In 1974, West Pine Street — located in the small, charming town of Hattiesburg, Mississippi — was known as “Automobile Row.” Dealerships selling all makes and models lined either side of the road. People traveled long distances to visit Automobile Row and take advantage of the large selection of what they hoped would be their next car.
That same year, Danny Dossett Sr. was looking to purchase a dealership in the area and happened to find one that was for sale right on Automobile Row. The dealership was in financial trouble, and the factory was in the process of taking it back from the previous owners due to their aggressive sales tactics — they set all kinds of sales records of heavy duty trucks and then set records for the highest number of repossessions.
That did not deter Danny — he saw the potential and bought the store. “We got right to work. It was seven days before we sold a car and I remember thinking to myself ‘What have I done?’ Then, we sold our first Pontiac and took a trade-in, and I realized that with persistence, we were going to make it,” Danny said. Dossett GMC Pontiac — now Dossett GMC Cadillac — was just beginning their journey.
A few years later, Pontiac Catalinas had a 25% price increase, so the invoice went from $4,000 to $5,000. “I thought I’d never sell another car and that it was all over,” Danny recalled. But once again, Danny and his team got to work and rose to the challenge.
Through difficulties and changes, Danny learned that success comes from showing up and doing the work, even on the hardest days. He also realized the importance of strong leadership. To this day, Danny arrives at the office bright and early and is always the last one to leave. The longevity of the employees at Dossett GMC Cadillac speaks to Danny’s strengths, good guidance and genuine care for people.
What started as 15 employees has grown to 40 employees today — some of them have worked at Dossett GMC Cadillac for 10, 20, 30 and 40+ years! That kind of retention is unheard of in the automotive dealership sector and that is a testament to Danny’s dedication.
Since 1974, a lot has changed in Hattiesburg; the town and surroundings have grown in many ways. The University of Southern Mississippi and William Carey University, the No. 1 medical school in Mississippi, bring an influx of students and new customers. About two miles from the dealership is Forrest General Hospital, the biggest employer in South Mississippi — it keeps the local economy going and consumers on the showroom floor.
One thing that has not changed is Dossett GMC Cadillac. Fifty years later, they are still located in the same location as the day they opened. The commitment to their people, the customer and their community has only gotten stronger with each passing day.
To help celebrate 50 years of success, the franchise zone manager, William Page, provided a catered lunch in the dealership showroom for all of the Dossett GMC Cadillac employees. Everyone enjoyed a delicious meal, reminisced about the past and celebrated the momentous occasion. After lunch, Danny was presented with a trophy to recognize his 50 years in business. The trophy is now proudly on display in the dealership showroom.
When asked what he attributed his success to, Danny humbly answered, “Our success is because of our employees. It’s not me, it’s the managers and the employees that they hire. They do a super job. We work hard at employee retention and keeping our people here.”
Danny was quick to point out that his son, Danny Jr., who is currently the general manager, does a super job and the thought of him taking over the family business one day makes him proud as a father.
He also gave huge thanks to his current management staff: Wesley Boutwell, part manager; Sherry Lee, office manager; Lee Brooks, service manager, Chris Lowery, body shop manager; Erik Hunter, used car manager and Shaun Burt, new vehicle manager.
Congratulations to Danny Dossett Sr. and Dossett GMC Cadillac on your 50th anniversary. Here’s to 50 more successful years!
