Gainesville, Florida – In an industry often bustling with competition and noise, Southeast Car Agency has quietly cultivated a reputation for ethical business practices and unwavering customer commitment. For three decades, this family-run dealership has thrived not through громкие advertising campaigns, but through a steadfast dedication to integrity, repeat business, and the power of word-of-mouth referrals. This commitment to quality and community has not gone unnoticed, culminating in John Cousins, the agency’s founder, being named the 2009 Florida Independent Automobile Dealers Association Quality Dealer of the Year.
This prestigious award, bestowed by his peers within the Florida Independent Automobile Dealers Association, recognizes more than just sales figures. It celebrates longevity, a sterling reputation, and significant community involvement. For Southeast Car Agency, located just off Gainesville’s bustling car row on North Main Street, it’s a testament to a business philosophy built on respect and trust. While John Cousins humbly refrains from publicizing sales data, emphasizing respect for fellow dealers, the award speaks volumes about the agency’s standing in the Florida automotive landscape.
A Legacy Built on Ethics and Family Values at Southeast Car Agency
The foundation of Southeast Car Agency’s success rests firmly on the ethical code instilled by John Cousins. As his son Tom, now president of the agency, explains, customer trust is paramount. This principle, handed down through generations, guides every aspect of their operations. Tom and his twin brother Bob, the vice president, are equal partners in carrying forward their father’s vision. The brotherly dynamic, jokingly attributed to a coin flip for title designations, underscores the family-oriented nature of the business. Southeast Car Agency isn’t just a dealership; it’s a family legacy built on enduring values.
John Cousins’ influence extends beyond the dealership lot. His deep-rooted community engagement is a cornerstone of his and Southeast Car Agency’s identity. For many years, he served on various community boards, contributing his time and expertise to local initiatives. Perhaps most notably, since 1982, Cousins has acted as the volunteer travel agent for the University of Florida Gators football team. This long-standing commitment, spanning multiple coaching eras from Charlie Pell to Urban Meyer, highlights his dedication to Gainesville and its prominent university. He credits his enduring involvement to his strong working relationship with Athletic Director Jeremy Foley, a partnership built on mutual respect.
Community Engagement and Recognition for Gainesville’s Premier Used Car Dealer
Cousins’ involvement with the Gators began during his time managing National Car Rental at Gainesville Regional Airport, the original location of his used car business. This role provided him with a unique perspective, traveling with the team and witnessing firsthand the character of players like Tim Tebow. He speaks highly of Tebow and the team’s overall character, emphasizing the genuine nature of their positive reputations.
While stepping back from his demanding role as the Gators’ travel coordinator to pursue personal travel aspirations, Cousins remains deeply connected to Gainesville. His community contributions extend to serving on the board of Catholic Charities, where he chairs the building committee and actively participates in fundraising efforts for a new client service center for the homeless. He also holds the position of regional vice president within the state independent auto association and contributes to organizations like the Dignity Project, St. Francis Catholic High School’s finance committee, and the Gainesville Rotary Club.
Southeast Car Agency: A Gainesville Success Story
Southeast Car Agency’s journey began modestly in a side lot at Gainesville Regional Airport in 1979, initially focused on selling used rentals and off-lease vehicles. John’s wife, Judy, played a crucial role managing National Car Rental while he established Southeast Car Agency. Their children, Tom, Bob, and daughter Kelly, grew up within the business, starting with car washing duties and eventually taking on greater responsibilities. Today, Tom’s wife, Sherri, manages the agency’s bookkeeping, further cementing its family-run nature.
As the business expanded, Southeast Car Agency outgrew its airport location, moving to its current 3.5-acre lot five years prior to the article. Continuing its growth trajectory, the agency was expanding into an adjacent 7,300-square-foot strip center to house a dedicated mechanical shop at the time of this article. Specializing in current and late-year model used vehicles, Southeast Car Agency employs approximately 25 people and has become a significant contributor to the Gainesville economy.
While specific sales figures remain private, the dealership acknowledged an increase in customer traffic due to the “Cash for Clunkers” program, despite it not directly applying to used car sales. This increased interest underscores the enduring appeal of used vehicles and Southeast Car Agency’s position as a trusted source in the Gainesville market. The Quality Dealer of the Year award from the Florida Independent Automobile Dealers Association serves as a powerful affirmation of Southeast Car Agency’s commitment to quality, ethics, and community, solidifying its place as a leading used car dealership in the region.
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