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THE LEADERSHIP CIRCLE
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By Debra Solomon
Baker
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LOU FUSZ,
JR.
president & COO, Lou Fusz Automotive Network
For St. Louisans, one name, more than any other, is synonymous with
car sales: Lou Fusz. Just like Ted Drewes or August Busch, his name
needs no explanation. And as his family business has recently reached
the one-half century mark, it appears that the name will be known
by local car owners for years to come.“We had the strongest fourth
quarter last year that we’ve ever had,” says Lou Fusz, Jr., president
and chief operating officer for Lou Fusz Automotive Network. “Through
the past year and a half, we’ve seen the best overall sales in the
history of the auto industry. It’s exciting to be in the business
when it’s at its peak.”
Automobile sales have been part of Fusz’ life for a long time. In
1952, his father, Louis Fusz, Sr., purchased the outstanding shares
of a Dodge and Plymouth dealership. Today, Fusz, Sr., is still active
as Chairman of the Board of this thriving family business. Fusz,
Jr. entered the business after graduating from Georgetown University
in 1969. Included in the hundreds of employees are two of Lou Fusz,
Jr.’s own children (his three other children have expressed interest
in entering the business upon completion of their education), several
of his brothers and his brother-in-law.
“The real difference with our dealerships is in the way we treat
our customers,” says Fusz, who lives in St. Louis County with his
wife, Corinne. “Of course, you can get the same product in seven
different Toyota stores, but we think we provide a different level
of customer satisfaction.”
Perhaps that explains why, since 1998, it has been the largest automobile
retailer in the Midwest and continues to expand. Sales records have
been set in every franchise.
This commitment to excellence has earned the dealerships numerous
awards, including Time Magazine “Quality Dealer of the Year
in 1989.” This is presented annually to one dealer who is deemed
to be the unsurpassed leader in both business and civic activities.
Three years later, Fusz earned the Sports Illustrated “All
Star Dealer Award.”
In addition to the dealerships, the Lou Fusz Motor Company owns
or has interest in VIP Leasing Company, a Budget Rent-A-Car franchise,
VIP Management Company, Lou Fusz Racing, VIP Distributing, and Creative
Media Consultants.
Debra Solomon Baker is a St. Louis-based free-lance writer.
LEADERSHIP CIRCLE INSIGHTS 
What luxury do you treat yourself to?
“Fine wines from Bordeaux, France and Napa Valley, Calif.”
ROBERT J. DIERBERG
chairman and president,
Dierbergs Markets
“When I am fortunate enough to treat myself or my family to a luxury,
it is usually a trip to some beautiful or exciting place in Europe
or the United States. Good wine is something else that is fun for
everyone.”
KENNETH F. TEASDALE
chairman,
Armstrong & Teasdale
“A combination of travel and clothes.”
DONALD BRECKENRIDGE
owner & president,
Breckenridge Companies
“A nice little condo retreat in the Lake of the Ozarks. I grew up
near the east coast and spent many days and weekends at the beach,
so I love the sun and water. I enjoy boating, skiing and lazy days
on the lake.”
TAMMY SHIELDS
vice president, CAP Gemini,
Ernst & Young
For more information on Leadership Circle, please contact John
Diefenbach, associate vice president-membership, 314/444-1184
or jdief@stlrcga.org.
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