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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-six years later, he was right. |
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Today the Napleton Family operates more than 83
dealerships in six 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 61
franchises - housed in 37 different locations - in six states. He owns
domestic, import and high line franchises, and employs more than 2500
people throughout Illinois, Florida, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Georgia and
Wisconsin. 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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