Tallahassee's oldest family-owned auto dealership has expanded beyond its hometown for the first time. The Proctor family has acquired Thomasville's oldest auto dealership.
The Proctor dealership in Tallahassee dates back to 1910. That was the year Theo Proctor, Sr. sold two Cadillacs in the Capital City. Sarah Demont, director of operations and daughter of present-day co-owner Martin Proctor, says the new acquisition also has a long history.
"Thomasville Ford - now Proctor Ford - was actually founded in 1917, which is pretty cool. And according to the Thomasville History Center, is the oldest remaining dealership in Thomasville."
There is one big difference, though. In 2008, the company that began by selling Cadillacs, dropped that line and its other domestic auto brands, Buick, Pontiac, GMC and Hummer. So, after almost a quarter century focusing on Honda, Acura and Subaru, why pick up a domestic nameplate dealership again and why in South Georgia? Here's Sarah's dad and dealership co-owner Martin Proctor.
"We've always done business in Thomasville. We've tried to support some of the things that go on in Thomasville and we found out that the Ford dealership that it was available and for sale."
Why Ford?
"The Ford lineup in many ways fills niches that we did not have covered with our existing lines, Honda, Acura and Subaru."
Especially, says Proctor, when it comes to selling, and perhaps more importantly servicing, a certain pickup truck that is everywhere in South Georgia and North Florida.
"Service is a huge part of any dealership is where you hopefully, helpfully, solidify a relationship that starts with sales. And we're convinced that between selling them and then giving good service, that it's going to be a success for us. And you're right, the F-150 is the best selling vehicle in America, in the United States."
Something that Sarah Demont believes may even bring North Florida folks to Thomasville.
"We really appreciate everyone's support. I've had friends tell me, 'Oh, I'm coming up to visit you guys up there now!' And I love to hear that."
That's reassuring for both legacy dealerships.
