Hayes Chrysler Dodge Jeep began as a family-owned business in 1951 with a Crown Gas station and six employees. Today, the company has 13 family members involved in the business and over 300 employees. In 2001, they added a new Chevrolet dealership and have reached a franchise agreement for a new Chrysler Dodge Jeep dealership in Cornelia.
Third generation family members are now involved with the Hayes automotive businesses. Education and training are the keys that insure the successful atmosphere at Hayes. Integrity and hard work are at the heart of their customer service. They practice what they preach, and Hayes employees who share their philosophy are with the company as long as they want to be. As Terry Hayes says, ³Our vested interest in this business brings us together, but the love of family keeps us strong.²
Hayes Chrysler Dodge Jeep with Don, A.D., Terry, Tim, Mike and the Hayes Family are involved in many community organizations and events: Partners in Education at every location, the Chrysler Apprentice Program, Toys for Tots, Relay for Life and the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce, as both Tim and Terry both have served on the Chamber Board. Recently, Hayes began selling Global Electric Motorcars with no emissions to do their part to improve our environment.
At the Chamber¹s Hacker¹s Holiday Golf Tournament in April, Hayes sponsored a Hole-in-One car giveaway on Hole 2 on the Mill Course at Chicopee Woods. Greg Ansley of Ansley Communications went home with a new Chrysler Crossfire, the first winner for Hayes after sponsoring many tournaments and the first ever for the Greater Hall Chamber tournament.
Hayes Chrysler Dodge Jeep is a deserving recipient of the Family Business of the Year for their long successful family business and dedication to our area.
——
The Jacobs family celebrated the company¹s 55th Anniversary in April 2004. Since its beginning in 1949, Jacobs Media has grown into a media conglomerate that includes three radio stations ¬ WDUN New Talk 550, MAJIC 102.9 AM and AM 1240 WGGA; AccessNorthGa.com (an on-line local news and information website) and Wide Travel /Caravelle (travel agency).
Jacobs Media has reached the pinnacle of professional success, and it¹s radio division is considered one of the highest rated independent operations in the Southeastern United States.
The company employees 32 full-time and 10 part-time people and is located on Thompson Bridge Road in Gainesville. The Jacobs family runs a successful business while serving the community in many civic, cultural and educational endeavors. They have contributed to the success of Gainesville and Hall County for the better part of a century.
One interesting highlight: John Jacobs, Sr. served as President of the Chamber in 1928! John, Jr. served as president of the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce (then the Gainesville Chamber) on two separate occasions, in 1956 and 1970. John has served Brenau University as a trustee for 46 years and Board Chairman for 21 years along with service to Riverside Military Academy, Gainesville Jaycees, Gainesville Kiwanis, Grace Episcopal Church and, most recently, was instrumental in opening the new Northeast Georgia History Center at Brenau University, serving as President and Chairman of the Building Fund.
Jay has served on the Chamber Board of Directors, and with his sister, Elizabeth, are following the example of their father and grandfather in community service.