[clarification needed] During the 1970s, LexisNexis pioneered the electronic accessibility of legal and journalistic documents.As of 2006, the company had the world's largest electronic database for legal and public-records related information. These dealerships are part of the sale:Sam Swope Buick GMCSam Swope BMWSam Swope CadillacSam Swope Chrysler Jeep Dodge RamSam Swope Alfa Romeo FiatSam Swope Honda WorldSam Swope InfinitiSam Swope MitsubishiSam Swope VolkswagenLexus of LouisvilleVolvo of Louisville. All in all, Taylor's success is the result of doing everything "so, so smart," said the longtime acquaintance. In 1992, he was part of a lawsuit against Mercedes-Benz of North America Inc. for blocking a buy-sell deal, according to a report that year in the Orlando Sentinel. Sam Swope, who was 88, was a savvy businessman and consummate promoter who grew his business from a tiny dealership in Elizabethtown to rank among the nation's 100 largest new- and used-car businesses. Florida dealer Terry Taylor has built an empire through a strategy of offering his general managers equity ownership in their stores. "Terry was brilliant with used cars," said a dealer who worked with Taylor. Some call him a visionary, as one of the first dealers to offer his general managers equity ownership in their stores. Richmond Honda, owned by Sam Swope Auto Group, also isn't part of the transaction. Lexus of Louisville. Let us help you find what you're searching for. Ten years later, he operated "about 40 dealerships" in Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina, Mississippi and Colorado, according to a buy-sell listing submitted to Automotive News. He was just sharp," said a former partner who credits his time as a general manager for Taylor with helping him become the principal of his own dealership today. Open Today! Taylor isn't known to frequently show up at the stores or hobnob with customers. Born in California in April 1951, Taylor moved with his parents and brother to Daytona Beach, where his father started Warren Taylor Ford in the 1960s. About a year ago, Taylor paid $25 million for a four-level penthouse in the newly completed Porsche Design Tower, a 60-story cylinder on one of the narrow barrier islands near Miami, according to Real Deal, a South Florida real estate publication. Get 24/7 access to in-depth, authoritative coverage of the auto industry from a global team of reporters and editors covering the news that’s vital to your business. Taylor's headquarters operation, Automotive Management Services Inc. in West Palm Beach, Fla., comprises legal, human resources and accounting teams, as well as a TV studio to shoot commercials. Richmond Honda, in Richmond, is not part of the transaction. One of the keys to Taylor's success has been his management style. He's very low-profile. Specially trained in the maintenance and repair of Lexus vehicles, our technicians have passed the most rigorous exams from both Lexus and the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence. While primarily a car dealer, Sam Swope was a legendary philanthropist, donating and raising millions for Shriners, animal humane groups and other causes. Taylor owns the majority stake in about 120 U.S. dealerships, with several sources estimating that the number tops 150. Today, he owns most of the stores in the Daytona Auto Mall, and associates said the mile-long row of modern showrooms and sprawling service centers is representative of how Taylor builds all his stores. ISSN 2576-1064 (print) He has since added — through purchase or manufacturer-awarded points — at least a dozen stores, according to news reports and company insiders. As a leading Lexus dealer near Morrison, Stevinson Lexus of Lakewood also has a wide variety of pre-owned cars, trucks, and SUVs for you to choose from. ", Neither Taylor nor his attorney responded to multiple requests to be interviewed. He has continued to find opportunities for growth in recent years. He owns more car dealerships than any other individual in the country, and possibly the world, a seemingly scattershot collection of showrooms from Florida to Colorado that is believed to sell some 300,000 new and used vehicles a year. He's now a regular on the South Florida yachting scene. He also won settlements with some automakers. Mike Petrello, whom Taylor fired as general manager of a Ford-Lincoln dealership in Tennessee last summer, sued, alleging that AMSI inflated costs for the services it provides and withheld revenue that he should have received as owner of 20 percent of the store. Toyota of Louisville will remain under Swope ownership.Richmond Honda, in Richmond, is not part of the transaction. The dealerships employed more than 1,000 full- and part-time employees when Sam Swope's death was announced last December. Volvo Cars of Louisville conveniently located at 5 Autocenter Drive right here in Louisville. Our passion is providing you with a world-class ownership experience. However, here’s a rare instance where it’s a high school student who owns the Lexus in the lot. Those who know Taylor describe him as thin and fit, exuding a dominant presence; he can be personable but is more often all-business. Not at all.". AMSI brings tremendous resources to our organization, and will provide opportunities for advancement for our people," she said in a statement released Friday afternoon. Business Profile. My father ... built a wonderful 63-year legacy here, but I know that AMSI will carry this company into the future in a remarkable way, while honoring his memory," Swope said. But if he had hopes of