What is the Subaru Love Promise?
Subaru and our retailers believe in making the world a better place and the Subaru Love Promise is our vision of respecting all people. This is our commitment to show love and respect to our customers and to work to make a positive impact in the world.
How is Placer Subaru dedicated locally to the Love Promise?
Placer Subaru, a Hometown Family Owned and Operated Business. Believes We Need To Give Back To The Community. We Need To Be Actively Involved In The Community. Not Because It is Good For The Business. Placer Subaru Is More Than A Car Company.
Lewis and Clark Humane Society
PRICKLY PEAR LAND TRUST
DRIVERS EDUCATION, SPECIAL OLYMPICS, 4-H, 3 MAN GOLF TOURNAMENT SPONORSHIP FOR YOUR YOUTH GOLF , ROSSITER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, HELENA ROBOTICS, LOCAL SCHOOLS
CARROLL COLLEGE, NAMI OF HELENA, PROJECT HEALING WATERS , HELENA COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY, GODS LOVE , FLORENCE CRITTENTON HOME, MONTANA INDEPENDENT LIVING PROJECT, TOYS FOR TOTS, DISABLED VETERENS
ST PETERS HOSPITAL , SHODAIR HOSPITAL, INTERMOUNTAIN CHILDRENS HOME
Love Promise Stories from Placer Subaru
Subaru and Placer Subaru believe in making a positive impact on the communities in which we live and work. We uphold that belief through our Love Promise Community Commitment. Every month, we select inspiring stories from customers and partners from around our area who strive to support our collective commitment and feature them here
Placer Subaru Delivers Hope - Tovi E
On July 8th, Placer Subaru partnered with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and Touchmark through the Subaru Loves to Care initiative. This partnership involved delivering blankets, patient care kits, and messages of hope to cancer patients. This year, Placer Subaru will also support the LLS Urgent Need Program, Pediatric, which will provide 5 pediatric blood cancer patient households with financial relief to help offset non-medical costs associated with treatment, such as transportation, food, housing, utilities, etc. It was an amazing delivery day filled with kindness and connection. Through Placer Subaru’s participation in these programs, it shows they care. Placer Subaru consistently shows up and shows out for their community, and that impact was felt on the delivery day. Touchmark was a joy to work with, and we were so happy they were the recipients of Placer Subaru’s donation this year. We are so grateful to work and live in a community that takes care of one another. Thank you, Placer Subaru and thank you Touchmark for being firm in your mission to help others.
Placer Subaru Supports The Helena Family YMCA - Joshua S
Imagine going without a coat, shoes, or even socks. For millions of children and adults experiencing homelessness and other urgent need situations across the country, even here in Helena, this is a harsh reality. Helping others strengthens communities, which is why Placer Subaru is partnering with Operation Warm®, a national nonprofit focused on connecting children with the resources they need to thrive. Through this partnership and other Subaru Loves to Help® efforts, Subaru and retailers like Placer Subaru have helped nearly 900,000 children and adults in urgent need. On 01/13/2025, Placer Subaru donated 120 coats to The Helena Family YMCA. These essential items not only help keep children protected, warm, and dry, it can have a significant impact on a child's mental and emotional well-being.
Man's Best Friend - Justin W
My connection with Placer Subaru began in June of 2006, my sophomore year of high school, when Erick (the owner) took a chance on a young kid and hired me to work in the detail shop. After three years of working at Placer Subaru I was looking into adopting a dog. Sometime in August of 2010 the Humane Society in Helena had rescued a littler of Husky/German Shepard puppies and their mom from the reservation and one of the little puppies stole my heart. Being young I needed references to adopt a puppy and Erick happily allowed me to use him as a reference and I was allowed to take Scooter, my new puppy home. I was working over 40 hours a week at the time but to allow me time to bond with my puppy Erick graciously allowed me to bring him to work with me. I got to do my job and train/socialize Scooter, it was the best of both worlds. The unthinkable happened in February of 2022 when sadly Scooter passed away. He was my everything and he definitely left a whole in my life when he was gone. I absolutely missed the companionship of having a dog in my life. My coworkers knew it was a hard loss for me and about a month later I got to a point in my life where I thought I could open my home to another dog. It just so happens that right around that time the Humane Society once again took in a littler of puppies. One of my coworkers sent me the link and I had to go meet them for myself. That is where I met Lily. The craziest little puppy with goofy ears. She mended my broken heart. Erick went above and beyond and sponsored her adoption so that I could have a new puppy to love. He also, once again, allowed me to bring Lily to work so that I can bond with her and get some training in while not having to sacrifice my work hours. Erick has gone the extra mile countless times for me and he would do it for any of his employees. I can’t thank him enough for all that he has done for me and my fur babies and I can’t think of a better place to work. Thank you, Erick and Placer Subaru.
