Strong Family Connection

The Strong family, like many families in the Salt Lake Valley, are dyed in the wool and fanatic about Utah Athletics.  Long-time season ticket holders and Crimson Club members, the relationship between the Strong family and the University goes one step further and now includes the family business, Strong Audi and Strong Volkswagen.

Blake Strong (pictured to the right) and his brother, Brad Strong, are co-owners of the two automobile dealerships located in Salt Lake City bearing their name (Strong Audi is at 979 S. State St. and Strong Volkswagen is at 1070 S. Main St.).  They represent the third generation of Strong family owned auto dealerships which began with their grandfather, L.H. Strong who was one of the first Volkswagen dealers in the country, right here in Salt Lake City. Dave Strong, their father, was one of the first Audi dealers in the U.S., and built the foundation of successful dealerships which are now owned by Blake and Brad.

For 20 years, the Strong family dealerships have provided the Football coaching staff with cars through the Ute car program. Head Coaches Ron McBride and Urban Meyer both were provided Audi automobiles, now Head Football coach Kyle Whittingham drives Volkswagen’s hot new SUV, the VW Toureg. Also Jay Hill, Utah’s cornerback coach drives a car provided by the Strongs.

According to Blake, the partnership through the Ute Car Program and the Crimson Club is a “win-win for his family and his business”.  Each Ute Car Program partner receives a number of great benefits as part of their membership in the program.  In exchange for the use of one car for the year, each Ute Car Program partner receives four priority season tickets for football, men’s basketball and gymnastics; two priority parking passes for each sport; dealership recognition in the game program and video boards during the games; Crimson Club membership at the All-American level (Level 7); and a charitable gift acknowledgement and tax receipt for a $5000 gift to the University of Utah (designated for Utah Athletics/Crimson Club).

With all of that, Blake claims there are even more valuable benefits his business receives through this partnership.  A life-long Ute fan, going back to his days as a Men’s Basketball ball boy under legendary coach Jerry Pimm, Blake shares his love of all things Utah with his staff at his business.  For example, the day before the 2005 Utah versus BYU football game, Blake’s dealership held a Utah Spirit Day.  His employees wore Red and everyone was talking about the big game all day long.  Blake claims, “The relationship with Utah Athletics and the Ute Car Program provides an opportunity to build employee morale and create a sense of teamwork among his staff.  It’s fun for us, even for the few BYU fans in the company.  We come together as a staff to support Utah Athletics.  Closer friendships, camaraderie and a better work environment are just some of the benefits, the by-products, of our relationship with the Crimson Club.  The University and the Crimson Club are always thanking us for our support, when in fact, I feel like it should be me thanking the University for providing this great opportunity.”

When asked to name his favorite Ute athlete of all time, Blake provides a fitting answer which demonstrates his commitment to the total student athlete, “I can’t name an individual who is my favorite of all time.  It’s too difficult.  Really, my favorite athlete is anyone who excels in the classroom and in athletics.  Those are special kids and I admire what they accomplish.  An easy name to choose is someone like Alex Smith.  He was a great person, not just a great athlete, and I admire that in all the Ute student athletes who can achieve that level of success.”

Blake sees the future as very positive for Utah Athletics and the University.  With such a great reputation for strong academics, medicine, research, arts and athletics, he sees the University of Utah gaining nationwide name recognition similar to schools like Michigan, Texas or Notre Dame.  That day is not far away and more support from business owners like the Strong family is needed to make that goal a reality. 

When the Strong Audi and Strong Volkswagen dealerships are passed along to the next generation of Strong family members, one thing is certain, the connection between the Strong family and the Crimson Club will be as strong as ever.  Blake and Brad each have three sons and one daughter who will be ready to carry on the family business and the Strong family connection with Utah Athletics.  Go UTES!

If you are interested in helping provide scholarships for talented Ute student athletes, or helping by providing needed goods or services as Gift-In-Kind contributions, please contact Doug Knuth in the Crimson Club office today to find a way your family or business can help too.