eventually taking over the business, they were dashed when his father sold the store at the end of that year. Hyundai of Louisville is a family owned business and we thank you for visiting our website. Ford New Year's Day ad promotes mask-wearing, A Call To Action: Industry rose to help society in toughest times, China to cut subsidies on EVs by 20% in 2021, Tesla’s dominant EV position in China could be threatened in 2021, Tesla reaches five-year lithium deal with Chinese supplier, Head of VW's Jetta subbrand dies in Germany, Scooter, e-bike companies adapt to changing commute patterns, A next-generation gateway to the great outdoors, How COVID-19 has reshaped the mobility future, Moving from self-driving passenger vehicles to safer cargo transport. “I knew something about the higher-end cars, as most young adults do, and I thought that Mercedes-Benz were wonderfully made with fine craftsmanship.” Patti Swope succeeded her cousin and remained as chairwoman of the board. Wichita, Kansas Area. Mission accomplished. A jury ruled against Mercedes, and Taylor won more than $2.8 million. Sam Swope's nephew Dick had served as president and CEO of the entire auto group until last December. A closing is expected in two to three months. The industry's downturn a decade ago was a boon for Taylor, who took the opportunity to buy dealerships at bargain prices. Visit Ourisman Lexus of Rockville for a wide selection of new and used Lexus models near Washington DC, a state-of-the-art service center and flexible financing, turn to Ourisman Lexus of Rockville, MD! Explore the line of Lexus luxury sedans, SUVs, hybrids, performance cars and accessories, or find a Lexus dealer near you. He also was disciplined about reinvesting in his stores, making capital improvements to grow profits. Performance Lexus RiverCenter has pre-owned vehicles in stock and waiting for you now! "He is a very astute, shrewd, dignified businessman who values his privacy, keeps a low profile, takes care of his people," said Mike Jackson, CEO of the largest U.S. public dealership group, AutoNation Inc. "I respect him. If there is a factory meeting, he will be in the back of the room, last row. Saved Vehicles 633 West 3rd Street, Covington, KY 41011. But Winston Pittman owns Chatham Parkway Lexus. A specially built glass-walled elevator whisks residents up while in their cars. The unit includes space for up to 11 cars, two private pools and two outdoor kitchens high above the Atlantic Ocean. Located at 568 West Lancaster Avenue in Haverford, PA, Wilkie Lexus is here for Pennsylvania Lexus fans' luxury automotive needs. Instead, Taylor opened a used-car lot he called Terry Taylor Motors — directly across the street. He prefers expensive suits and jewelry. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Those who know Taylor, friend or foe, use the words "brilliant" and "wizard" to describe his business acumen. Even longtime partners said they never get any information about the performance of Taylor's dealerships as a whole. Sign up and get the best of Automotive News delivered straight to your email inbox, free of charge. Websites. All rights reserved. Most of those interviewed asked for anonymity because of Taylor's demand for privacy. It's a gift.". All current employees have the option to remain with the new owner and retain current pay, benefits and seniority, the statement said, and "many of the dealerships will change names, but new names have not yet been decided.". "He has a way of taking pretty successful guys and breaking you off at the knees.". Taylor owned 97 dealerships in January 2016, according to a list obtained by Automotive News, including 43 in Florida and 23 in Tennessee. Toyota of Louisville will remain under Swope ownership. "I think he's awesome," said a current partner who has multiple stores with Taylor. In 2011, Taylor bought 15 stores from Alexander Automotive in Franklin, Tenn., according to published reports. "It's not like he had a sack full of money that his father left him. lexis250 ). If you live in the Greater Cleveland, Ohio area and are interested in driving a Lexus, Metro Lexus is the dealership for you. Cadillac, Volvo and BMW of Louisville Dec 2016 - Present 3 years 11 months. But when Mike got terminated, you feel like we're just employees.". "The Swope organization did a lot for the community in charity and sponsorships. "If you ask a lot of questions, they don't like it.". Have an opinion about this story? We strive to provide a top quality personal, unique, and responsive experience and it's our goal to deliver the ultimate Audi ownership experience. In 2015, he bought 11 stores from Sam Swope Auto Group of Louisville, Ky., one of the nation's best-known family-owned dealership companies. Click here to submit a Letter to the Editor, and we may publish it in print. In November, he and his wife, Cindy, attended a star-studded gala in Miami for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County; they were inducted into the Dream Makers Society, which honors longtime supporters who have donated more than $1 million. We strive to provide our automotive consumers with an exceptional shopping experience, while providing consumer benefits that are above our competition. Let’s see how he got to be the most popular kid in school. Newspaper ads from 1976, showing Taylor seated at his desk in a suit, boasted that the store was the county's "#1 used car dealer" with "the nicest & cleanest cars in the area," such as an orange Malibu "Heavy Chevy" and a one-owner green AMC Gremlin. ISSN 1557-7686 (online), Fixed Ops Journal Schedule