Rick Nelson’s long and rewarding climb in the car business literally took root from the ground up.

The eager teenager began sweeping floors and washing cars at the Claudon family dealership in Auburn 40 years ago.

Nelson proved to be resourceful, a steady, adaptable hand who went from lot attendant to service manager in a span of four decades.

With the support of his colleagues, Nelson learned a skill or two in the garage, first becoming a lube technician, then an automotive tech before writing service orders and moving into the front office.

At 57, Nelson remains a valuable part of Valley Pontiac Buick GMC & Valley Auburn RV’s.

“I enjoy what I’m doing and where I work,” Nelson said between customers on a busy morning at the north Auburn dealership. “And I work with great people. The Claudons have been wonderful people to work for. It feels like family to work here.”

Nelson recently was recognized for his 40 years of service and rewarded with an all-expenses-paid three-day, four-night fishing trip to a remote Alaskan resort, courtesy of the Claudon family.

“Me and my wife (Karen) plan to go in July,” Nelson said. “It’s the ultimate fishing salon. They do everything for you. We just have to bring back the fish. … It sounds like a lot of fun.”

For Nelson, it began with a handshake in 1971 when Ron Claudon Sr. hired the wide-eyed 16-year-old boy on the spot. Nelson’s dad happened to be a top salesman for Valley Garage, a Claudon dealership in Kent.

After high school, Nelson started changing oil in vehicles and cleaned and vacuumed customers’ cars.

For the next 10 years, he worked as a technician on cars and recreational vehicles.

In the 1980s, Nelson exchanged his coveralls for a tie, working as a service consultant and dispatcher. In 1994, he took over as service manager.

Nelson is regarded as a respected, efficient coworker.

“It is a rare occasion that you see Rick’s face turn red with frustration. Most of the time, Rick is calm and mild mannered,” said Ron Claudon Jr., dealership president. “He manages his staff quietly and consistently. Our staff and customers know they can depend on him, just like I do now and my dad did 40 years ago.”