Garber Automotive Group of Valpo connects with residents at Porter County Fair

Brad Hallal, general manager at Garber CDJR Valparaiso, felt inspired at the 2025 Porter County Fair. His love for live music and local entertainment for families made him think about how Garber could get involved to share in this great community event.

 “As a music fan, I love going to concerts,” Hallal said. “They’re great, but sometimes the seating isn’t the best, and it’s nice to upgrade to better seats. So I thought, ‘What if we had a couple of trucks in the front of the venue that would not block others, but would allow a couple of people to experience a better view of the stage? How could we make that happen and give back to the fair?’”

As a result, Garber sponsored a fair and craft auction this year from which winners would receive a Garber VIP experience. This includes two seats in the bed of a truck with premier viewing, parking, with an upgraded parking pass, along with food and drink credit to use during the event. Additionally, a concierge service will have Garber employees acting as food runners so that the winners will never have to leave the bed of the truck.

“All the money raised goes back to the fair and craft auctions,” Hallal said. “The fair has promoted it, and it’s really been pretty amazing. In fact, we have one guest that has been back three times already to win three of the auctions, and he has said he’s going to bid and try to win on the monster truck night so he can bring his son to that. It’s been great.”

It’s important to the Garber family that their presence in the community reflects the values they hold close. Customer and employee satisfaction are a priority, and Hallal knows that having Garber involved in local events builds important relationships. Advertising at the fairgrounds is certainly a plus, but Hallal believes none of that matters if they aren’t making an effort to invest in events that bring people together.

“It’s all about getting to know people,” Hallal said. “We want them to get to know our salespeople that work here at the dealership, the folks in service, and build that connection. Even during the events, we have our cashier who has worked a couple of nights. One of our car porters has worked a couple of nights. I’ve been there every night. My internet manager, Justin, has been huge at making sure that the trucks are all set up and ready. We’re getting to know people. They’re getting to know us as just their neighbors that may live down the street.”

As the fair continues, Hallal wants to encourage people to come out and see the events and experience the difference Garber is making.

“I’m sure people know we sell cars and provide services,” Hallal said. “All that stuff is important, but it’s been the most fun to get out there and be a part of the community. I mean, we’re helping clean the seats and however else we can to just make the events go on successfully.”

By engaging in this event, Hallal hopes that Garber’s new presence in the city encourages people in the Valparaiso area to come check them out and see all they have to offer.

“Garber Automotive Group has a nationwide network of dealers,” Hallal said. “Being new to Valpo, I think it’s important to show that the values of this community line up exactly with what we do.”

Learn more about Garber CDJR Valparaiso at garbervalpo.com.