Burt Watson Story
Why Buy From Burt Watson Auto Group
Thoughtful Amenities
Whether you are waiting for your vehicle to get serviced, picking up a part for your vehicle, or stopping by to check out a new vehicle for yourself, we offer a wide range of amenities to enhance your experience here! Come by, look around and check what we can offer you!
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Burt Watson Auto Group
7468 Midland Rd
Freeland, MI 48623
- Sales: (989) 695-5366
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Burt Watson Chevrolet of Reese
10231 E Washington Rd
Reese, MI 48757
- Sales: (989) 796-4146
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Burt Watson Chevrolet
7468 Midland Road
Freeland, MI 48623
- Sales: (989) 625-3145
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Burt Watson Ford
3520 N. Huron Rd
Pinconning, MI 48650
- Sales: (989) 879-2861
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Burt Watson GMC
3433 W M-55
WEST BRANCH, MI 48661
- Sales: (989) 345-2571
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The Watson family's business legacy in Saginaw dates back to the 1920s, when Richard T. Watson and his young family, including Burton T. Watson, began distributing milk throughout the area during the Great Depression. Over time, the business evolved into producing ice cream, and the Watsons ran a beloved soda fountain in the City of Saginaw-a popular gathering spot for friends and families. Eventually, they became one of Michigan's largest ice cream producers. After World War II, the Watsons expanded by adding a popsicle franchise, becoming the primary supplier of frozen novelties in northern Michigan.
In 1955, Burt Watson sold Watson Dairy and purchased Timmons Motor Sales, which was located further down Midland Road at the time. At that point, the dealership also operated as a gas station with just a few employees. Burt quickly transitioned the business by removing the fuel pumps and refocusing efforts on selling and servicing new and used vehicles. In 1969, Burt built the current 35,000-square-foot dealership, which sits on about seven acres of blacktop, with an additional 1,500-square-foot used vehicle building.
Burt's son Richard joined the family business in 1976 after attending the University of Michigan. Following Burt's passing in 1979, Richard took over as dealer and led the company to become a dominant force in Chevrolet and Pontiac sales. He continued to grow the business before passing the torch to his children, Richard Watson IV and Hannah Watson.
In 2017, Richard Watson IV embarked on his journey to become the third generation of the Watson family to lead Burt Watson Chevrolet, Inc. Since then, he has grown the business and expanded by acquiring two additional dealerships: a Chevrolet store in Reese, Michigan, and a Ford store in Pinconning, Michigan. In 2021, Hannah Watson returned to the company, and by 2024 she had become one of the few female car dealers in Michigan, carrying forward the Watson family's tradition of leadership and growth. In 2025, they expanded once again by acquiring a GMC dealership in West Branch, Michigan, adding another trusted brand to better serve their customers.
Over the years, the business has grown to employ more than 200 dedicated team members with many employees and retirees boasting over 20 years with the company. The Watson family believes that their employees are the heart of the company and strives to create a workplace where everyone feels like family. With an employee-focused culture that emphasizes respect, support, and balance, the Watsons are committed to fostering an environment where people can succeed in their careers while also enjoying a healthy work-life balance.
The Watson family has a long-standing tradition of giving back to their community through active involvement in local organizations. They have served on various nonprofit boards, including the Saginaw Community Foundation, the Fordney Club, and the Junior League of the Great Lakes Bay Region. Richard Watson III played a pivotal role in founding the 100 Club of Saginaw, 1st State Bank, and the Freeland Walleye Festival. Their generosity extends to supporting local athletics, the Lions Club, the CAN Council, and numerous fundraising initiatives.
Now that is a Burt Thing!
A Wide Selection of Affordable New and Used Cars Available at Burt Watson Auto Group
Regardless of which type of vehicle you're interested in buying, you need a car dealership that offers a wide selection to give you the best options to select the one that's right for you. And that means choosing Burt Watson Auto Group. Our inventory of new Chevrolets is one of the most diverse in the Freeland area. Because we carefully add each vehicle to ensure car buyers have a variety of body styles, colors and models, we're more than sure that you will find them all accommodating for making your best decision. Are you more interested in a late-model used car? No worries. We've got you covered with plenty of affordable low-mileage options!
Auto Financing in Pinconning, MI
Financing a new or used car is much more simplified at our dealership than you might find elsewhere. That's because of our streamlined approach to financing and top-notch finance managers. We have a wide range of lenders, and we have direct access to everything needed to make your new or used car financing in Pinconning go quicker and thorough. From flexible finance terms to competitive rates, our lenders are transparent for you to make the most informed decision. Whether it's GM Financial or a Saginaw lender who specializes in second-chance or bad-credit auto loans, we're prepared to serve you.
Parts and Service in Reese and Freeland, MI
When you need parts or maintenance for your new Chevrolet, don't just choose a local parts store or repair shop in Freeland and Reese. Instead, choose our parts and service center for the most up-to-date information about your vehicle and the most qualified professionals. Our service team at Burt Watson Auto Group receives regular updates from the factory. And all our technicians are factory-trained and certified to work on your vehicle. We have an in-house inventory of parts with a large selection of genuine GM parts and accessories. Plus, our parts advisors are experienced when it comes to making sure the part you choose is the right choice for your specific Bay City vehicle.
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Contact
Burt Watson Auto Group
7468 Midland Rd
Freeland, MI 48623
- Sales: (989) 695-5366
- Service: (989) 879-2861
- Parts: (989) 573-8544
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