Love Our Veterns - Dan M
Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Lewis and Clark County Chapter #3 is dedicated to a single purpose: empowering veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. Placer Subaru of Helena, Montana chose DAV Chapter #3 as the benefactor of their 2023 “Subaru Share the Love” campaign. The campaign, held during the month of November 2023 and into January 2024, generated $19,939 for the DAV organization. DAV travels over 1 million miles per year via 60 vans delivering veterans to their medical appointments all across Montana. The “Share the Love” funding was instrumental in allowing the organization to improve the quality of their service to Montana Veterans. Placer Subaru has been engaged with DAV for 8 years as a sponsor of the DAV Annual Golf tournament. The staff has been fully engaged discovering ways to sponsor and assist DAV in a continuing effort to improve. This year, the tournament generated over $230,000 for DAV veteran efforts. During the “Share the Love” event, Placer Subaru staff came up with great ideas to showcase the DAV story with a presentation booth in the showroom including a video, handouts, posters, and other information. They even incorporated the DAV tournament plinko board as a means to engage customers and peak their interest. The plinko board was a big hit and the dealership provided giveaway prizes for participants. Placer Subaru’s effort to support DAV has been nothing short of astounding. DAV is extremely thankful for their engagement and participation. DAV is proud to consider Placer Subaru’s team as a partner in supporting Montana Veterans.
Art and Wildlife Friendship - Dave M
Our relationship with Subaru vehicles and Placer Subaru of Helena, Montana began almost a decade ago in 2014 due to a referral from a previous customer that at the time was driving a Subaru Forester and that was an acquaintance of ours. Since we operate an Art and Wildlife Photography business based out of Great Falls, Montana we were in the market for not only a reputable vehicle but also one that could take us near and far no matter what weather or terrain we would encounter that was also backed with a reliable dealership that could provide the service and support that we expected. This is where Subaru and Placer Motors came in and has far exceeded our expectations over the past several years. From the very first day when we met the longtime salesman for Placer Subaru on a three day weekend fresh off a local golf course, we knew we had found a long term organization that was willing to go over and above our expectations and a dealership that would provide excellent service and sales for years to come. This is when we placed our order for a 2014 Subaru Forester Premium along with an extended Subaru Warranty. From that very day forward we have accumulated well over 211,000 miles on three Subaru vehicles, beginning with the 2014 Subaru Forester Premium to a 2019 Subaru Outback Limited and most recently a 2023 Subaru Outback Limited. All ordered from Placer Subaru of Helena along with Subaru’s Extended Warranty. Placer Subaru's sales team and service department in our opinion (and many other customers from what we have heard) are definitely “top notch”. This fact extends throughout their entire staff from the greeters at the front door to the owner himself. As with any advanced piece of machinery we have encountered some problems over the years and Placer Subaru and Subaru have provided the solution whether it was a warranty or service issue up to and including the answer to a technical question about an operation that we probably passed over in the owners manual over the phone. Placer Subaru has routinely and without issue provided us with a loaner vehicle upon request when we drop off our vehicle for routine service when we have needed to continue our travels without interruption. This has been a welcome feature that assures us that our business can continue on unhampered. In conclusion, our Love Promise Story could continue on and on regarding Placer Subaru and it’s customer satisfaction. This is exactly why by living in Great Falls, Montana (located 90 miles away) we go the extra mile so to speak to do our business with them. I take great pleasure in sharing this story with others and I look forward to it’s continuation with Placer Subaru.
