AS TRAFFIC came and went along Madison Street, a two-lane main street through the heart of Shelbyville in 1975, late model, pre-owned cars lined the lot of Ernie Cook & Son Motors. Once you’d located your dream car among the selections (family car, convertible, pickup truck, sports car), you could be on your way in your new-to-you vehicle within a few minutes of the handshake that sealed your deal. A handwritten bill of sale and a temporary tag made it official. These sales marked the start of Shelbyville’s oldest pre- owned dealership, which is 49 years old and counting.
Ernie Cook was a seasoned salesman in the car business, having spent a considerable part of his life working with various local car dealerships. With Ernie’s years of experience and his son Tim’s fresh ideas from marketing classes, the two established Ernie Cook & Son Motors shortly after Tim graduated from high school.
For decades, conversations on the lot covered everything from the best deals to tall tales and true adventures. Whether talking about cars, music, horses, or fishing, Ernie’s jolly belly laugh and spirited personality lightened the mood. “My dad always had a smile on his face. He loved dealing with people and was good with them. He was definitely a cut-up,” Tim said. Beyond their shared career, Ernie and Tim had several common interests and hobbies. Ernie had a deep passion for fishing, while Tim treasures free time on the lake. They shared a love of horses, and The Celebration Grounds’ location near their first dealership at the intersection of Madison and Whitthorne Streets was a bonus.
This location provided them with the added advantage of locking up the dealership and quickly making their way to their ringside box seats, which are also just a stone’s throw away from the business’s current North Main Street location.
Over the years, automobiles have undergone significant changes with the advancement of technology. From basic models with manual gear shifting to advanced vehicles equipped with modern features like GPS, Bluetooth connectivity, and voice-activated controls, the evolution of cars seems like something out of a science fiction film from the ‘70s. These technological advancements have enhanced the driving experience and presented challenges to the sales industry. With the rise of e-commerce and the internet, car dealerships have had to adapt sales strategies to meet the evolving demands of the market.
Tim said, “The car business has changed tremendously since the internet came into play, and finding really nice pre-owned cars to sell is more difficult. It makes the business much more competitive. Most individuals have access to everything for sale around the world.”
The challenge that arose also became an opportunity to expand the reach of the dealership. “The internet advertising has enabled me to sell cars across the United States and even around the world,” Tim said. “However, our customer base primarily comes from being in business here for many years. The internet has just expanded the audience we reach.”
Years of doing business in Shelbyville have resulted in generations of loyal custom- ers for Ernie Cook & Son Motors. Repeat customers, whom the Cooks consider friends, confirm the strong connections built over time. Tim values these relationships. “It makes me feel like I might be doing a good job, and I’m very thankful they trust me. I try my best to be fair with people,” he said.
Ernie passed away in 2022, and today, Tim swaps stories and laughs with those shopping or just dropping by. He is passionate about helping customers find the right car that fits their needs and budget.
Tim said, “I have thoroughly enjoyed the car business, and I’ve met a lot of nice folks.”
As Ernie Cook & Son Motors approaches its 50th anniversary, Tim is excited about the future. He knows that the industry will continue to change, but he’s confident that the dealership’s commitment to customer service and quality will keep it ahead of the curve. You can still close your deal quickly and painlessly and be on the road in no time with the sunroof open and the satellite radio jamming to your favorite station. GN
