Glen Sain acquires Tom Kirk Chevrolet

For more than 50 years, Glen Sain Motor Sales in Rector has been a name many customers have respected. On Monday, the company completed another step in its continued growth, purchasing Tom Kirk Chevrolet of Paragould.

The acquisition has allowed Glen Sain to bring all of General Motors' brands under one dealership in Paragould, as Chevrolet will be added to the Glen Sain Paragould Buick, Cadillac and GMC dealership. Glen Sain owner Danny Ford said he plans to expand the facilities at the Paragould site, as the purchase will include the parts and vehicle inventory of Tom Kirk Chevrolet. Ford said the building will meet the image plan as set forth by Chevrolet.

The acquisition came about as part of discussions which began four or five years ago, Ford said. A shaky U.S. economy which heavily affected the automotive industry slowed talks.

Discussions again began in earnest earlier this year. After going over the matter with GM officials, including undergoing an arbitrary process, the merger was approved about two weeks ago.

The announcement serves as further testament to Glen Sain Motor Sales' strong tradition in the area.

"When I first started in the automobile business in 1972, if you had told me we'd be able to grow and expand like we have, I probably would have told you it wasn't possible," Ford said. "I always felt confident that if I ever got the opportunity, I'd work hard to succeed. This is a family business. Everyone here is part of the family with each person working hard and doing the best job they can. That, along with our dedication to customer service, has helped make this possible."

The Glen Sain family will likely grow, as members of the Tom Kirk staff will be welcomed into the fold.

Kirk will continue his position with Legacy John Deere, which will remain in the building it shared with the Chevrolet dealership. Personnel will have the option of remaining with Legacy or joining Glen Sain.

"Tom was concerned about his people," Ford said. "We understand the importance of having good people and made sure there was a place for everyone. A few employees will stay with the John Deere dealership, some will stay at the Paragould dealership and a few may come to the Rector dealership."