RUSSELL BARNETT built his automotive business the same way he raised his family: with integrity, faith, and an unfailing commitment to putting people first.
When his father, Albert Barnett, started his car business back in 1939, he could not have known just how deeply that career choice would impact his family for generations to come. Russell followed in his footsteps, moving to Tullahoma in 1981 and eventually establishing five dealership locations in Tullahoma and Winchester. He chose this area because of the incredible people in these close-knit communities, and he and his wife, Deby, raised their kids here. Russell has three generations of family members working for him now, and he is proud to have them share in his legacy.
“Most people, when their kids go to college, they get a raise. Mine are still on the payroll,” joked Russell.
Russell said that at his business, employees are chosen for their honesty and willingness to learn, and he treats his employees — even the unrelated ones — like family. This supportive environment is matched with the excellence of service and products that keep people coming back to Russell Barnett Automotive.
Employees are not the only ones treated like family at Russell Barnett. Customers receive personalized assistance from employees who go the extra mile to help them find exactly what they need. Those purchasing a vehicle from any of the Russell Barnett franchises will find that the relationship does not end once they drive off the lot. If you need anything covered under warranty, they will resolve the problem and help get you on your way again. Select vehicles even come with a limited lifetime powertrain warranty, meaning they will replace the engine or transmission in those eligible vehicles.
Keith Barnett, Russell’s nephew and manager of the Russell Barnett Ford dealership in Tullahoma, recalled when a customer called from Texas with a blown engine, and the repair estimate was a staggering $10,000. But instead of leaving the customer stranded, Russell Barnett Ford stepped up, honoring their limited lifetime powertrain warranty and covering the full cost. That is just one example of how Russell Barnett has saved customers over $250,000 to date — a number that keeps rising.
“We replaced their engine completely,” Keith said, referring to the customer from Texas. “We also had a customer in Omaha, Nebraska heading to the College World Series, and his transmission went out. We put a brand new transmission in there for him.”
This level of dependability spans across all of the Russell Barnett locations. The Barnett family operates five stores across Tullahoma and Winchester: the Ford dealership in Tullahoma, managed by Russell and Keith; the Ford dealership in Winchester, run by Alex Barnett; and the Chevrolet-GMC location, managed by Adam Barnett — both sons of Russell. The family also owns a Kia store, a Chrysler/Dodge/ Jeep dealership, and a body shop.
These leaders in the industry, along with other incredible managers throughout the branches, have built a team that one employee described as demonstrating “how hard everyone works behind the scenes to help our customers and our community.”
The Barnett family’s community involvement runs as deep as its business roots. Russell and his wife, Deby, have coached youth sports (basketball, baseball, and football) for over 30 years, touching multiple generations of local families.
“Those people still call us coach Russell and coach Deby, even when they have children now. We’re coaching some kids of kids that we coached in earlier years,” Russell said.
The Barnetts also donate to local organizations and notably give 30,000 water bottles per year to local sports teams all over Tullahoma and Franklin County. But the heart of their generosity is found in their commitment to being actively and genuinely invested in the community.
“You have to be present, whether it’s chamber events or sporting events or what- ever it is. Once you become present for 10 to 15 years, people come to you because you were there for them,” Russell said.
Russell is known for his community leadership and relentless pursuit of offering top-notch service to his customers. The team is always looking for new ways to meet the community’s needs.
In the last year, they introduced innovative services like mobile maintenance, where mechanics come to customers’ homes or workplaces to perform routine maintenance on any make or model vehicle.
Services like this give locals the convenience and efficiency of having their vehicles serviced while they go about their daily routines.
Last year, they demonstrated this service by providing free car washes at local schools, libraries, and businesses, blessing the community while also showcasing their pickup-and-delivery capabilities.
After 86 years in business and over 40 years in the local market, the Barnetts have proven that respecting and caring for others isn’t just the right thing to do, it is a sustainable business model. And they’re not slowing down.
“We’re always accepting new customers,” Russell said, with a smile.
In a culture where businesses often choose between profit and principles, Russell Barnett demonstrates that having good character means you can have both. GN
This story is sponsored content.
