January marks a significant month for our team as we remember Frank Bommarito, the esteemed founder of the Bommarito Automotive Group, on the first anniversary of his passing. Frank's life was a tapestry of hard work, innovative thinking, and an unwavering dedication to his community. This commemoration is a tribute to a man whose contributions have profoundly shaped the automotive industry in Missouri and set a standard for excellence and integrity.
The Early Years: Building a Foundation
Frank Bommarito's automotive career began with humble roots at McMahon Pontiac, where he started by undercoating cars and working as a car porter and jockey. His dedication and hard work, coupled with his time in the US Navy where he received a Golden Glove award for boxing, laid the groundwork for his future success. Upon returning from the Navy, Frank continued his career at McMahon Pontiac in 1954, eventually climbing the ladder to sales and then on to management at Vincel Pontiac. His dream of being a new car dealer materialized in 1971 when General Motors handed him an Oldsmobile dealer in Ellisville, MO, marking the start of what would become the Bommarito Automotive Group. Under Frank's stewardship, Bommarito Oldsmobile not only became Missouri's largest Oldsmobile dealership but also maintained its status among the nation's top ten. But his initial success was not confined to a single brand; it was merely a springboard for expansion--each new venture was marked by Frank's signature blend of tenacity and foresight, as seen in the enduring success of Bommarito Mazda in Ellisville as the largest Missouri Mazda dealer for over 17 of their 43 years of operation. His vision encompassed the St. Louis Metro area, elevating the North County Nissan in Hazelwood to the status of Missouri's largest volume Nissan dealership. Extending further into West County, the establishment of Bommarito Buick GMC and Bommarito INFINITI in Ellisville continue to reinforce the Bommarito name as a significant cornerstone in Missouri's automotive history.
Sustaining Impact and Growth
The transition of leadership to his son, John Bommarito, in 1998, was a seamless passing of the torch. This period saw significant expansions and acquisitions, including the introduction of new brands like Pontiac, Suzuki, Buick, Honda, and Volkswagen, each reflecting the group's commitment to diversity and customer choice. The South County region soon became a new home for the Bommarito Chevrolet addition in 2008 as General Motors began shifting its focus away from Pontiac, welcoming a new auto brand powerhouse to the Bommarito family business, to accompany the already-successful Bommarito Mazda South (formerly Pontiac-Mazda). Even after handing over the reins of the Bommarito Automotive Group to John, Frank's influence remained a guiding force. The group's expansion under John's leadership, bringing the group total to 20 franchises and locations in every St. Louis neighborhood, continued to reflect Frank's vision and principles. Frank's ethos, centered around hard work and community service, was instilled in the group's over 1000 team members, ensuring that his legacy of being Missouri's #1 Auto Dealer and a top national dealership endured. The Bommarito Auto Group's growth was not about adding brands for the sake of notoriety; it was about creating a legacy that car buyers could rely on for life—Frank’s vision of having "a vehicle in our portfolio for every type of buyer" bloomed into a lifetime family mission that has become revered by the community today, with John's continued dedication in the business reflecting Frank's tenacity in which so many have been inspired by.
A Fulfilling Life Beyond the Family Business
Frank's life was rich and multifaceted, extending well beyond his professional achievements. He was known for his heartfelt generosity and his belief that giving someone a job was the best form of help a person could offer. He’s remembered as an accomplished Gin Rummy and Poker player, and he deeply cherished his weekly gatherings with friends, whom he affectionately nicknamed his "Cronies." He also had a well-known passion for writing which led him to author a weekly column in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch for over a decade, sharing his business insights and personal experiences as a well-versed entrepreneur during the recession of 2008. In 2015, he was honored as the Time Dealer of the Year for his community contributions, and his alma mater, St. Mary’s High School, was named in his honor. Frank's legacy lives on through his family, including his beloved wife Lisa, his children, stepchildren, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his beloved (and cleverly named) dogs, Sinatra, Deano, Bishop, and Pavé.
As we commemorate the first anniversary of Frank Bommarito's passing, we reflect on a legacy that has truly transcended the automotive industry. His journey from a car washer to a revered industry leader is a narrative of resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to the community he so deeply cared for. Frank Bommarito's story is not just about cars--it's about the indelible mark he left on the St. Louis Metro area and the countless lives he touched along the way. His legacy, carried forward by both his family and the Bommarito Auto Group, continues to drive forward, fueled by the same principles that Frank held dear. In remembering Frank, we celebrate a life that was truly driven by passion, vision, and an enduring commitment to excellence.
