After 85 Years, Bell Motors is Passing the Baton

Soon the brand on the door will change from  Bell Motors to that of Winegardner Automotive  Group.

As reported on TheBAYNET.com in September, Leonardtown icon, Bell Motor Company, is closing its doors after 85 years. The family-owned and operated dealership has been a staunch supporter of and fixture within the region since 1923.

“We appreciate each and everyone of our customers and friends we have made over the past 85 years,” said Vice President Gary Bell, Sr. Because of their commitment to the area, the Bell family has been searching for a suitable dealership presence to come into Leonardtown in their place. After much negotiation and discussion, Winegardner Automotive Group agreed to take over.

Gary Bell

Because Bell Motor Company was a General Motors franchise dealer, the arrangement had to be approved before it could proceed. Last week, GM gave its blessing and the deal was ratified. Winegardner will be the new owner as of Jan. 1, 2009.

“We thought Winegardner would be a perfect fit for the community. They are a family-owned business and understand the importance of the community,” said Bell.

Winegardner currently has stores in Brandywine, Fort Washington and Prince Frederick. According to Chuck Winegardner the automotive group is excited to be coming to Leonardtown.

“We are a family owned and run business – much like the Bell family – 28 years old, composed of many long term employees. We are in the stores working every day. We have been in the automobile business since 1963,” explained Winegardner. He went on to say that the first family owned store was a Chevrolet franchise in Fort Washington purchased in 1980. “Our biggest asset is our employee base,” said Winegardner, echoing a Bell family mantra that has stayed with the company to the very end.
 
“Purchasing the store enabled us to expand our presence in Southern Maryland. It also provided a business opportunity from the point that it was still operating. The fact that the facility was operating, was in fantastic condition, and mirrored the same family-owned and employee-operated business model we use made it very exciting for us,” said Winegardner..
 
Winegardner stated that the store would be operated on a daily basis by his cousin, Kurt Winegardner, who is currently the general manager at the Buick Pontiac GMC facility in Prince Frederick. “Kurt and his family reside in Hollywood about five miles from the Leonardtown location.”
 
The Winegardners understand that many of their customers come from the Leonardtown and its surrounding communities. “We are extremely excited about becoming involved in the various communities.”
 
“We are greatful for the opportunity the Bell family has provided. I think it is very important everyone realizes the Bells could have continued on if they desired. Their desire was to move on in different areas of their lives,” said Winegardner.