Chad Gumpp

The Boss

For as long as he can remember, Chad loved anything with tires, wheels, and an engine. In the mid ‘60s, he dabbled in go carts, mini bikes, dirt bikes, and even tractors. If it had engine, he was into it. Chad’s father and uncle bought their first Cadillac dealership when he was 12 years old, and naturally he grew up in the business. In the early years, he says he “washed about a million cars”. He moved up to the parts and service department, where he did light maintenance and mechanical repairs. He also prepared cars for delivery, including detailing used inventory. In 1971, Chad’s dad helped him get his first car…a 1969 Chevelle SS 396. He loved drag racing and says this car was probably “one of the most tired 3 year old cars anywhere”. He spent about a year repairing and modifying his car, and believes this experience has helped him throughout his career.

When Chad’s family purchased 2 more dealerships, he worked his way into sales, sales management, and general management. During that time, he had various antique and muscle cars over the years, including a 1972 Corvette 454. In the fall of 1976, Chad married Chris, and had 3 wonderful children Bridget, Charlie, and Katie. He is now a proud grandpa to Cole and Cody. In the early days of the internet, Chad developed a new car buying service to help people take the hassle out of buying new cars from dealers. Many of his customers remarked that they also needed help with antique cars. They were having a difficult time with long distance selling (and buying), having cars represented honestly, doing money transfers, etc. Chad ended up brain storming with a friend from NY, and from there, Auto Connection was born.

Chad’s family sold their dealerships in the early 1990s, and at that time, he moved into his current office building. When asked to tell us a little bit about himself, Chad says he “loves food and eats too much”. He also loves boating, cars, and guns…and spending time with his family, of course. He “hates yard work”, and says he is still “trying to get into shape”.