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Nelson Family History
The Nelson name in the automotive business goes back nearly one hundred years to 
Pam’s father, Stan Nelson Jr. set out to buy his own Chevrolet dealership in Sedro Woolley in 1938. He had no assets and no credit to his name; His father told him to borrow twice as much as he needed and then to pay back half within a month. By doing that he would establish his credit; he asked for $4,000. What is so impressive is that Stan did this when he was barely 23 years old and became the youngest Chevrolet Dealer in the entire country at that time!
Jitney Bus circa 1910
Pam Nelson purchased Foothills Pontiac Buick Toyota in 1985 and kept businesses moving for over twenty years until 2006 when construction began for the new building. Foothills Toyota Scion opened the brand new facility on January 12, 2007 after less than one year from groundbreaking.
The Nelson family has been in the automobile industry and serving the Pacific Northwest since 1922 and Foothills Toyota was established on March 4th,1985 when Pam Nelson became a third generation Toyota Pontiac and Buick dealer. For 37 years she served and called Skagit County home raising two sons Tyler and Matt. Pam was a Toyota Presidents Award winner on multiple occasions and held the distinction as being the longest active female Toyota dealer in the world. Additionally, she was Time magazine Washington State dealer of the year and runner-up for the Time national dealer of the year award in 2009. In 2020 she was named Washington State Auto Dealers Association Dealer of the year award winner. Foothills Toyota has been very active in the community most notably donating $500,000 to the Skagit YMCA to help fund their brand new state of the art facility serving the greater community.
On March 4th of 2022 her son Tyler Steinman officially became Dealer Principal; 37 years to the day after his mother took ownership of the store. Tyler a lifetime resident of Skagit Valley graduated from Sedro Woolley high School in 2002 and Western Washington University in 2006 where he studied Business Management. Tyler has held nearly every position at the store from; washing cars to General Manager. Graduated from NADA Dealer Academy in 2012, becoming GM in 2013. Tyler his wife Jill and his children Mackenzie and Callan currently reside in Bay View.
We offer quality, competitively priced vehicles and factory trained master technicians to maintain and service your car, truck or SUV. Our parts department can provide you with nearly any part or accessory you could want and our service advisors can guide you on all aspects of your vehicles maintenance issues.
Foothills Toyota is more than just a business for vehicle purchase and maintenance, we are a group of people who are family-oriented, care about your experience here with us and have the experience and expertise to help you with every aspect of your vehicle ownership. Our award winning Sales, Parts and Service Departments can take care of everything you need. Just ask!
We invite you to come and visit us at our 52,000 square foot facility complete with three waiting areas, free wireless internet access, an indoor service drive and a customer café with coffee and vending. We thank you for your business and look forward to seeing you.