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| Edward
W. Napleton, opened his first automotive business in 1931 on Chicago's
South Side. With a $700 loan, a strong work ethic and a belief in common
courtesy, he opened the Napleton Buick Service Station. Francis
Napleton, Edward's son, was by his side to help foster the growth of the
young business in its early years. |
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Napleton's
first dealership was a DeSoto franchise, and when that brand was
discontinued with little warning, Napleton quickly aligned itself with
another Chrysler nameplate, Plymouth, eventually being awarded several
additional franchises. Edward and Francis both believed in hard work and
exceptional customer service, values that they passed down to the next
generation of Napletons. Five of Francis' eight children have worked in
the auto business their entire lives. |
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Edward
F. (Ed) Napleton, Francis' son, is a third-generation auto dealer. He
began his career as a kid sweeping the floors at the dealership owned by
his father and grandfather. He moved up the ranks, serving as a
technician, then in sales and finance, and eventually as a general
manager. At just 23 years of age, Ed became the youngest car dealer in
the United States when he was awarded a Pontiac dealership in Blue
Island, Illinois. |
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Common
courtesy is the simple philosophy of treating the customer the way we'd
want to be treated," said Bill Napleton of his family's success in the
car business. "This is something that my grandfather, Ed, and my father,
Fran, had instilled into my brothers and I as we grew up working in our
family's business. My Grandpa Ed knew that if you treat people right,
offer them more for their money and give them great service, they'd come
back. And you know what? Eighty years later, he was right. |
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Today
the Napleton Family operates more than 50 dealerships in five states.
Taking pride in helping each community they live and work in, the
Napleton Family name has become synonymous with excellence and teamwork.
What started as a small family-owned business has blossomed into one of
the most forward-thinking dealership groups in the country.
Ed's business has grown to include 56 franchises - housed in 29
different locations - in five states. He owns domestic, import and high
line franchises, and employs more than 1000 people throughout Illinois,
Florida, Pennsylvania, Missouri and Georgia. Four of Ed's five children
have proudly joined him in pursuing the family business and have a hand
in the company's day-to-day operations. |
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