales and partnership. Jeff has served on a number of boards and supported numerous community organizations. He served as president of the New Car Dealers of Utah in 2006 and chapter president in 1998. He was a member of the NCDU Board of Directors from 2002 to 2007.
Many days and weeks were spent in Springhill, Tennessee, and Detroit, Michigan, building the Saturn brand. Jeff served on the Saturn Franchise Operations Task Force (National Dealer Council) from 1998-2000 and again from 2003 to 2005. Jeff was a member of the Saturn Product Development Task Force from 1995 to 2005. He served on the Saturn Team Member Development, Recognition and Market Area Approach Task Forces. He also served on the General Motors Service and Parts Operations Board.
Jeff has served in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints as scoutmaster, bishop, stake president and area seventy. He currently serves with Molly as director of the Salt Lake Communications Council. He enjoys cycling, skiing, boating, tennis and fly fishing.
