Jerome Taylor found his niche and turned his passion into a successful landmark business in Kingston – Jerome Taylor AutoMall. Jerome was 13 years old when he started working at a gas station in Toronto, a job he held throughout high school. He enjoyed interacting with customers and often referred them to his uncle’s car dealership. Communicating regularly with automobile owners gave Jerome insight to customer needs and expectations from a young age. His uncle, impressed by the referrals, offered Jerome a job. Though only 18 when he started, he thrived and within four years achieved the position of Sales Manager. In 1963, at age 27, he was offered a Chrysler dealership in Kingston, making him the youngest first generation dealer and owner in Canada. In 1979, Jerome decided to leave Chrysler for General Motors in anticipation that GM would continue to dominate the industry. He dedicated himself to building his business and setting high standards in customer service. “He loved what he did. He liked the challenge and customer service was very important to him, ”explains Jason Taylor, Jerome’s son and Vice President of the company. Jerome’s objective was to make clients “customers for life” by exceeding their expectations, beginning with a welcoming atmosphere. In 1987, the current location of Jerome Taylor AutoMall was built to unique design specifications including: gardens, comfortable indoor and outdoor seating areas and an on-site restaurant, all of which were virtually unheard of at the time. Jerome’s visionary approach allowed him to succeed in a highly competitive industry. His business was well-rounded, offering purchase, maintenance, repair and with the acquisition of Limestone Auto Body in 1971, body work services. In 1992, he added a Saturn dealership to his portfolio.
In addition to his foresight in the automotive industry, Jerome predicted the potential growth of Kingston’s west end. Rather than purchasing just the land he required for his new dealership, he opted to buy 180 acres. Visualizing the layout, he prepared for its future usage by having residential, commercial and industrial zoning approved and ready for potential purchasers.
Jerome’s business savvy was recognized through numerous awards, including the Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year in 1989. He sat on industry boards and associations and was at one time president of General Motors National Dealer Council. He was also involved in many charities, with the Salvation Army and the Boys and Girls Club of particular interest and closest to his heart.
When he passed away in November 2006 at age 70, Jerome had delegated most of the day-to-day operations to his family and employees, but remained involved with major decisions. He was always appreciative of his staff, many of whom have 20 or more years with the company.
Jerome was a family man and role model. He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Marilyn, whom he adored more than anything. His four sons inherited Jerome’s work ethic and have developed successful careers. Brad is an Accountant in Windsor and the other three have followed
in their father’s footsteps: Jerome, the eldest, is a successful GM dealer and owner in Windsor, while Derek is Fleet Manager and Jason is Vice President of Jerome Taylor AutoMall.
