Robert J. Larson Assumes NJ CAR Chairmanship

On Nov 1, 2017

Robert J. Larson, vice president and general manager of Larson Ford, Inc. in Wall Township, assumed the New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers (NJ CAR) Chairmanship, effective Nov. 1. He succeeds Rick DeSilva, Jr. (Liberty Subaru) as Chairman. Larson is also Co-Chairman of NJ CAR’s NextGen Committee.

Larson Ford was founded in 1956, and Larson has worked in the family business since he was 14 years old- full-time when he graduated college in 2006. His first full-time position was in the dealership’s Internet Department. He is the third generation to run the dealership and is also the first third-generation Chairman of NJ CAR in its nearly 100-year history, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Paul Larson, Sr., in 1991 and his father, Paul Larson, Jr., in 2003.

“The retail automotive industry is anchored in family tradition, handed down from one generation to the next, to serve our customers honestly and fairly,” said Larson. “I look forward to working with my fellow dealers, our elected officials and others to ensure consumers continue to enjoy the many benefits of their neighborhood dealership, including competitive prices and easy access to warranty and safety recall service performed by skilled technicians.”

Larson grew up in Wall Township and graduated from Wall High School. He attended the University of Delaware and graduated in 2006 with a Bachelor’s degree in Consumer Economics.  In 2008, he graduated from the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Dealer Academy. Over the next five years, Larson was exposed to all facets of the dealership and took full control of daily operations in 2013. He is also involved in two business ventures outside of the dealership including an Auto Detail & Reconditioning Center and a Real Estate Investment Company.

Larson supports a variety of charitable organizations including the Childhood Leukemia Foundation, The Valerie Fund, Canine Caregivers and the Jersey Shore Animal Shelter.  He has also continued the Jack Martin Scholarship Fund, started by his grandfather, which offers financial support for college to a scholar-athlete from Brick Township High School.

Larson and his wife, Karolina, reside in Wall Township.

Other Senior Officers of NJ CAR for the 2017-2018 association year are: Vice Chairman Leonard R. Datello (Action Auto Group, Flemington), Secretary Scott R. Senior (Three County Volkswagen, Lyndhurst) and Treasurer Rob Sickel (Pine Belt Chevrolet, Lakewood).

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