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John A. Spitzer (February 1, 1917 – July 29, 1992) was an American automotive executive and real estate developer.[1]
John A. Spitzer | |
|---|---|
 John A. Spitzer in 1970 | |
| Born | February 1, 1917 Grafton, Ohio, U.S. |
| Died | July 29, 1992 (aged 75) |
| Alma mater | Ohio State University |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Known for | Developing sales techniques, which were later shared in a Ford educational film |
| Spouse | Helen C. Spitzer |
Born in 1917, Grafton, Ohio, Spitzer graduated from Ohio State University and, with his brother Del, expanded Spitzer Automotive into one of the leading automotive dealer in the U.S. A World War II veteran, he developed innovative sales techniques, which were later shared in a Ford educational film.[1]
Biography
editEarly life and family
editSpitzer was born in 1917 in Grafton.[2] His parents, George and Harriet Spitzer, operated a hardware store and managed a Ford dealership at the beginning of the 20th century.[1] He was educated at the Ohio State University and graduated with a degree in accounting in 1939.[1][2]
Spitzer was married to Helen C. Spitzer.[3] They had seven children, including Alan Spitzer, who is the current chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of Spitzer Management.[4]
Career
editFrom an early age, Spitzer became involved in his family's hardware store and car dealership in Grafton, Ohio.[5] He was assigned by his father, George Spitzer, to liquidate the dealership but chose to revive it instead.[6] During World War II, he served in the United States Army Air Corps as a military officer and eventually rose to the rank of captain.[2]
After the World War II, he established a Dodge dealership in Elyria, Lorain County, leading to substantial expansion across Ohio and three other states.[7] He developed the automotive division of the company, alongside his brother Del Spitzer, who contributed to advancements in sales processes and TV advertising.[7] In the late 1950s, Ford Motor Company allocated a new store in Cleveland to Spitzer, which rapidly grew into Ohio's leading Ford retail outlet.[7] To assess their sales methods, Ford assigned mystery shoppers, one of whom purchased a vehicle.[7] Subsequently, Ford engaged John and Del Spitzer in producing a two-hour educational film to share their sales techniques with other Ford dealers.[1][7]
In the 1950s, Spitzer developed a residential neighborhood near Grafton, acquiring land to construct over 200 homes in an area formerly known as Brentwood Lake Village.[3]
Recognition
edit- Spitzer Conference Center is named after him[2]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e "Auto dealer dies - UPI Archives". United Press International.
- ^ a b c d "About Spitzer Conference Center - Lorain County Community College". March 27, 2018.
- ^ a b Baranick, Alana (November 6, 2008). "Helen C. Spitzer, widow of businessman John A. Spitzer, devoted Catholic -- Obituary". The Plain Dealer.
- ^ Bill Lubinger, The Plain Dealer (May 17, 2009). "Spitzer family's auto sales legacy, now facing challenge of Chrysler dealership closings, dates to early 1900s". The Plain Dealer.
- ^ "Spitzer Organization". 12 March 2021.
- ^ "Spitzer: 'I want to sell you a car now'". Automotive News.
- ^ a b c d e "Spitzer Management is ready for whatever awaits".
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