Tommy Baker Of Baker Motor Company Completes Purchase Of Miller Cadillac November 14, 2011

Baker Motor Company of Charleston, SC Acquires Miller Cadillac. End Quote

Charleston-North Charleston, SC (1888PressRelease) November 15, 2011 - Tommy Baker, owner and president of Baker Motor Company in West Ashley and Mt. Pleasant, SC announced today that his company has completed the purchase of Miller Cadillac located at 512 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. in Mt. Pleasant, SC. The Cadillac franchise joins the Baker world-class line up of Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Infiniti, Range Rover, Land Rover, Jaguar, Maserati, Maybach, Sprinter and smart. Sumter de Brux, president and dealer operator of Miller Cadillac finalized the sale to Mr. Baker on Monday, November 14, 2011. Baker Cadillac officially opens its doors Tuesday, November 15, 2011 at 512 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. in Mt. Pleasant, SC, home to Miller Cadillac since 1978.

"This is a monumental day for Baker Motor Company", said Baker. "Not only have the Millers built one of the strongest brands in Charleston, but they are the longest standing automotive dealership in town. It's an honor for us to continue the great work that the late Walter Miller began in 1958."

Monday's transaction was the culmination of more than four months of conversations, negotiations and meetings which began over a lunch in July 2011 between Tommy Baker and Sumter de Brux, two men that had known each other all their lives.

"Four months ago I received a telephone call and an invitation to lunch from a friend and colleague," said de Brux. "The result of that engagement is now that Tommy Baker is the Cadillac dealer in Charleston." He continued, "Life is all about timing. Over the years the dealership owners have been approached by interested parties wishing to purchase the Cadillac franchise. Each time they received a negative response from all. Mr. Baker made his offer at a time when the stockholders of the business realized the necessity of renovating and updating the aging facility would dictate a significant financial investment by all parties involved." He added, "When Mr. Baker approached me, it seemed reasonable and justified to seriously consider his offer from a financial standpoint. The fact that Mr. Baker is a local dealer and has made a commitment to retain the employees from the operational standpoint sealed the deal."

What began as a business lunch grew into a close personal friendship between Baker and de Brux. "It's such a pleasure to deal with someone with class and integrity," said Baker. "I've known Sumter all my life and now I can call him a friend. He's a man of his word and it's been my pleasure to experience his dedication to his family, employees and customers, always acting in their best interests."

Cadillac joins the impressive list of Baker Motor Company's world-class new car franchises which include Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Jaguar, Infiniti, Range Rover, Land Rover, Maserati, Maybach, Sprinter and smart. "Cadillac is such a progressive brand. From the SRX to the CTS and Escalade, the company has literally re-engineered itself to appeal to a whole new consumer base," said Baker. "The ATX and XTS (new models for 2013) will set new standards for American luxury design and ingenuity. We look forward to showing off all that Cadillac has to offer."

Effective immediately, Baker has officially closed Miller Cadillac's satellite location at 208 S. Goosecreek Blvd. in Goose Creek, SC and all employees have been asked to join the Mt. Pleasant Baker Cadillac team. Eric Gustafson, Baker Motor Company's long standing fixed operations director, has been named general manager of Baker Cadillac. Sumter de Brux Jr. will retain his position as sales manager and continue to build upon his sixteen years of service to Miller Cadillac. Forty-year Miller Cadillac veteran Dick Bell will remain fixed operations director for the Cadillac store. All thirty plus Miller Cadillac employees have been invited to join Baker Cadillac moving forward. According to Baker, "This is more
than just a business transaction, we're blending the Baker family and the Miller family of employees and we expect to it to be a seamless transition for the Miller Cadillac customer."

For de Brux, the sale of his late father-in-law's legacy is bitter sweet. Fighting back the tears became more difficult as the sale date quickly approached. When he announced the sale to the employees last week, he found himself in a very emotional and reflective state. "Having been employed at Miller Cadillac, Inc. for almost thirty-nine and one half-years, I have been privileged to work with so many wonderful people," he said.

In near future, de Brux is looking forward to biking, kayaking, and relaxing at his home on Sullivan's Island with his wife Clydie along with spending time with his three children and two grandchildren. Travel to his mountain home in Columbus, N.C. may even prompt de Brux to begin using a cell phone after years of resistance. "I've always had my home and office phone on my business card, so a mobile phone has not been a necessity," said de Brux.

"As I move on in life, what I will miss the most is the interaction with the fine employees and wonderful customers," de Brux confessed. "A more loyal group is not to be found. Brick and mortar do not make a successful buying or service experience - it is all about the people - their caring and desire to build relationships. We have always tried to welcome our customers (guests) to the 'Miller family'. What begins as an auto purchase becomes a close personal friendship. Over the many years I have been surrounded with the greatest employees (friends) and customers anywhere. I thank and appreciate all they have done to make Miller Cadillac a wonderful life experience for me."

For the man he now calls friend, Baker encourages de Brux to "enjoy every moment ahead" and be assured that Baker Cadillac will continue to take care of each of every Cadillac customer. Without hesitation Baker looks to the future of his ever expanding automotive business and shares his favorite saying about customer service. "Ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentlemen. That's what it's all about. Serving our customers beyond what they expect. It's our pleasure to do so and it's our number one priority."

Baker Motor Company was founded by owner and president Tommy Baker in 1988. The award winning automotive group is comprised of three locations including Baker Motor Company of Charleston, SC a factory authorized Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Infiniti, Range Rover, Land Rover, Jaguar, Maserati, Maybach, Sprinter and smart sales and service provider; Baker Motor Company of Mt. Pleasant. SC offering the finest in pre-owned vehicles; and Baker Cadillac in Mt. Pleasant, SC. For more information on Tommy Baker, Baker Motor Company, or Baker Cadillac, visit www.bakermotorcompany.com or call (843) 852-4000.

Press Contact
Pam Hartley
Momentum Marketing
843-377-8450(o) 630-533-0565(c)
pam ( @ ) momentumresults dot com

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