In 1951, a new dealership was
announced by the Chevrolet Motor Division. Mr. C. G. (Gil) Barrett, an
executive of General Motors, purchased the franchise from the estate of
the late J.J. Taylor. Mr. Taylor operated the agency under the name of
Berlin Motor Co. for more than a quarter of a century. However, the new
owner changed the name to Barrett Chevrolet, Inc. with Mr. Gil Barrett
as President.
Mr. Barrett started in
the automobile business in 1932 working for Chevrolet's retail outlet
in New York City. Later he was moved into the New York's Zone Office.
In 1941 he became an instructor in war products for the Armed Services
and in 1943 was made liaison man between war products and the Army
stationed in Richmond, VA. After the war, Mr. Barrett was Fleet
Representative and Zone Truck Manager for the Baltimore Zone of
Chevrolet and later was moved to Roanoke, VA. Roanoke was where he was
working when he purchased the franchise in Berlin.
When
the dealership opened its doors, there were ten employees between
Sales, Service, and the Parts Department. Mr. Barrett and his employees
worked extremely hard and in a short period of time Barrett built quite
a fine reputation. Also, almost immediately after moving to Berlin, Mr.
Gil Barrett took an active part in the community. He was involved in
numerous activities and held many positions in community organizations.
Two of his most significant activities were President of the Lions Club
as well ad President of the Chamber of Commerce.
In
1958, Mr. Barrett moved his growing business to its present location on
Old Ocean City Blvd. The building he purchased was originally built for
Tucker automobiles, then used for Studebakers and then for Lincloln
automobiles. The Lincoln-Mercury dealer went out of business, thus
allowing Mr. Barrett to purchase the building.
For
17 years, Mr. Gil Barrett owned and operated Barrett Chevrolet-Olds,
Inc. He built a wonderful relationship with the people in the
community, as well as, with his employees. The business prospered and
stood firm on having a good working relationship with the people in the
area. Suddenly, on April 2, 1968, while playing golf at the Ocean City
Golf Club, Mr. Gil Barrett fell victim to a heart attack. His death was
not only a shock to his family, but to the entire Berlin area.
After
the death of Mr. Barrett, John G. Barrett and James G. Barrett were
appointed Chevrolet and Oldsmobile dealers by the General Motors
Corporation. They had both been working in the dealership, Jack Barrett
in Sales and Jim as Service Manager and they previously attended a six
week Dealer-Son School and were prepared to operate the family business.
Jack
Barrett graduated from Stephen Decatur High School, attended the
University of Maryland and returned home to work in the family
business. Like his father, Jack has been active in community affairs
service as the first President of the Berlin-Ocean City Jaycees and as
a member and past President of the Berlin Lions Club. He has also been
very active in the St. Mary's Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Ocean
City where he has been a member for over 40 years. Jack Barrett
believes in community service as his father did before him.
Jim
Barrett graduated from Stephen Decatur High School, attended Maryland
Institute of Art and Goldey-Beacom College in Wilmington, DE. When Jim
returned home, he worked for three years at the Sea Scape Hotel as Food
and Beverage Manager before joining Barrett Chevrolet-Olds, Inc. He
initially worked as Service Manager for four years and then joined the
Sales Department. Jim has been active in community affairs serving as
the President of the Berlin-Ocean City Jaycees, past President of the
Berlin Lions Club and eight years as a County Commissioner. Again, in
keeping with the Barrett tradition, like his father and brother, Jim
has been active in community affairs and charitable fund drives.
In
November of 1982, a new line of cars was added to Barrett
Chevrolet-Olds, Inc - A full line of Chrysler, Plymouth, Dodge and
Dodge trucks were added to the franchise.
Over
the years, Barrett Chevrolet-Olds, Inc. has put great emphasis on
customer service and satisfaction and has won many awards from General
Motors and Chrysler for both Sales and Service.
In
keeping with the family tradition, James Russell Barrett joined Barrett
Chevrolet's sales force in 1982. Russ attended Goldey-Beacom Business
College in Wilmington and was employed at Phillips Crab House in Ocean
City. After a number of years of selling automobiles, Russ attended
Dealer-Son School as his uncle and father had done years before. For
the last four years Russ has been New and Used Car Manager at the
Dealership. Russ is also an active member of the Berlin Lions Club and
serves on its House Committee.
In
1993, John P. Barrett joined Barrett Chevrolet-Olds, Inc. as a
salesperson. John attended Catonsville Community College and worked as
a chef at the Atlantic Hotel for four years before coming to Barrett's.
John now serves as Used Car Manager at the Dealership. He is a member
of the Ocean City Kiwanis Club.
In
1995, Stephen Barrett joined the sales force at Barrett's. Stephen
attended Davis Elkins College in West Virginia, where he was a member
of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity and served one term as its President.
He also worked at the Atlantic Hotel, like his brother, before joining
his family at Barrett's.