DeFOUW Automotive
Our Workplace Culture:
Our employees are the heartbeat of our culture, forging an environment defined by longevity and unwavering commitment. We take great pride in empowering our community, championing fairness and transparency, and igniting a spirit of innovation and trust. Each employee is regarded as one of the organization’s most vital assets, and together, we rise and excel as a united front.
Our employees are the heartbeat of our culture, forging an environment defined by longevity and unwavering commitment. We take great pride in empowering our community, championing fairness and transparency, and igniting a spirit of innovation and trust. Each employee is regarded as one of the organization’s most vital assets, and together, we rise and excel as a united front.
Lafayette, Indiana, United States
Lafayette, Indiana, United States
Company Information
Who We Are:
DeFOUW Automotive has been a cornerstone of the Lafayette area since 1961. With three dynamic locations featuring Chevrolet, BMW, and Nissan, along with a full-service Collision Center, we are on a mission to transform the automotive sales and service industry. We are currently seeking motivated individuals to join our family-owned and operated high-volume store, where your contributions will make a significant impact.
Company History
Bill DeFOUW, a visionary entrepreneur from Grand Rapids, Michigan, turned a dream into reality when he founded DeFOUW Chevrolet in July 1961. Before diving into the automotive world, he sold Friedman Calculators, but it was his dream of owning a General Motors dealership that ultimately led him to Lafayette.
DeFOUW acquired the BMW franchise in 1982. We completed our first BMW building in 1997, and then completed our current stunning new BMW building in 2017. Enter into 1979, Dennis Gernhardt, Bill's son-in-law, who joined DeFOUW in January of that year, as the New Car Manager. Hailing from Indianapolis and armed with a Marketing degree from Xavier University, Dennis brought a wealth of experience from Xerox. Over the years, he rose through the ranks to become President and Managing Owner in 1997, committed to enhancing the DeFOUW brand and enriching the community it serves. In 2021, we celebrated an incredible milestone—60 years in business. During this time, Dennis reflected on the strong roots of service and community spirit that define DeFOUW. Adding to the family legacy, Grant Gernhardt, son of Dennis and Jeanne Gernhardt, exhibited a passion for the dealership from a young age. By the time he was in 6th grade, he was inquiring about working alongside his father. After graduating from IU Kelley School of Business in 2010, Grant gained valuable experience at Stryker before returning to DeFOUW in 2014, just in time for the upcoming changes. In 2021, Grant stepped into the role of majority owner and made a strategic move by acquiring the Nissan dealership, envisioning its integration into the DeFOUW main campus. With construction for the new Nissan building underway in 2023 and completion set for July 2024. Dennis officially retired in December of 2024 and Grant became 100% owner of DeFOUW Automotive.
What started as 25 employees is now over 165 employees; who you can always count on. With Dennis officially retiring on December 31, 2024, Grant is excited to lead all three franchises as the proud 100% owner.
DeFOUW acquired the BMW franchise in 1982. We completed our first BMW building in 1997, and then completed our current stunning new BMW building in 2017. Enter into 1979, Dennis Gernhardt, Bill's son-in-law, who joined DeFOUW in January of that year, as the New Car Manager. Hailing from Indianapolis and armed with a Marketing degree from Xavier University, Dennis brought a wealth of experience from Xerox. Over the years, he rose through the ranks to become President and Managing Owner in 1997, committed to enhancing the DeFOUW brand and enriching the community it serves. In 2021, we celebrated an incredible milestone—60 years in business. During this time, Dennis reflected on the strong roots of service and community spirit that define DeFOUW. Adding to the family legacy, Grant Gernhardt, son of Dennis and Jeanne Gernhardt, exhibited a passion for the dealership from a young age. By the time he was in 6th grade, he was inquiring about working alongside his father. After graduating from IU Kelley School of Business in 2010, Grant gained valuable experience at Stryker before returning to DeFOUW in 2014, just in time for the upcoming changes. In 2021, Grant stepped into the role of majority owner and made a strategic move by acquiring the Nissan dealership, envisioning its integration into the DeFOUW main campus. With construction for the new Nissan building underway in 2023 and completion set for July 2024. Dennis officially retired in December of 2024 and Grant became 100% owner of DeFOUW Automotive.
What started as 25 employees is now over 165 employees; who you can always count on. With Dennis officially retiring on December 31, 2024, Grant is excited to lead all three franchises as the proud 100% owner.
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