Pub. 1 2018-2019 |Issue 2

12 T he Garff family has a family motto that has in- fluenced decisions and actions for three gen- erations: “We are builders.” That motto is even painted over the front door of John and Amy Garff’s home so their five children can read it every day. He wants them to grow up knowing how important it is to help other people and to treat them right. The empha- sis isn’t on selling (although that is certainly a necessary part of the business). It’s on elevating people. John, who is the CEO and president of Ken Garff Enterprises, is in charge of the Ken Garff Automotive Group, a business that was started by his grandfather, Ken Garff, and that is still thriving after 86 years. During those years, the family has invested in things that might seem intangible, but that affect quality of life: the family business, of course, but also community and the people who live within that community, schools, and religious service. John’s grandfather, Ken Garff started building his first dealership in 1932 and passed away in 1997. The company now has 50 dealerships located in six different states: California, Iowa, Michigan, Nevada, Texas, and Utah. There aremore than 4,500 employees who sell almost 120,000 new and used cars each year. Of the 50 dealerships, 20 are located in Utah. Instead of claiming the credit for this success, John says the “good people” who work for the Ken Garff Automotive Group havemade our company what it is today. Despite the fact that the Ken Garff Automotive Group is a family business, that doesn’t mean it’s a place where family members are entitled to extra privileges. Family members who work for the company are expected to work hard and receive a market-based wage that is commensurate with the job. The company as a whole is a place where people actively look for ways to change and improve. New ideas are examined and the best ones are adopted. John, who grew up in Bountiful, Utah, graduated in 1986 from Woods Cross High School. His B.A. in accounting was awarded in 1992 by the David Eccles School of Business, which is part of the University of Utah. He was awarded an MBA in finance and entrepreneurship at Northwestern University in 1995, from the Kellogg School of Management. In addition, John graduated from the National Automobile Dealers Association Academy, has acted as president of the New Car Dealers of Utah, and was nominated by Craig A. Bickmore, who is the executive director of the New Car John Garff John, who is the CEO and president of Ken Garff Enterprises, is in charge of the Ken Garff Automotive Group, a business that was started by his grandfather, Ken Garff, and that is still thriving after 86 years. NCDU’S TIME DEALER OF THE YEAR NOMINEE Jo h n Ga r