Columbus Dispatch 08/25/2011
Bob McDorman Chevrolet, a Canal Winchester landmark for more than four decades, is getting a new owner and a new name.
But McDorman, the dealership’s longtime namesake, doesn’t intend to drive into the sunset just yet.
Although he’s sold a majority stake in the business to Cincinnati-based Jeff Wyler Automotive Family Inc., McDorman will retain a 15 percent interest.
“The best part of this deal is that it will give me a chance to clean out this office,” he said, eyeing the mountain of automotive memorabilia that surrounds his desk.
McDorman, 79, said maintaining partial ownership of the dealership will enable him to stay involved for four more years, so he can retire for good on the 50th anniversary of his becoming a Chevrolet dealer.
McDorman got into the business 46 years ago when he bought the former Ralph Smith Chevrolet dealership in Groveport. He moved to the current location, 5885 Gender Rd., in 1968.
Wyler has known McDorman for years. As a former GM factory rep, Wyler supplied McDorman with vehicles in the 1960s and ’70s.
“That was how I first met Bob,” Wyler said. “When I heard he might be getting out of the business, I called him immediately, and when I heard he wanted to retire, we agreed to have lunch. Fifteen minutes into lunch, we had a deal.”
The Gender Road dealership will be renamed Jeff Wyler Chevrolet as soon as the sale is approved by General Motors. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Marc Hellman, the dealership’s general manager, said the business is enjoying a good year — with new-car sales up 39 percent from 2010. The service department has seen a 35 percent jump in business, he added.
“I think the biggest thing is that the Wyler group will provide us with capital and the tools to enable us to get to the next level of developing the business and of continued community participation,” Hellman said.
Wyler said he expects to make some physical improvements to bring the dealership’s showroom into compliance with GM’s new branding standards.
Scott Bristow, Wyler’s son-in-law, will become president of the Canal Winchester operation, but much of the existing management will remain, Wyler said.
In addition to a minority stake in the dealership, McDorman will hold on to his storied Corvette collection, the centerpiece of Canal Winchester’s annual Corvette & Classic Chevy Show. The event, now in its 38th year, has raised more than $250,000 for Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
“I believe in helping the community, the churches and charities,” McDorman said. “I’ll spend the rest of my life continuing to do that.”