Back in the business, Dobbs ready to grow dealership holdings

James Dobbs, center, and Horace Hull, second from left, opened their first dealership in 1921. They are pictured with, from left, Henry Ford, dealership employee Chuck Kensinger and Edsel Ford. Below, Hull Dobbs Ford, a recent acquisition in Birmingham, Ala.

September 19, 2022 12:54 AM

John Dobbs Jr. was in his early 30s when the longtime family business Dobbs Management Service exited auto retail after more than 75 years, selling its more than 20 dealerships to Republic Industries Inc., which later became auto retail giant AutoNation.

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