Editor’s note: This story originally appeared in the “Progress 2014” section of North Country This Week.

LISBON -- A service drive-thru, a three-car show room, an employee training center and a variety of safety upgrades are just some features added during a massive renovation at Mort Backus and Sons.

Brothers Mike and Jack Backus said the 5,000 square-foot renovation and expansion was completed over a seven-month period and allows the company to offer its customers better service with added comforts.

"Chevrolet and Buick are giving us some world class products and our customers deserve the same type of accommodations," Jack said. "The new renovations are reflective of the products we are selling and we are very proud of them."

As record low temperatures hit the county, Jack said customers have been excited about the service drive-thrus, which allow them to enter the building without exiting their vehicles.

“The weather has been cold, about as cold as it gets. People are driving in and are able to exit the car and go right to the customer lounge where there is coffee and donuts. It’s got all the comforts of home,” he said.

The addition of a new employee training center allows employees to stay up-to-date on the latest technology and service techniques. Mike said the service technicians are top-notch, but technology moves fast.

“It’s a very important part of our business,” Backus said. “We are very fortunate to have some quality technicians, but it takes a lot of training to keep them up to date.”

Jack says customer safety and privacy have been improved through an overhaul of the bathrooms and sales offices.

“For years we operated out of a building that served us very well, but we were cramped for space everywhere we looked,” he said. “The new building has allowed us to get the space we needed and allows for future growth,” Jack said.

In the sales department customers can now meet with their representatives in a more isolated setting.

“Buying a vehicle is a personal experience. The new sales offices allow for the privacy we think our customers deserve,” he said.

While both Jack and Mike are pleased with the renovations they thanked their customers, employees and contractors for patients during the construction phase.

“We have a tremendous customer base and great employees. We never missed a days work through the entire building process,” Jack said. “The contractors attacked the project with the customers in mind and we were able to conduct business without missing a beat. We are so thankful for their support,” he said.

The work was performed by Massena-based Heritage Homes, owned by Richard “Dick” Maginn.

Jack said it’s an example of the same community support that has kept the business operating for 60 years.

“It’s about the customers and it’s always been about the customers. We are still a family business. We’ve been here for a while and we aren’t going anywhere,” he said.

Mort Backus and Sons has been a certified Buick and Chevrolet dealer for more than 25 years and operated at the same location, 4835 State Highway 68, Ogdensburg, for 60 years.