Larry Spacc GMC, at 4037 Vineyard Drive, Dunkirk, is marking 60 years in business with a celebration that began Wednesday and will end on Nov. 21. With prizes, giveaways and special deals, the Spaccs and their employees invite the community to come join them as they commemorate this milestone for their business and their family.

“The business got started with Larry Spacc Sr., (my son) Larry’s grandfather,” explained Darryl Spacc. “He opened at a small location in downtown Silver Creek on Nov. 13, 1955. He was there for a year before moving to Dunkirk.”

The dealership has moved a few times since then. From the Silver Creek location, Larry Spacc Sr. moved to 243 Lake Shore Drive West, moving in 1971 to 87 Lake Shore Drive East. That same year, his son Larry Jr. joined the business fresh out of college with a degree in marketing.

“The business grew with each move to a new location,” said Darryl. “Whenever we expanded, we needed more room.”

In 1996, Larry Spacc III joined the business. Like his father before him, the youngest Larry had always planned to join the family business, and had gone to college with that in mind. His degree is in business management. In June, Larry Sr. passed away, which left the business in the capable hands of his son, daughter-in-law, and grandson.

“I had always worked (at the dealership) during the summer and vacations, so I was familiar with a lot of it already,” said Larry III of the transition.

“And (my husband) Larry was more than prepared; his father had been ill for some time, and he had already taken over much of the business’s operations prior to (his father’s death),” added Darryl.

In 2007, the Spaccs moved their business to its current location on Vineyard Drive, once again expanding their lot and their selection.

“We needed more space, and there was nowhere we could expand at the former location,” said Darryl, explaining that the last property was boxed in by roads and neighbors.

By Darryl’s best guess, the very first lot, opened by her father-in-law in 1955, held about eight used cars and eight new cars. Now, the Vineyard Drive location boasts 40 new vehicles and 165 pre-owned vehicles. The Spaccs employ about 35 people, and recently, they opened a second location in Lakewood. Grandpa would be proud!

So how have they stayed open for 60 years, through booms and recessions and personality differences?

“This businesses is the same as it was 60 years ago in a lot of ways,” answered Darryl. “The auto business requires time and attention; it’s not a 40-hour work week. Also, the business is so cyclical that we can just about predict what’s going to happen and prepare for it because of our experience.”

“There is even a yearly cycle,” put in her son. “We’re affected by winter, just like a lot of other businesses. We have seven to eight good months, and then four months when business is a lot slower – starting in the late fall to about February. Things pick up then, and a lot of people start shopping for new cars when they get their tax returns. We just have to be careful with budgeting and planning.”

Larry Jr. and Darryl have been married for 44 years. Her father was one of her father-in-law’s first and best customers. Larry III has been with the business for 19 years, and Larry Jr. doesn’t plan on retiring anytime soon. His wife said he loves coming to work every day. How does mixing family with business work for them?

“You have to leave the disagreements at work,” said Darryl, smiling. “You don’t bring them to the Sunday dinner table.”

Well, that philosophy seems to be working for the Spaccs. As for the fourth generation of car dealers, the family won’t rule anything out.

“I have two daughters (…) ages 9 and 11,” Larry III said, “so I don’t know about that.”

“There are more and more women in the business all the time!” said Darryl.

To kick off their 60th anniversary party, the Spaccs sent out 40,000 invitations to people in Chautauqua County, asking them to join the family and their staff for ten days of great deals and wonderful prizes to express gratitude to the community.

“We have $60,000 in prizes and giveaways, with 50-inch flat-screen televisions, gift cards, airline tickets and more,” said Larry III.

No purchase is necessary; the Spaccs just want to mark the occasion with the community that has supported them for the last six decades. Festivities will culminate in a grand prize package drawing Nov. 21 at 1 p.m. Come help celebrate!

To find out more about Larry Spacc GMC sales and services, go to www.larryspacc.com or visit the dealership at 4037 Vineyard Drive, Dunkirk.

Comments on this article may be sent to rcuthbert@observeroday.com