The sleek look, the textured interior, the luxury built into everyday life–a Genesis’s job is to empower and elevate its driver and the standard of what a vehicle should be.
Even with an incredible product, a Genesis dealership had never quite established a footing in the Kansas City Metro until last year. The very first true Genesis model was released in 2017, and building brand awareness takes time. This opportunity attracted Tucker Walser, the general manager of Genesis of Kansas City, to take a chance on the long term.
“It's a very infant brand,” Walser said. “I think one of the things that probably sets us apart is that we are here for the long run. Even though we're in a temporary spot at the moment, we actually are starting construction on our new location this month.”
Currently located off Metcalf and 78th Street, their new dealership is set to open in August 2026, as a part of the hub of vehicle shopping on Frontage Road and just off I-35.
A member of the Walser family from Minnesota, Tucker Walser has been surrounded by automotive sales his entire life. But even as the “new kids on the block”, the Walser Automotive Group and Genesis of Kansas City are wasting no time making a positive name for themselves in the Midwest.
“My team is really set on taking care of people,” Walser said. “We really do our best to treat everyone with a level of respect that might not be normal in this industry. We've had people comment that they've never had such a transparent, effortless experience, where they felt no pressure and didn't feel like it was combative. It's special to see that we're doing good.”
The way Walser leads his team and business is a direct reflection of how the Walser Automotive Group operates wherever they open shop. They see business through the lens of humanity, and that perspective is top-down.
“The way I view it is putting my employees first and foremost. And if I do that the right way, they'll treat our guests the right way, who'll then treat the store the right way,” Walser said. “It really starts with, I believe, taking care of the people that are within your charge, and if you do that the appropriate way, then the rest just falls into place.”
Taking care of people and doing good in their communities is paramount for the Walser family. In 1995, Walser's grandfather, Jack Walser, started the Walser Foundation, generously donating 5 percent of all pretax earnings to local nonprofits focused on education and workforce development.
Today, the Walser Foundation continues that legacy, supporting communities where Walser operates nationwide. In 2024, the Walser Foundation gave more than $1 million in grants, scholarships, and donations. Coming up on their first full year of business in Kansas City, Walser has adopted this mission and is ready to connect and make an impact in the Kansas City community.
“Education is a big one, just empowering people, bettering people,” Walser said. "My grandfather felt strongly that the best way to impact a life was through a good education and a great job. We're proud to support organizations that make that possible."
With everything that could easily overtake Walser’s day-to-day thoughts–the beginning stages of construction, getting settled into his new city, and the everyday tasks and sales responsibilities–he is still intentionally set on leading with thankfulness for the people he gets to manage and the people he has the privilege to serve.
“It's actually not even the business part that gives me joy. It's the ability to lead a team I'm so proud of, to see people's lives change as a result of the way we treat each other, and the opportunities that we've been able to give to my team, just in a matter of a year and a half," Walser said. "That has been the most rewarding thing for me.”
To learn more about the Walser Foundation--how they give, their mission and application deadlines--please visit: WalserFoundation.com
Plan a visit to Genesis of Kansas City: 7722 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66204
Visit the Genesis of Kansas City website to browse their inventory: genesiskansascity.com/