Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, March 14, 1991 TAG: 9103140222
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-8 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: CATHRYN McCUE/ NEW RIVER VALLEY BUREAU
DATELINE: PULASKI LENGTH: Short
"It was the strong support of Pulaskians that influenced this decision," said A.J. Smith Jr., a Pulaski accountant and prospective president of the business.
In particular, he said, the potential for an outside company to buy the dealership "coming in to advertise and take more dollars out of our community" led Smith, Mike Gardner and David Breedlove to pursue taking over the franchise.
Gardner has been a manager at Pulaski Motor Co. for 12 years, and Breedlove has been with the company for about 30 years.
The dealership closed Feb. 22 when negotiations with Ford Credit Co. reached an impasse. The entire stock of 60 new cars was sent to other dealers, Gardner said, and 32 people were temporarily laid off.
"But we fully intend to bring everybody back when it's up and running," he said.
The dealership has reopened and will probably have cars within a few days, he said.
The previous owner, Weedie Bushong, died several years ago and his estate had tried to sell the business, Gardner said.
Smith said several people from outside the area showed interest in buying the business, prompting he and the other two to negotiate with Ford for the franchise.
He said a tentative purchase agreement has been reached, and should be final by May.
Pulaski Motor Co. on Virginia 99 in Pulaski opened in 1926.
by CNB