Joseph Gunther
Automotive
Joseph Gunther is the third generation to lead Gunther Motor Company. In 1969, his grandfather opened the first Volkswagen dealership in South Florida and at that time, Volkswagen only sold two models: the original Beetle and the iconic V.W. bus.
Gunther now leads Gunther Volkswagen, the highest-volume Volkswagen dealership in the entire country. It’s been the number one Volkswagen dealer for more than 20 years — a title it maintains due to its unmatched service and reputation.
Over the years, Gunther has added Volvo, Mazda, Kia and Mitsubishi dealerships, with more than 700 employees across its new and pre-owned car dealerships, parts and service center and collision center.
Gunther always knew he wanted to go into the family business, even when he played collegiate baseball in Rhode Island.
“I worked back home in the summers and sold six cars in my first three days and I just fell in love with it,” Gunther says. “I never was one for sitting behind a desk; it’s a people business and I like meeting and talking to people.”
He says the key to success is treating customers and employees like family.
“One satisfied customer represents nine future deals with their friends and family,” Gunther says. “On my first day, my dad told me to think about how I’d want my mom or my sister to be treated if they walked into the showroom; I adopted that in how I do business.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for reliable, quality vehicles became more important than ever. Gunther Motor Company adopted safe protocols, allowing customers to make purchases online with home car delivery. Their pre-owned vehicles also became a sought-after department.
“In the past two years, it’s never been busier,” Gunther says. Their presence in the area is growing. They will add another Volkswagen dealership and a new all-electric automotive performance brand, the first location in Florida for the electric vehicle company.
“My success is earned,” Gunther says. “I had to work longer and harder than anyone else. It’s how my dad was raised, and how he raised me.”
Gunther Motor Company, 2401 N. Federal Highway, Delray Beach, 561-243-4600, gunthermotorcompany.com
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