REAL Exclusive Magazine

Eric Shepherd

Executive General Manager

Dimmitt Automotive Group – The Sarasota Studio

By Ed Bertha

Cover Photography by Giovanni Lunardi

Layout by Christian Lunardi

“Roadsides are full of car dealership after dealership. The Sarasota Studio is a fresh exciting twist in the face of convention,” Liz Manes.

THE DIMMITT LEGACY

One could argue that the Dimmitt family has been in Pinellas County for as long as the county itself; beginning with the arrival of Larry Dimmitt, Sr. to Clearwater in 1924. Having previously lived in Savanna, and with a love for the auto industry in his heart, Larry quickly purchased a Clearwater Ford/Lincoln franchise and never looked back.

Larry then began to make substantial investments in Pinellas County land. With land at his disposal he continued to add to his automobile businesses. By the mid 1930’s he had also added LaSalle, Cadillac and Chevrolet to this impressive list. Larry, a visionary in those times, accomplished all this while the city of Clearwater was still only two blocks long and two blocks wide.

Larry carried this vision right through the Great Depression doing whatever it took to ensure the survival of his dream, even when it meant going door to door trying to sell cars.

In 1952, Larry, Jr. took the reins which enabled his father to turn his attention to charitable causes. Having understood struggle, Larry, Sr. helped build additions to hospitals, schools, supported churches and more. Larry Dimmitt’s legacy continues today and is expressed in the company’s mission statement; “To improve the quality of life for our associates, our guests, and the community through service, excellence, and innovation.”

Carrying the same passion for the auto industry, Richard Dimmitt and his brother Larry, III continued what their grandfather began. Under their guidance The Dimmitt Automotive Group continued to expand, adding luxury brands: Land Rover, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Hummer, SAAB, McLaren, and Aston Martin, establishing the Dimmitt Automotive Group as the prominent luxury dealer group in the southeast.

TODAY

Now in its fourth generation of family ownership, The Dimmitt Automotive Group is led by Rick and Peter Dimmitt. Rick is immersed in the operations side of the business, while Peter concentrates on the client side. This collaborative effort has been very effective for the continued success of The Dimmitt organization.

Peter (L) & Richard Jr., “Rick” (R) Dimmitt at Dimmitt’s St. Petersburg Showroom

Peter grew up around the dealership, jumping in wherever he was needed, but his official start came as the dealership’s first director of business development. Then, in 2010, Peter was presented with the opportunity of a lifetime. McLaren, the British purveyor of exotic sports cars, was planning to establish a small U.S. dealership network. Peter, then 26, was charged with visiting McLaren’s U.K. headquarters to present why The Dimmitt Automotive Group would be the best selection to represent McLaren. “Putting together that marketing plan was surreal,” says Peter. “All of a sudden, we are sitting in front of McLaren making our pitch.” If it was a race, Peter clearly crossed the finish line first landing the franchise agreement and bringing McLaren to their St. Petersburg location.

Rick’s passion is more aligned with the “inner workings” of the automobile business. “My brother is sort of the gregarious, outspoken guy,” Rick says smiling. “I prefer to be out back getting my hands dirty.” Rick also has driven the group’s high-end accessories business from almost non-existent to revenues that would be the envy of a custom car shop.

The brother’s efforts have not gone unnoticed by their peers in the industry. In 2015 Rick and Peter were awarded the prestigious 40 Under 40 Award by Automotive News continuing the legacy first started by Larry Dimmitt, Sr. so long ago.

When your organization is already performing at industry leading levels, how do you add even more horsepower to your organization? Hire the president of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars North America, Eric Shepherd, as Executive General Manager.

