About Germain Toyota of Sarasota
New: 866-533-0281
Pre-Owned: 866-533-2554
Service: 866-456-5351
Parts: 866-521-2170
Our History
The original Germain Motor Company dealership was established in 1947 by Warren Germain. As the years have passed, Germain Motor Company continued to grow under the leadership of Bob Germain, Sr. who passed away in June 2008. In 1995, Steve Germain was named President and CEO. Today, Germain Motor Company is comprised of four dealerships in Central Ohio, three dealerships in Naples, Florida and one in Sarasota, Florida; providing Toyota/Scion, Mercedes-Benz/smart/Sprinter, Acura, Honda, BMW and Cadillac.
Steve Germain, an Ohio native, received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Denison University. Upon graduating from Denison, he returned to Columbus and began working in the family owned automobile business. Steve has spent the past 30 plus years working in all facets of dealership operations, and was named President and CEO in 1995. He is regarded as a leader within the automotive business as well as the Columbus community, and has served on many industry and civic boards including Toyota Dealer Advertising Association, Toyota Dealer Advisory Council, Cadillac Local Marketing Association, Ohio Auto Dealers Association, Columbus Auto Dealers Association, Bexley Education Foundation, Columbus First Night, Nationwide Children’s Hospital Foundation and The Columbus Zoo Association Board just to name a few.
Germain Motor Company is recognized as one of the most successful and respected family owned and operated dealership groups in the country. Germain Motor Company reached the $1.7 billion mark in 2007 and was ranked as the 26th dealership group in the country in 2009. Other accomplishments for the group; 5th in the Ward’s e-Dealer 100 list as well as 12th Privately Help Companies in Columbus Business First, both in 2009.
In 2005, Steve was a finalist in the American International Automobile Dealers Association Dealer of the Year award presented by Newsweek. The following year, Steve was named Time Magazine Quality Dealer of the Year; an award given for exceptional performance in the dealerships and distinguished community service. Steve was one of sixty-five nominees selected by the National Auto Dealers Association.
Steve has also been actively involved in the Automotive Youth Educational Systems (AYES) program since 1999; a program designed to encourage young people to consider satisfying careers in retail automotive service, and prepares them for entry-level career positions or advanced studies in automotive technology. In 2008, Steve was chosen as AYES Dealer of the Year sponsored by Dealer Magazine.
