JEFFERSON — When Tom David began selling cars in Ashtabula County in 1959, Eisenhower was President and Alaska and Hawaii were newly minted states. You could mail a letter for 4 cents, buy a loaf of bread for 12 cents, a gallon of gas for less than a quarter and the average price of a new car was $2,200.00. And in 1959, family

doctors and Tom David made house calls.

When local farmers couldn’t take time away from tending corn fields and livestock to come to town to choose a car from the showroom, Tom David took time to bring the car to them. David said, “Guys like Wally Heidecker and Wendell Ferguson would call me up and say ‘I’m in the market for a car. Be here at 8. Meet you in the barn.’ And of course I was always there to help a friend.” Times have changed in the 50 years since Tom David made frequent house calls, but David’s commitment to providing a premium product at the best price, to unparalleled customer service and to the families he serves remain exactly the same.

David attributes the overwhelming success and longevity of his career to integrity, attention to detail, great business and working relationships and the support of family and friends. “A reason for my 50 years of success is the influence of my dad, Joseph F. David. He gave me a motto to live by and I’ve always stuck with it,” said David. “My dad said, ‘Tell the truth. It’s easier to remember.’ Trust is the cornerstone of my business philosophy and I’ve used that model to create a hassle free buying experience for each of our customers. Every car on our lot has the price and a detailed description clearly displayed on the rear window. No exceptions. Our motto is ‘Nobody prices like Tom David Motors’ and we tell our customers that if we can’t complete the deal in 10 minutes then we are wasting your time.”

Excellent business relationships forged with colleagues as well as customers are vital components of Tom David’s 50 year success story. David said his dealership advertises exclusively in the Star Beacon with remarkable results. “Customers frequently come in with a Star Beacon ad in their hand ready to buy a car. I have the Star Beacon to thank for that,” he said.

A collaborative working relationship with ASE Master Technician John Sheehy, whose business, Amazing Auto Works, is located adjacent to Tom David Motors showroom, has also been a contributing factor to the success of both entities. David said every car he sells is thoroughly checked by Sheehy and his Amazing Auto Works team, undergoing a meticulous inspection before it is placed on the lot. “John’s business is correctly named," said David. "His shop is amazing. He has every modern tool imaginable. When he and his techs have checked over a car, nothing is left to chance. I am confident that every car we put on the road is worry free. And we stand behind our vehicles. If there is a problem, we take care of it. No questions asked.”

David said of all the factors instrumental to his success, none is more important than the support of his family. “My wife Carole and sons Rob and Ryan have all made significant contributions to Tom David Motors while pursuing successful endeavors outside the family business, Carol as former Principal at Jefferson High School, Rob as CEO of UH Geneva Medical Center and UH Conneaut Medical Center and Ryan as a talented and effective football coach on the staff at Hiram College. Ryan is currently putting his degree in finance to good use as he works alongside his dad at Tom David Motors, but when Rob’s gridiron obligations take him away from the dealership, Carole comes in and helps. “It is truly a family business,” David said. The sales staff also includes capable summer part-time salesman, John Glazier and winter part-time salesman Bill Norton, long-time friends of the David family, who “represent the dealership with a first-class approach,” said David.

Tom David Motors operates from the same building where David began his long and successful career selling automobiles. He said “I started in this building in September of 1959 when George Nassief hired me after my honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy. Nassief offered me a position selling Fords, Mercurys and used cars. I rolled up my sleeves and went to work and I have never stopped. I have no hobbies, work is my hobby. I love what I do.” David’s love for playing matchmaker with customers and cars has garnered awards and accolades including a sales ranking among the top 5 percent in the nation, respect from the local community who elected David to the Jefferson Schools Board of Education where he served as president and unwavering customer loyalty. Roy George of Ashtabula was quick to offer glowing comments about his car buying experience at Tom David Motors when he stopped by the showroom. “I’ve purchased a lot of cars in my lifetime, but I was treated best at Tom David Motors. I would recommend him to anyone, anywhere, any time,” George said. Helen Patrick of Geneva said “I bought my first car from Tom David in 1964, a shiny, brand new Ford Falcon, and I also bought the car I am driving today from him and his wife Carole. When I’m ready for a new one, I’ll be back to see Tom. He is down to earth and honest and I trust him completely to help me choose the best car.”

Tom David and his staff have made it possible for thousands of area families to drive home in the car of their dreams. At this point in his 50-year career, Tom David can look back with pride on the solid business relationships he has formed, the customer trust and loyalty he has garnered and the respect he has earned from the community. But David said he looks forward to the future and the prospect of serving Ashtabula County car buyers for years to come.

Tom David Motors is located at 55 S. Chestnut Street in Jefferson, next to Hardee’s.

Jan Perala is a freelance writer and publicist for Geneva Schools. Contact her by e-mail at njperala@roadrunner.com.