EXPANDING LEADERSHIP

A 25+ year veteran of the automotive industry, Eric brings an unmatched depth of experience to the group. Eric’s career began at Nissan Motor Corporation in the early 90’s as a Retail Operations Specialist but he quickly continued to advance broadening his knowledge and experience. In 1999, recognizing his innate ability to connect with the consumers, Eric was hired by Southeast Toyota as Director of Marketing. When asked about why he loves the automobile industry, Eric responded, “Every day is different. Every customer is different. Different reasons why they buy a car, why they choose certain options or colors, even why they commission a specially-built vehicle just for them. It’s not just the auto business…it’s the dream business.” Eric followed his dream when he was offered the position of President of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars North America in 2013. Eric says of his time at Rolls-Royce, “Running the Rolls-Royce brand in North America gave me a very unique view of the car business, and reinforced what I love about it. So many people share a passion for cars. Very few products on earth stir as much emotion as the automobile.”

Prior to joining Dimmitt, Eric was president of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars North America

In 2015, Eric made the decision to move from the manufacturing side of the business to the consumer side. Eric’s original intention was to purchase his own ultra-luxury dealership but when the Dimmitt organization found out Eric may be available, they contacted him. Eric says, “After several meetings, it was apparent that the culture of this company was exactly what I wanted in my own business. It was a rare opportunity to be a part of an organization that I was so well aligned with and I simply had to join this team.”

Eric oversees all of Dimmitt’s luxury brands including The Sarasota Studio. The Sarasota Studio represents Dimmitt’s uncompromised commitment to an experience that is congruent with the ultra-luxury brands they carry. Eric adds, “The opening of The Sarasota Studio allowed us to be closer to our Sarasota clients and provide the same legendary service we’ve been delivering for almost a century.”

THE SARASOTA STUDIO

Even before you make it through the front doors of The Sarasota Studio, ultra-luxury sales center, you know this place is something special. Perhaps, it’s the Rodeo Drive storefront feel. Perhaps the heart-stopping beauty of the Rolls-Royce or Bentley out front, or maybe it’s the anticipation of what lies on the other side of the doors. Whatever it is, you know you are about to enter a special world.

Upon entering the showroom your senses tingle. The Sarasota Studio showcases some of the finest luxury and exotic automobiles in the world. The artwork on the walls of the expansive 7,000 square foot showroom is quickly overpowered by the artwork parked on the showroom floor. These vehicles demand your attention.

On any given day one could see Aston Martin, Bentley, McLaren, Rolls-Royce, Lamborghini, Mercedes AMGs and more, hence the phrase, “The Art of the Automobile”. These vehicles, some individually and painstakingly handmade, are available for sale for those with the passion and the means to make this dream come true.

But no ultra-luxury experience is complete without concierge style service. Prospective clients are greeted by one of the studio’s two managers, who can handle the entire transaction from beginning to end, Todd vanHerwynen or Liz Manes, each knowledgeable veterans in the business.

Liz Manes and Todd vanHerwynen

Todd explains, “When you arrive at The Sarasota Studio, you are greeted as if you are a friend or family member. This is how we want you to feel the entire time we are engaged. These vehicles are not your average purchase, and the clients acquiring them aren’t either. These vehicles evoke a special kind of passion. They are for the automobile connoisseur and the transaction should be treated as such.”

Liz echoes, “Anyone who walks into The Sarasota Studio is welcomed immediately. “The Studio” is a special place. It is unusual to see this many unique vehicles in one place. It’s rare to see an Aston Martin, made famous by ‘James Bond’ movies, right next to an exquisite Rolls-Royce or Bentley.”

Though the primary function of the studio is ultra-luxury automobile sales, it is also used to help the community. This unique space is often used for activities or local philanthropic groups. A special event surrounding the display of Jack Dowd’s famous sculpture, “Last Call”, is currently being planned for the fourth quarter of 2016.

The organization has come a long way since the days of Larry Dimmitt, Sr. but one thing hasn’t changed. The Dimmitt Organization is still driven by the same mission: “To improve the quality of life for our associates, our guests, and the community through service, excellence, and innovation.”

Dimmitt Automotive Group – The Sarasota Studio. Isn’t it time you experienced The Art of the Automobile?

The Sarasota Studio
A Division of Dimmitt Automotive Group
1518 State Street
Sarasota, FL 34236
(941) 787-2549
www.TheSarasotaStudio.com

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Photography used under license from Giovanni Lunardi Photography
Photography Copyright © 2016 Giovanni Lunardi Photography