About Bob Thomas Dealerships

Building a Legacy

Bob Thomas has always been a driven individual with a keen sense for knowing what it takes to succeed.  He earned his undergraduate degree from Princeton University and a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Harvard.  Taking his knowledge and desire to be a business owner, Bob Thomas opened his very first dealership, Fort Wayne Lincoln Mercury, in 1980.  There were four sales people, one finance manager and one prep person.  Bob was the General Manager; the service department had to be started up from scratch; and there were thirteen cars on the lot.  That was it.

Within three years it was one of the top ten Lincoln Mercury Dealerships in the country.  It was also recognized as a leader in customer satisfaction for both sales and service.  Today the Bob Thomas Dealership Group employs over 500 people, with about half of those employees working in Indianapolis and the other half in Fort Wayne. His automotive group includes Bob Thomas Ford North, Bob Thomas Ford West, Bob Thomas Lincoln and Bob Thomas Used Car Superstore.  The other dealerships in the group are in Indianapolis; Capitol City Ford, and Sharp Cars of Indy, used car dealerships with two locations.  

Awards & Recognition

Partners With Our Community

Through years of hard work and a dedicated staff of employees that strive for excellence, Bob Thomas Dealerships has managed to create a legacy in not only the automotive market but as a proud supporter of Riley Hospital for Children, several veterans’ organization, and other community based interests.

Lawrence Police Department Explorers Youth Club

Rolling Thunder Indiana Chapter 1 Veterans Organization 

Warren Central High School (Drive 1 4UR School Fund Raising Events)

Beech Grove High School (Drive 1 4UR School Fund Raising Events)

Carroll High School (Drive 1 4UR School Fund Raising Events)

Riley Hospital for Children

Indianapolis Air Show

Le Tour De Fort (Bike Ride event to support Veterans Organizations)

Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 40 

Indianapolis Opera

Indianapolis Heartland Film Festival

How has working here contributed to your success as an employee and in your leadership role?

“A leader is someone that inspires other people to do their best. Working for Bob Thomas, that’s what he’s done for me … I like to see the people I’ve trained, the people I’ve hired do well. It’s a really good feeling”. – Denise Bridwell, Company Controller and 35 year employee

 

What struck you most when you were considering coming to work here?

“The number of employees who had been here for a really long time, like 15, 20, even 30 years or more. That’s unheard of in the car business”. – Internet Sales Manager, Blake Patterson

What do you appreciate most about working in the Bob Thomas Dealership Organization?

“I appreciate the opportunities given me. Working for Bob Thomas has been rewarding. He’s an amazing owner. He treats his employees with respect. He lets you do your job. Somehow he gets you to work for him and want to be loyal to the organization.  He taught me that every person has his or her place, every person has responsibility. It takes everyone to make the dealerships successful”. – Dave Panfil, Marketing Director and 30 year employee