Thats some PIG! - Trinity B
I would like to thank Erick Anderson and Placer Subaru for all of the support to myself and the 4-H community they have given us. Erick bought my pig that won Reserve Champion Market hog when I was 11 years old. The sale started an hour earlier than usual that year and my pig was the second animal of the day to sell. Erick just made it to the sale to purchase my pig. I went in to speak with Erick about my pig prior to fair and I was there for about an hour “selling” my pig to him. I took a steer this year and Erick also bought him. My Black Angus steer, Mort’s steak was shared with one of Erick’s friends that knows my dad. Erick’s friend called my father to let him know that that was the best tasting steak he had ever had. I have had to learn how to market my animals, feed them, get them fit for showing, and have knowledge about the animals to be able to sell them. I am so thankful that Eric has been so kind with me learning from my 4-H experiences about marketing. Erick has been supporting 4-H which is the largest youth development organization with nearly six million young people participating in the United States. I live in Helena, Montana which is a small community and without the support of local businesspeople such as Erick, our 4-H program wouldn’t help all of the youth. I am planning on using the money I have received from my 4-H years to go to college to become a veterinarian. Without the generosity of Erick and Placer Subaru my college plans might not be as attainable. Thank You Erick Anderson and Placer Subaru for all of your generosity. Trinity Bartmess and the Lewis & Clark County 4-H Community
A Running Success - Becky S
Placer Subaru, Thank you so much for the 2023 poster sponsorship. This season was an incredible season for the Bengal runners. Our girls finished 6th at the state meet with only 2 points behind 5th and 14 points behind 4th. With only 2 varsity seniors leaving, next year we’ll be shooting for the top. On the boy's side we finished 3rd at state with 3 runners in the top 20. The boys also had the smallest time spread meaning the time between our 1st runner and 5th was the smallest in Montana AA (the girls had the second smallest). Also, with only 3 seniors leaving the Bengals are set up to have a powerful season next year. But more important than the results are how much our team bonded this year. We all train together and push through the long runs together, but what really builds this team is what happens outside of practice. We had our team summer camp in August, which was filled with days of games, silly competitions, skits we made up and performed, and swimming. After camp the fun continued with premeet dinners, crazy bus rides home from meets (which included driving hot wheels around on my coach's head), and bagel stops after Saturday morning practices. All these little moments have turned us into a family and none of these little moments would have been possible without donations like yours. Cross country is like no other sport and I’m so grateful for the support from community members and businesses like you. Thank you so much! -Katie Lee (sophomore)
Celebration of Excellence - George C
christensyn@gmail.com Subaru, I writing about two things: 1. My recent purchase of a Forester and 2. Placer Motors. I’m really enjoying my Forester. It is just what I wanted. A dependable, comfortable all-wheel drive suv that gets good mileage. As a guy at a part stored said to me “Subarus are built like a tank, nothing ever goes wrong and get good mileage!” My family, 3 daughters, Son, foster son and I have purchased multiple Subarus from Placer! It started when Dave Anderson owned the dealership. Dave and I served in the Army Guard. Dave as personnel CW5 and me as a Cav LTC. Dave Always took care of use, only selling us dependable vehicles, when we had two kids in college. Dave’s goal was to always sell you more than one car. He felt the best way to do that was to provide outstanding service after the sale. When Erick, Dave’s son, took over, the same goal has been maintained. Just to highlight that goal, I will tell you of my recent purchase. I was double teamed by Erick and Becky Simkins. What a team! I wanted a Forester but what year 2023 or 2024 and purchase or lease. After I was presented with all the options, I went with the 2023 and a three-year lease. For me I felt I made well informed decision. Now for the car. Becky, a true professional arranged all the details of the sale, between the two of them I feel like I’m a part of the Placer Subaru family! The Helena Education foundation, an organization dedicated to the students and faculty of Helena Public Schools. Raises funds to provide grants for to classroom teachers to enhance the learning experience of their pupils. A fine example of this a first-grade teacher applied to receive binoculars. The results of their study were share with the National Audubon Society. A highlight of the academic year is the Celebration of Excellence which recognizes outstanding academic senior students and the teachers that most was inspirational to the students. The foundation relies on outstanding generous civic leaders like Erick Anderson. Not only does my family purchase from Placer but we all steer our friends and extended family to Placer. In our own words, we say you get a fair deal and the very best service department in the world. The service department is staffed with the top mechanics in the state and only fix what is need – no changing of blinker fluid! All in all, you can’t go wrong purchasing a vehicle from Placer Motors! Chris Christensen Satisfied CustomerPS My grandkids have started buying Subaru’s, there 15 of them. Four of them already have their Subaru’s!
