THE founder of a popular car dealership has died after an inspiring journey from high school dropout to award-winning business owner.
Carl Moyer, who owned and operated Karl Chevrolet, died Saturday following decades of success. He was 83.
Carl Moyer, the founder of dealership Karl Chevrolet, died on Saturday[/caption]
Despite dropping out of high school, Moyer was able to grow his business into one of the most successful dealerships in the country[/caption]
In 1978, Moyer bought the dealership in Ankeny, Iowa, a suburb of Des Moines, from his brother after working as a sales manager.
He had worked as a car salesman since he was just a teen, as he had dropped out of high school in the 10th grade.
By 19, he had been promoted to management and worked at several nearby dealerships to sharpen his skills.
At the time when he purchased Karl Chevrolet, the dealership was just a one-car showroom.
“I didn’t have an employee,” Moyer told the Des Moines Register in 2003 after receiving a Jack Smith Presidential Award from Chevrolet.
“I didn’t have a car. I had a building with a Chevrolet sign.”
In 1983, Moyer moved the dealership to a new location and operated there until the end of his career.
Under his leadership, Karl Chevrolet became a prestigious brand, outperforming 97% of Chevy dealerships.
According to Moyer, his success stemmed from perfectly manicured grounds and a pledge to be drivers’ “dealer for life.”
Moyer’s dealership mourned his death in a heartwrenching tribute.
“He was a visionary in the car business,” the company wrote on Facebook.
“He gave back to the community exponentially and it was always at the forefront of his marketing strategy.
“Carl has been a mentor to many and friend to most.
“A father, brother, uncle, grandfather, great grandfather, but most importantly, a husband to the love of his life, Penny.”
Karl Chevrolet now has over 800 employees and 10 locations.
Moyer is survived by his wife and their children Brad, Bret, and Pam.
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Who was Carl Moyer?
Carl Moyer was a successful car salesman who ran one of the most successful Chevrolet dealerships in the country.
In 1978, Moyer bought Karl Chevrolet in Iowa from his brother.
In 1983, he purchased a new property and started operating at a new location.
By 2024, Karl Chevrolet had opened 10 locations across Iowa.
It currently outperforms 97% of Chevrolet dealerships.
Moyer died on September 28, 2024. He was 83.
