Business Buzz
By Rich Baehrle
There was a changing of the guard in Atlantic City on June 7.
Kerbeck Automotive, an iconic brand of automobile dealerships, located at the entrance of Atlantic City at 430 Black Horse Pike, officially gave way to Ciocca Automotive.
Kerbeck was a well-known and respected auto dealer at the site for decades. The iconic dealerships, which consisted of Cadillac, Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and the world’s largest volume Corvette dealer, caught the eye of Gregg Ciocca, CEO of the Ciocca Dealerships, and the rest is history.
“When the opportunity presented itself to purchase the dealerships in Atlantic City, it really was an easy decision,” Ciocca said. “At the time we already represented General Motors at a few locations and we have long recognized what an iconic brand and great partner GM is. Similarly, the automotive business that the Kerbeck Family built and established in Atlantic City was worthy of its own praise and national recognition.
“Our goal was to build on a great foundation that already existed, while implementing some of the ideas and processes that make our existing businesses very successful. It is an honor for our family to adopt the legacy of another family business that has served this region so well for so long.”
Ciocca sees great opportunity for growth in this area. From day one their company was excited to get involved with the community and meet the loyal customers from over the many years when Kerbeck was there. They plan to continue the five-star service and expand on it.
“There is a thriving community here in Atlantic City and the greater shore region, and we are thrilled to be here to support it,” Ciocca said.
Ciocca was not handed anything on a silver platter. He started in his mother’s garage 40 years ago where he purchased a used car which he fixed up and sold. His business grew from there with endless hours of dedicated hard work.
Today, four decades later, the Ciocca Automotive Dealerships have expanded to an impressive group of 54 dealerships consisting of 25 brands throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
However, as large as it is, it is still run like a family business where each of the 2,000 plus associates is appreciated and treated as family. Annual sales are growing every year with a recent record of over $2 billion.
“We have a lot of great people here,” Ciocca said. “Our business philosophy is based on a four-legged stool: employee satisfaction + customer satisfaction + manufacturer relationships=success. It all starts with our associates.”
Speaking of family, Gregg and his wife, Sharon, have three sons: Dylan, Gregg, and Cole working in the business. Dylan is special projects manager, Gregg is vice president of dealer operations and Cole is sales manager of Philadelphia.
I had the pleasure of meeting the whole family June 14 at the ribbon cutting of the new Cadillac showroom in Atlantic City. I could tell immediately what a respectful and polite family they are. The strong bond radiates throughout the organization.
The new, state-of-the-art showroom is an example of how the Ciocca Company elevates an already excellent company to a whole new level.
Stop in and see the fabulous new look Cadillac showroom at 340 Albany Ave., Atlantic City or call 609-345-2100.
Remember to support local businesses, especially small businesses.
Rich Baehrle, of Berkshire Hathaway Fox and Roach, can be reached at 609-266-6680
or 609-641-0011. Email richardbaehrle@gmail.com or see www.getrichinrealestateSJ.com
