When you drive through Lyndhurst, New Jersey, it’s hard to miss the gleaming GMC trucks and SUVs lining our lot. But while you might know us as the best place to find your next Sierra or Acadia, there is a lot more to our dealership than meets the eye!
Whether you’ve been buying from us for decades or you’re just starting your search for a new vehicle, here are a few fun facts about Frank’s GMC that make us proud to be your local dealership.
1. Our Roots Trace Back to a 19th-Century Blacksmith!
While you know us for selling state-of-the-art GMC vehicles today, our story actually begins with literal horsepower. At the dawn of the 20th century, Ben Pezzolla (the grandfather of our current President, Frank Pezzolla, Jr.) moved his family from the city to Lyndhurst—which was considered “the country” back then—and opened a modest blacksmith shop.
When the horseless carriage began to take over, Ben’s son, Frank Sr., took his father’s relentless work ethic and metal-turning knowledge and pivoted. In 1930, Frank Sr. rented an old, out-of-repair garage on Ridge Road. He dug a repair pit with his own hands, fashioned steel ramps, and worked day and night in the freezing winters and sweltering summers. Knowing that local truckers relied on their rigs to survive, Frank focused heavily on truck repairs, earning a reputation for staying open day and night to get them back on the road.
His dedication paid off: Frank Sr. was awarded a GMC franchise in 1937. By 1978, the business—expanding with the help of his three sons—moved to our current facility on Orient Way. Today, we are successfully run by the third generation and have grown from a one-man operation to a team of over 100 employees. The original blacksmith’s immigrant spirit of honesty, fairness, and treating everyone like family still runs deep in our veins today!
2. We Are Proudly Family-Owned and Operated
Corporate, big-box dealerships are becoming the norm, but we have stayed true to our roots. Frank’s GMC is a family-owned and operated business, which means we treat our customers like an extension of our own family. When you buy a vehicle or get your truck serviced with us, you aren’t just a number in a computer system; you’re doing business with your neighbors.
3. We Are deeply Invested in Our Community
Our philosophy is simple: we want to give back to the community that has supported us for generations. Frank’s GMC is incredibly active in the local Lyndhurst community. From sponsoring local events to championing local initiatives, we believe that a great local business should be an active participant in making the neighborhood a better place to live and work.
4. We’re Plugging Into the Future
We might have 90 years of history behind us, but our eyes are locked on the future. Frank’s GMC is on the cutting edge of the automotive industry’s EV revolution. We aren’t just selling traditional gas-powered powerhouses; our lot features the incredible HUMMER EV and the highly anticipated Sierra EV. Plus, we are a massive hub for commercial and fleet work trucks, ensuring local businesses have the tools they need to succeed in the modern era.
Ready to Make History with Us? Next time you’re in the market for a new or Certified Pre-Owned GMC, or if you just need some routine maintenance, stop by and say hello!
