The Jaffarian Legacy

Jaffarian Service was started in 1938 by Fred Jaffarian, the first Armenian-American born in Haverhill, when he leased a gas station on Haverhill’s River Street. He and his wife, Alice, worked at a nearby shoe factory, leaving the gas station’s management to cousin Charlie. Every day, Fred and Alice went straight from the shoe factory to work the gas station, eventually phasing out that grueling schedule when the station became successful. Their son, Richard (2nd generation), worked there after school, learning on the job how to fix cars.

In 1958, Richard Jaffarian, in his efforts to choose a high-quality car to establish a dealership — went to the library to research and found Volvo cars — a brand worthy of the Jaffarian name. Richard sought out a leading-edge vehicle know for innovation and safety, and subsequently choose to sell the Volvo brand. The couple had the perfect formula for the American dream. His gregarious personality kept customers coming back, and her frugality maximized profits. Jaffarian Service expanded to sell tires, lawnmowers, and Hudson automobiles. In the early ’50s, they switched from Hudson’s to Ramblers and added more service bays.

A true measure of success is employee longevity.  Jaffarian team members join a workplace but also the Jaffarian family inherit their commitment to customer service excellence.  The relationship with customers is an extension of our commitment to family – we pride ourselves on our one-on-one relationships.  Any given day you will see Jaffarian owners Gary and Gavin on the showroom floor chatting with customers – visit the showroom at 600 River Street and you’ll see this family environment in action.  This has been Jaffarian’s recipe for customer service success since 1938 – thank you for your business and thank you for considering joining the Jaffarian family.

Jaffarian Volvo Toyota is run by the family team of third generation brothers Gary and Mark Jaffarian, and fourth generation, Gary’s son Gavin Jaffarian … “A four-generation family business is a unique occurrence and creates a special environment where work/life balance is celebrated”, shared Gary Jaffarian, President and CEO of Jaffarian Volvo Toyota.  “Alternatively, our award-winning brands and team lead the region in sales, service, parts, and brand excellence – if you want to join a winning team – the Jaffarian team is where you want to be.”

The Jaffarian’s have deep roots in Haverhill, all having gone to the Haverhill school system, and continue to support the community and organizations since the inception of business in 1938.  From the local Boys and Girls Clubs, to Emmaus House, to Toys for Tots, Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at Nevins Farm, to the Essex County Community Foundation, to Jaffarian’s own Youth in Motion … the Jaffarian’s are willing to make a difference for individuals and organizations. Business success allows the Jaffarian’s to get to what is important at heart – the organization is proud of their commitment to the community and ability to give to those who can thrive and be empowered by opportunities made available.   

The multigenerational family team at Jaffarian Volvo Toyota is best known for their award-winning sales and service for more than four generations over the last 80 years in Haverhill.  In October 2018, Volvo celebrated 60 years of selling and servicing the Volvo brand in the greater New England area. Jaffarian Volvo is one of only four multigenerational dealerships among the 295 dealerships across the United States to have the original family owners for 60 or more years. In 1962, the Jaffarian’s added the Toyota brand to their offerings. 

In line with Jaffarian’s commitment to delivering the highest quality of service, Jaffarian Volvo was awarded the Volvo Dealer Excellence Award in both 2016 and 2017; and were one of only 40 Volvo dealers out of a total of 300 nationwide that earned this prestigious award for meeting and exceeding both Volvo sales and customer satisfaction goals.  Additional awards include:

 

  • 2017 – Volvo Dealer Excellence Award by Volvo Cars US
  • 2017 – Massachusetts Volvo Dealer of the Year Award by DealerRater.com
  • 2016 – Volvo Dealer Excellence Award by Volvo Cars US
  • 2016 – Massachusetts Volvo Dealer of the Year Award by DealerRater.com
  • 2016 – Governor Charlie Baker’s Citation for Family Owned Business of the Year
  • 2015 – Massachusetts Volvo Dealer of the Year Award by DealerRater.com
  • 2015 – Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce Family Business of the Year
  • 2015 – Family Business Association Awards for Massachusetts Finalist for Jaffarian Volvo Toyota
  • 2013 – Massachusetts Volvo Dealer of the Year Award by DealerRater.com
  • 2012 – Massachusetts Volvo Dealer of the Year Award by DealerRater.com
  • 2012 – Family Business Association Awards for Massachusetts, Finalist for Jaffarian Service