Harvey Cilley
Harvey Cilly was the youngest son of seven children who grew up in rural Dundee, Michigan. His father was a mechanic, but after graduating from Summerfield High School in Petersburg, Michigan and trying to follow in his father’s footsteps as a mechanic, Harvey decided that was not the work for him. Soon after Harvey tried the automobile business, found out he was good at selling, and he has been selling cars since1979.
On the dealership lot, Harvey is all business and always hustling. He knows the inventory and he knows his customers and what they want, and he works diligently to put them together as is evidenced by the salesperson of the month trophy displayed in his office. But there is a softer side to Harvey than just the dependable-never misses a day and never-late guy. He also has a very full personal life that involves a son Andrew. Harvey says, “Andrew is what I am most proud of in my life. He is eighteen years old and he is not afraid to give me a hug and let me know he cares. What I really look forward to is our annual trip in to see the Detroit Tigers to celebrate Andrew’s birthday. This June 19th he’ll be nineteen. We are both big fans, and we have never missed a year”.
A little glimmer comes into Harvey’s eye when he talks about his dogs Sissy, Frisco and Joey. And like a proud parent or grandparent, his desk is loaded with photos.
When asked what he likes best about his job Harvey replies, “It may sound strange, but I like my boss. I appreciate him as a manager and he is fun to be around. He knows I hustle and I take my job seriously, but he also knows there are things I can do better and I am resistant to change, but he is patient and he is willing to help me make those changes”.
When asked what would surprise people if they knew, he quickly says, “I may look out of shape, but I am still athletic and I love to compete and win”. At Ballas, we definitely think you are a winner and appreciate you being a part of our team of professionals, Harvey!