Winning Spirit Magazine September - October 2014 September - October 2014 | Page 6

LHM DEALERSHIPS GROWS IN COLORADO
AND CALIFORNIA
On May 2, 2014, Larry H. Miller Dealerships announced that it
acquired Pro Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram of Thornton, Colorado.
The purchase solidifies the Group’s commitment to the Denver
market where it has had a presence since 1988, and where
company founder Larry H. Miller first began in the automotive
industry.
“For 26 years we’ve served the greater Denver area both
financially and philanthropically, and we are excited to add a
Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram store to our offerings,” said Dean
Fitzpatrick, president of Larry H. Miller Dealerships. “We look
forward to continuing to provide exemplary customer service,
employee growth opportunities and to conduct business in-line
with our company values of honesty and integrity.”
The Group also announced the acquisition of Quality Toyota in
Corona, California on August 18, 2014, marking the Group’s first
dealership in the state of California. The dealership has been
renamed Larry H. Miller Toyota Corona and is located at 1700 W.
6th Street in Corona.
“We’ve spent some time surveying the Southern California
market looking for a dealership that fit with the philosophies and
business strategies of our group,” said Steve Starks, executive
vice president, Larry H. Miller Management Corporation. “Quality
Toyota and seller Bud Gordon embody many of the same qualities
and values by which our group operates.”
In addition to acquiring the store, Larry H. Miller Dealerships will
retain current employees of the dealership.
The newly named Larry H. Miller Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram 104th
store is located at 1800 West 104th Avenue in Thornton.
“We always consider employees part of the asset when we
acquire a new store, and we invest in their growth,” said Steve
Starks, executive vice president of Larry H. Miller Management
Corporation. “In addition to retaining current store employees, we
have full-time trainers in our dealership group who work with staff
to help them be successful.”
Larry H. Miller Dealerships’ commitment to employee retention
was a key factor in John Schenden’s decision to sell to the group.
“Selling a business is difficult, especially since I have invested the
past 21 years into the store,” said Schenden. “Knowing that I am
selling to a company that values not just their customers and
employees, but the betterment of their
communities made the decision easier.”
“We are excited to join the excellent employees who make up
the team at Quality Toyota,” said Dean
Fitzpatrick, president, Larry H. Miller
Dealerships. “We will work to ensure that
current employees transition with the
store, and build upon the relationships and
reputation they have in this market.”
Joe Ehlert was named general manager
for the Corona dealership. He had
previously served for 13 years as the
general manager for Toyota of Orange.
Seller Bud Gordon is well regarded for his
commitment to community, most notably with the development
of the Quality West Wing Foundation, which sits on the dealership
property. The Gordon family will continue to run and manage the
foundation.
“I am thankful that the Larry H. Miller Group of Companies,
an organization with more than 30 years of experience in the
automotive industry and a great commitment to community, is
purchasing my store,” said Bud Gordon.
Brent Wood was named general
manager for the new store. Brent joins
LHM Dealerships after owning and
operating Drive Automotive Network,
LLC. He also served as general manager
at several AutoNation GO locations,
as well as general sales manager and
financial services director at Phil Long
Dealerships in Denver, Colo.