GARBER NISSAN - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Founder of General Motors
Guy S. Garber's grandson, Richard J. Garber, Jr., was the third generation to take the helm of the company in its 73rd year of operation. When he became president, he was the youngest Buick dealer for a dealership of its size in the nation.
With Garber Buick enjoying outstanding sales and service performance, it became Dick Garber's objective to acquire additional dealerships and grow the organization. The first acquisition was in 1986, with Garber Nissan in Saginaw, Michigan, and as of 2020 the organization has grown to include 21 new car dealerships, RightWay Automotive, an independent used vehicle retailer with over 35 locations, and Gateway Financial Solutions, a subprime lending company.
Richard J. Garber Jr. shares his family's commitment to the community. He has served on the board of directors for numerous charitable and community organizations in the Great Lakes Bay Region, and has led three capital campaigns for regional organizations including the YMCA, the CAN Council, and the Temple Theatre. Under his leadership, the Garber organization gives back over $1 million to community organizations every year.
Giving back to the community is part of the culture of the company and Garber employees dedicate thousands of community service hours each year to local organizations. In 2002, Garber also bought an OHL franchise, the Saginaw Spirit as a contribution to the region, which plays at the Dow Event Center in Saginaw.
Job Titles:
- Director of Customer Enthusiasm
Richard Garber Sr., son of Guy Garber and who had been actively managing Garber Buick Company, became president and owner until his death in 1972. Like his father, Richard was a civic leader in every sense of the word. Richard Garber was succeeded by Norman F. Geyer as president. Norm was married to Maxine Garber and was Guy Garber's son-in-law. He successfully guided the Buick store for eight years, during the trying times of the 1970's, until he passed the torch to Richard J. Garber Jr., in 1980.