MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
YPO Connecticut River Valley Connection

I have been an entrepreneur since the early 1980s, immersed in the automotive industry from a young age while growing up in Holyoke, Massachusetts. My father owned a car dealership, where I learned the value of excellent customer service. He instilled in me the belief that “It doesn’t cost anything extra to be nice,” a principle that has guided my business practices throughout my career.

 

In 1997, I took a significant step by founding Gary Rome Hyundai in Holyoke. This venture allowed me to put my philosophy into action, focusing on building lasting relationships with customers and fostering a positive workplace culture. Through hard work and dedication, our business steadily grew, and we expanded over the years.

 

Today, I serve as the President and CEO of the Gary Rome Auto Group. Our organization now encompasses not only Gary Rome Hyundai but also Gary Rome Kia, as well as our unique Gary Rome Car Wash, Dog Wash, Detail Center. Each of these businesses reflects our commitment to quality service and community engagement, and I am proud of the impact we have made in the Holyoke area and beyond.

 

I have been happily married to Jane for 23 years, and together we have three children. Our eldest, William, is 23 and currently pursuing his graduate studies at American University. We also have boy-girl twins, Sydney and Jake, who are 18 years old. Sydney is an outstanding volleyball player and an overachiever, while Jake, who also enjoys sports, has a real passion for the car business. He loves learning and being as helpful as possible. Our family is completed by our two adorable Vizslas, Daisy and Wynn, who come to work with me every day and play a significant role in our business promotions. Most clients insist on meeting the dogs before they will buy a car.

 

At Gary Rome Auto Group, we are incredibly proud of our dedicated team of knowledgeable sales associates and expertly trained service technicians. With a fully stocked parts department and the largest inventory in the area—over 800 vehicles—we are fully equipped to meet all your automotive needs. Our professional management staff is committed to ensuring a seamless experience for every customer, and with over 80% of our team having been here for more than five years and 40% for over a decade, you can trust that you are in capable and experienced hands.

 

Experience the difference that comes from a team passionate about excellence! I am also thrilled to share that in 2023, I received the TIME Dealer of the Year award, a testament to our philanthropic initiatives and our position as a driving force in the community. We proudly embody our core values, and we invite you to join us in this journey!

 

My goals are to continue the growth of Gary Rome Hyundai, Gary Rome Kia, and the new Gary Rome Car Wash and Dog Wash Detail Center. I aim to support our exceptional team in achieving their goals and advancing within the organization. I also strive to be a philanthropic powerhouse in our community, serving as a power of example for others. Additionally, I plan to travel across the USA to promote the Hyundai Hope On Wheels message and help raise awareness to find a cure for pediatric cancer.

 

The most memorable part of the YPO Experience was the pre-trip we took before attending the Global Leadership Conference (GLC) in Singapore. Along with eight other couples from our chapter, we traveled to Thailand. We explored Chiang Mai, where we dined on top of a mountain with monks. We also had the opportunity to ride elephants and visit an elephant reserve, where we collaborated with an elephant to create a one-of-a-kind painting that still hangs in our bedroom today. After Thailand, we traveled to Cambodia and Myanmar. In Cambodia, we visited the iconic Angkor Wat. One of the highlights was flying in hot air balloons and being fortunate enough to meditate at 5:30 in the morning as the sun rose over the magnificent temples of Angkor Wat.

 

 

Want to be featured? Fill out the Spotlight Questionnaire for a chance to be in next month's newsletter. Spotlight articles will be published in the order they are received.