The Head of the Nationās Top Auto Dealer Talks Most Popular Models, Dream Cars and His Personal Day-to-Day
Nestled in the heart of Newport Beach, Fletcher Jones Mercedes stands as a leader in automotive luxury and exceptional service. Boasting a legacy that spans decades, this exclusive dealership has consistently redefined the standards of customer service and automotive excellence.
History
Started in 1946 by Fletcher Jones Sr. with just $1,200 and a single used car lot, the brand has evolved into not just a legacy business but a family business. Sitting in the driverās seat at the Orange County-based dealership is General Manager Dave Gonzalez, whose decades of experience across the automotive industry and the country have propelled Fletcher Jones Motorcars to the forefront of success.
A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Gonzalez began his career with an entry-level auto sales position as a way to earn money while studying at The University of Toledo. This entry-level position would jump-start his more than 30 years of experience within the fast-paced luxury automotive industry.
Having successfully climbed the ranks at various dealerships and brands from Cleveland to Las Vegas and Northern California to Chicago, Gonzalez ultimately landed with Fletcher Jones Motorcars in idyllic Newport Beach. Having traversed the country and gotten to experience the difference in local customerās wants and needs, he always had his eye on Southern California. āI finally got to go to heaven,ā he said of landing in Newport Beach in 2017.
āI always wanted to live in Southern California since I was in my teens,ā he adds. āSo that was always a goal. However, the bigger goal was the store, running the number one luxury store in the country.ā
Having recently celebrated its 25th consecutive year as the nationās top Mercedes-Benz dealership, Fletcher Jones Motorcars of Newport Beach continues to lead the way in sales with Gonzalez at the helm. Aiding in their continual success is the greater teamās laser focus on customer service and satisfaction.
āThatās one thing about Newport Beachāyou just donāt have a demographic like this anywhere else in the country,ā says Gonzalez. āThe incredible customers that we get to serve every day, they make it a real joy.ā
Brand
While Fletcher Jones spans the entire spectrum of luxury automobiles, their legacy company does favor the Mercedes-Benz legacy brand. With a storied history that spans over a century, Mercedes-Benz has maintained its prestige as one of the most recognizable heritage brands in the world. The automakerās continual production of powerful SUVs, stately sedans, high-performance sports cars, and now modern hybrid options embodies the brandās commitment to quality, luxury, and cutting-edge technology.
Interestingly enough, the Mercedes-Benz staying power always seems to go back to its heritage. āWe have the best all-around luxury car in the world: the Mercedes S-Class,ā notes Gonzalez. āMany of the families we serve are driving S-Classes, and because of that, their children are driving beautiful C-Classes; itās a brand that spans generations.ā
While the Mercedes S-Class may be the pinnacle of luxury, it is the brandās streamlined SUVs that have proven to stand the test of time, with the powerful GLE and the slightly more contoured GLC, that have held popularity for the past decade, according to the local Newport Beach consumerās appetite. Even still, Gonzalez stands out from the pack, relaying that his heart lies with the sleek, sexy sports cars.
āI love sports cars, so the GT models would have to be my personal favorites,ā he says. āHowever, my absolute dream car is an SL from the 1950s.ā Today, Gonzalez sticks to his preference and, of course, remains within the Mercedes-Benz family, swapping his day-to-day drive between an SL and a C63.
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Personal Life
Gonzalezās professional drive mirrors his personal passions. As an avid sports fan, he remains a loyal supporter of his hometown teams. Cleveland has faced challenges in securing championship titles, but his dedication never wavers. He proudly stands by the Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Browns, and Cleveland Guardians through every season.
Having achieved his goal of living in Southern California, Gonzalez remains committed to excellence. He leads the nationās top luxury car dealership with unwavering dedication. His visionary leadership and focus on customer satisfaction drive the dealershipās success. With a passion for the automotive industry, he has reinforced Fletcher Jones Motorcars’ reputation for luxury and refinement.
According to Gonzalez, the true power behind the dealershipās performance lies in its people, āI absolutely love the people I work with,ā he says. āThey are the best in the industry, but even more important than that, they are all high-character people, and we laugh a lot.ā
Beyond its role as a purveyor of luxury automobiles, the dealership is deeply ingrained in the Newport Beach community. Under Gonzalez’s stewardship, the dealership actively engages in philanthropic initiatives aimed at giving back to the community. From supporting local charities to sponsoring educational programs, Fletcher Jones exemplifies corporate citizenship at its finest. They demonstrate a steadfast commitment to making a positive impact beyond its showroom walls.
Fletcher Jones Motorcars shows no signs of slowing down. Innovation and adaptability keep the dealership moving forward under Gonzalezās visionary leadership. Through changing times, technological advancements, and evolving trends, the focus remains the sameāenhancing the customer experience.Ā Fletcher Jones Motorcars of Newport Beach offers sales, service, car washes, and airport shuttle services every day of the week. The dealership welcomes both new and returning customers with its signature commitment to excellence.
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Fletcher Jones Motorcars
3300 Jamboree Rd
Newport Beach, CA 92660
949.718.3000
@fjmercedes
