MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — A White Lake, N.C., business owner was recently recognized as having the top business of its kind in the Carolinas.
Earlier this month at its annual expo in Myrtle Beach, the Carolinas Independent Auto Dealers Association named M&M Auto Sales the recipient of its top recognition, the Quality Dealers of the Year Award. The Lumberton business is co-owned by brothers Jerry Padrick of White Lake and Chris Moore of Lumberton, N.C.
“It was a surprise and a real honor,” said Padrick. “It’s humbling to know that people in our peer group recognize that we try to do things the right way.”
The competition for the honor was stiff. Having been nominated for the honor by a peer, M&M Auto Sales was selected as standing above the 2,200 other used car dealers in North Carolina and South Carolina. The selection process involved a variety of factors, such as contributions to the auto industry, both interstate and nationally, and involvement in the Association and in the local community.
“Jerry and Chris are an inspiration to all dealerships across the Carolinas and the country,” said John Brown, executive director of Carolinas Independent Auto Dealers Association. “M&M Auto Sales walks the walk, and it’s truly a pleasure to recognize dealers in the Carolinas who achieve greatness.”
M&M Auto Sales has been in business for 30 years. Started by Padrick and Moore’s father, Glen Moore, the business transitioned to the current owners 25 years ago and expanded to a second facility in 2015.
“Our dad taught us to try to do things the right way,” Padrick explained. “A lot of people can’t get credit at banks, and we try to help people out — he taught us that way.”
In keeping with the spirit of community necessary for the honor, both men are active in their churches and in coaching youth baseball and soccer. Between them, the duo has served the Robeson County 4-H and Relay for Life, and they helped with disaster relief in the wake of Hurricane Matthew.
The spirit of “others first” pours over into their business, and Padrick believes it’s the reason for their success.
“When we first got into this business, people were always saying used car dealers were ripping people off, and a few bad dealers can make the industry look bad,” Padrick explained. “We started going to national conventions, and we began to realize that what you do matters to people.
Our goal is to satisfy all our customers. We don’t go out seeking accolades, but we try do the right thing because it’s the right thing to do, and it’s nice to be recognized for that.”
The National Quality Dealer of the Year Award will be presented at the Annual meeting of the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association in June of 2018 in Orlando, Florida.
Chrysta Carroll can be reached by calling 910-862-4163 or emailing ccarroll@s24515.p831.sites.pressdns.com.