Graduation Surprise! - Denise
Placer Motors in Helena has always had a fantastic reputation for being an open and honest family run business that has served the Helena community for decades. In 2002, we purchased our very first Subaru Outback. Since then, we have purchased several Subarus to fit the growing need of our family and our business. Recently, our family had an emergent car buying experience. Two days before our youngest daughter was graduating from high school and moving out of state, we found out the used car she had been driving had an irreparable problem and we needed a car quickly. My husband Russ reached out to Erick to see if he had anything on the lot that would fit her needs. Sure enough he had a brand new Subaru Crosstrek!! Being that it was that close to graduation it made a perfect surprise gift, but how to make that happen??? Becky and the finance crew were able to get the loan done extremely quick and Erick volunteered to deliver the car to the graduation party so that it truly could be a surprise! Ryan reached out to be sure we knew to have our daughter stop by once she had the car to go over anything she had questions about that didn't get explained with the delivery. On the day of the graduation party, our daughter was visiting with friends when a shiny new white Subaru Crosstrek showed up. I pulled her aside (as most guests were in on the surprise) and announced in front of everyone that we had just heard that her car was irreparable. She paused and had a look of panic as she was getting ready to move. So I moved out of the way and said "so we bought you a new car!" She instantly started to cry and questioned if I was joking. I walked her over to Erick Anderson and said "You better ask Mr. Anderson for your keys!" The joy we saw in her was amazing. She was so appreciative she gave Erick a big hug. AND then she had all her friends hop in so they could take it for a spin. The relationships and giving that Placer Motors does for their customers and the community is amazing. They treat everyone with kindness, respect and honesty and are extremely generous with their community support. Thank you for going above and beyond, Placer Subaru!
Our Placer Family to Family Outreach. - Mike M
I want to thank Subaru of America for the Share the Love Program that is run through our local dealership. Erick Anderson, the CEO and owner of Placer Subaru, has great compassion for programs like Family Outreach that provides services to children and adults with developmental delays and disabilities. The $10,099 gifted to Family Outreach enabled the program to continue to provide services in a 12-county area in southwest Montana without interruption. Private, non-profit programs like Family Outreach are always challenged to find the funding needed to meet the needs of the individuals that they serve. In addition to the funds donated from the sale of every new Subaru, Erick included information about Family Outreach in all his commercials during the Share the Love Campaign. Becky Simkins, the Placer Subaru sales manager, ensured that the sales staff had information to give to potential customers regarding Share the Love and how it could help Family Outreach. Thanks to Erick and Becky the entire Placer Subaru staff was well versed in the benefits of the services offered by Family Outreach and the unique opportunities that were provided by participating in the Share the Love Program. Family Outreach could not have afforded the advertising that was included in the Share the Love Program and it was very beneficial to our company and our clients. I appreciate the Subaru Share the Love Program and want to thank Eric Anderson, Becky Simpkins and the entire staff at Placer Subaru for helping Family Outreach secure a new staff car. Respectfully Submitted, Mike Mahoney, Retired Executive Director Family Outreach, Inc. 1212 Helena Avenue Helena, MT 59601
