LAWRENCE, Mass. -

As Commonwealth Motors celebrated its 20-year anniversary as a Honda dealer, the automaker itself took note of the store’s accomplishment as well.

Executive vice president of North American sales for Honda John Mendel showed up at the store to congratulate Charlie Daher, the owner of the Lawrence, Mass., store.

"Seeing John Mendel show up was definitly a surprise," Daher told Auto Remarking in an interview Thursday.

The company also shared some history on the New England rooftop.

Opening its doors in 1991, Commonwealth Honda has grown to become one of the “biggest and most successful Honda dealerships in New England,” officials shared.

And as for sales, Daher said the only problem the store has been having is keeping units in stock.

"The only problem we have right now is inventory, especially with Honda, due to the natural disasters (this past spring’s earthquakes in Japan and recent floods in Thailand) and everything," Daher explained.

That said, Daher also stressed that the store is still selling a monthly average of more than 500 units.

Furthermore, the Honda store currently employs more than 75 people.  Combined with its Chevrolet, Kia, Nissan and Volkswagen stores — which are all in Lawrence as well, Commonwealth Motors employs more than 200.

Commenting on the store’s past and future, Daher shared, “We have been through a lot in the 20 years we have been in business, and we are privileged that through both the good and some not-so-good times our customers have been loyal to us.

“We would like to say ‘thank you’ to everyone and let them know we appreciate their patronage, and we look forward to another 20 years,” he added.

The store has also become a family operation. Daher has brought his four children and their families to work at the dealerships. They are now part of the day-to-day operations, and Daher says he enjoys the “family atmosphere.”

Commonwealth Honda is also offering 20th anniversary savings and events, in an effort to include customers in the celebrations.

"We are offering gift mugs, lunchbags and such, as a thank you gift to our customers," Daher told Auto Remarketing.