Farewell Jim “the Courtesy Man” Moran
The triumph of Toyota into becoming the world?s number 1 largest automaker was tainted with sadness with the departure of one of the legendary car promoter who helped it to become the nation?s best-selling import. Jim Moran died last Tuesday at the age of 88.
Jim Moran is the billionaire owner and founder of JM Family Enterprises of Deerfield Beach. Moran also presides over an automotive empire that ranks among the biggest private companies in the country. Despite the various health problems that he is facing, he remained to have an active participation in the business until his death. Last Friday before Moran?s death he called Art Hendrickson Sr., who owns a Toyota dealership in Coconut Creek. Hendrickson said, ”He was asking me about the sales of the new truck, the Tundra?. Hendrickson also said that he asked Mr. Moran if there is anything that he could do for him but the old man said was “Just take good care of yourself.”
The story of Moran was one of those Horatio Alger-type figures whose rags to riches story have concluded in the building of the world?s largest Toyota distributor. Moran was also the very first car dealer that advertises cars on television. The billionaire from Fort Lauderdale H. Wayne Huizenga who consulted with Moran in 1996 about the launching of a chain of used-car superstores has remembered the old man as the ?Courtesy Man?. Huizenga said, “That tag line fit him so well and epitomized the Jim Moran that I knew. Jim was a gifted entrepreneur, but more importantly, he was a wonderful person.”
The path to success of Moran was loaded with controversies. First he was accused of tax evasion and then discriminatory practices but despite all that he has found a way to show his caring side when he launched programs that would benefit troubled youths and recognizes the achievements of African-Americans.
Moran?s climb to success?
Jim Moran was born in Chicago’s Near North Side in 1918. His venture into the automotive industry started in 1939 when he borrowed $360 to buy a Sinclair gas station. He also ventures into selling used cars at the station. He later on became the top Hudson dealer and the top Ford dealer. He was featured on the cover of Time magazine in 1961.
At the height of his success, Moran, 46 at the time was told by a doctor that he had cancer and had less than a year to live. After the learning the horrible news Moran decided to move to South Florida in 1966 where he intends to spend his final days in retirement.
According to Alberto Ibarg