BMW service and order genuine BMW parts and … Forty-one of the dealerships on the 2016 list of Taylor's rooftops sold Asian brands. "Was he a good leader? He is always supportive of what I want to do.". Taylor grew his empire by reinvesting capital in his dealerships, aligning with savvy partners and buying stores from aging dealers at low prices in hard times. ", This partner said he consults Taylor on business matters from time to time. "We all knew Terry was climbing the escalator up to keep going. Patti Swope and other relatives declined to comment further Friday. That often is a step required by financial institutions when a property is being sold or refinanced. A 1996 Automotive News article noted that Taylor had 10 new-car dealerships in Florida, Tennessee and the Carolinas. Reporter Grace Schneider can be reached at 502-582-4082 or by email at [email protected] Customer service at Lexus of Louisville is not the same as it was when it was in the Swope family.They charge an exorbitant amount for service and don't seem to care if you question their pricing,take it or leave it is their attitude.I know it is a Lexus,but at least work with your customers.Their non chalant demeanor is very frustrating.Count me as a ex customer. His company AMSI requires some vendors to sign confidentiality agreements. Associates say Taylor considers his chief rivals to be publicly owned Sonic Automotive Inc., which sold 257,217 new and used vehicles last year at 112 dealerships, and privately held Hendrick Automotive Group, which sold 205,106 new and used vehicles at 98 dealerships. Another current partner struggles with his feelings after Petrello's termination in July. He's done that with a lot of people," his longtime acquaintance said. 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Terry Taylor owns most of the Daytona Auto Mall stores. "He could turn inventory and knew what to buy, how to buy it and when to get rid of it. "He bought really good stores in good markets, and day to day, he was not all over every store.". It was a humble beginning for Taylor, one of the biggest success stories in auto retailing, who would one day drive a Rolls-Royce and travel by private jet. Taylor then accused Petrello, 36, of violating a noncompete agreement by taking a job at another dealership 200 miles away. Less than 10 months after auto dealer Sam Swope died, his daughter announced plans Friday to the sell most of the family-owned holdings to Automotive Management Services Inc. of West Palm Beach, Fla. Nor are the dealerships under the Swope family of Dealerships in Elizabethtown, which will remain under the ownership of Bill Swope, Carl Swope and Bob Swope. Michigan direct-sales bill stalls in Legislature as term ends, Buffalo dealerships show signs of success, Peter Welch leaves a 'leaner and meaner' NADA, Sponsored Content: Navigating the future of automotive retailing ». ", But despite 17 years as Taylor's partner, Rundle admits, "He's an enigma.". They eventually reached an undisclosed settlement. Lexus of Louisville; Share Print. Yes, I'd like to receive email communications on editorial features, special offers, research and events and webinars from Automotive News. Rumors of a coming sale had swirled in automotive circles in recent weeks, but they gained traction Tuesday when two zoning consulting businesses filed zoning certification requests with Metro Louisville's planning and zoning department on six Swope properties. See good deals, great deals and more on Used Lexus RX 330 in Louisville, KY. Search from 1 Used Lexus RX 330 car for sale. It gives the dealership — and many of Taylor's other outlets — an A-plus rating. Taylor offers his opinion, but "if you disagree with his views, he's OK with that. Audi Louisville opened in 1991 and has been serving clients throughout Kentucky - from Lexington, Bowling Green, Ashland, Covington, and more. And to those who've known him from the start, none of it is a surprise. Shea is still a partner with Taylor at Central Florida Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge-Ram in Orlando, said Greg Brown, a partner in Taylor's Ford-Lincoln of Franklin dealership in Tennessee. Need to get in contact with a specific person from sales, service, or financing? In 2015, he bought 11 stores from Sam Swope Auto Group of Louisville, Ky., one of the nation's best-known family-owned dealership companies. Browse photos of our team members and get the necessary contact information. He's my mentor, and his company, AMSI, is there 24/7 for us. Whether you're in search of a new Lexus or Lexus repairs, our team of experts is here to provide all the assistance you require. In 2015, he became managing partner of Louisville Collision Center along with another partner, who owns BMW of Louisville, as well as eight other dealerships. Lexus Dealership in Cleveland, Ohio. Louisville, KY 40299. In 2016, they opened their 100th store and entered the Chattanooga market. Others say he has a mercurial temperament, sometimes coming down hard on employees and partners who fall short of his stringent standards. The Swope Family of Dealerships in Elizabethtown, owned and managed by Bill Swope, Carl Swope and Bob Swope, are not impacted by the sale. The stores represented 34 brands — the most common being Nissan, Ford and those in the FCA US portfolio. Another current partner struggles with his feelings after Petrello 's termination in July really stores. Think he 's now a regular on the South Florida, Tennessee and the best of Automotive News article that. 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