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Chris Irwin
At most dealerships, the owner isn't available to you. I want to be different. I genuinely want to hear from you, good or bad. Let's talk!
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Third Generation.
Same Values.
Laconia Born. Community Driven. Accountable.
I'm the third-generation president of the Irwin Automotive Group. My grandfather Robert H. Irwin started Irwin Automotive Group in 1951 as a Lincoln-Mercury dealership. My father Peter expanded it into Toyota and Hyundai. I joined full-time around 2007 and took over as President that year.
I grew up in Laconia, went to Laconia High School, then studied at the University of Richmond. When I came back, I knew I wanted to keep growing what my grandfather built, not just in size, but in the way we treat people. In 2023, I added Chevrolet to the group after acquiring the long-standing Cantin Chevrolet.
I give out my personal cell and email because I mean it. If something isn't right, I want to know. If something is right, I want to hear that too! I promise, I love good news too!
73 Years of Family Ownership
We've been in business since 1951. I'm proud to still be here doing it the same way, with the same values.
Three Generations, One Name
My grandfather started this business over 70 years ago. Here's how we got to where we are today.
My Grandfather Opens the Doors
Robert H. Irwin founded this business as a Lincoln-Mercury dealership right here in Laconia. He built it on straightforward values: be honest, treat people well, and show up every day. That's still the standard I hold myself to.
My Father Grows the Group
My dad, Peter Irwin, joined the business and added Toyota and Hyundai to the family. I watched him work growing up, and honestly, a lot of how I operate comes from watching how he treated customers and employees alike.
I Take the Helm as President
I came back to Laconia after the University of Richmond and joined the business full-time. Becoming President was a responsibility I took seriously, I never wanted to just inherit a business. I wanted to earn it. I still think about it that way every day.
Named NH Union Leader 40 Under Forty
I was honored to be recognized by the New Hampshire Union Leader, but honestly, what matters most to me is what the community thinks. I grew up here. Our community has done so much for myself and our family over the last six-plus decades, it makes it easy, fun, and fulfilling to give back.
We Add Chevrolet to the Family
We acquired the long-standing Cantin Chevrolet and opened Irwin Chevrolet. It was a big move, but it felt right. Chevy is a brand built on working people and reliability values that fit who we are. I'm excited about what we're building here.
I Live Here Too
We've contributed over $1.2 million to local causes. Not because it looks good, but because we all live here!.
Education & Youth
I went to Laconia High School. When the capital campaign came around, we gave $50,000, not because someone asked us to, but because I wanted to. Supporting the next generation here is something I take personally.
Boys & Girls Club
I've seen what the Boys & Girls Club does for kids in this community. We've been proud supporters for years, and it's one of the causes I feel most strongly about. If you can give kids a safe place and opportunity, you change everything.
Accountability to You
My email and cell phone are on this page because I mean it. I don't want layers between me and the people we serve. If we fall short, I want to hear it from you directly, not through a survey six weeks later.
Let's Talk
I want to hear how your experience was!. If something went wrong, tell me. If someone on my team did something great, tell me that too. I read every email and I'll respond personally.
Or visit us at Irwin Chevrolet · Laconia, New Hampshire