The beginning of the start

When Pete and Mary Jo Findlay decided to leave their home in a Nevada Farming Community of Panaca and move to Las Vegas to open a car dealership. They undoubtedly had no idea of the path they were about to blaze.

With three children in tow that included sons, Cliff, Ed and daughter Karen. The family stormed into the small community of Las Vegas when the population at the time was only about 75,000 residents.

Now, more than 50 years later, Findlay Automotive Group has grown into one of the largest privately owned companies in Nevada. In spite of the worst recession in the state’s history. To date the company has 35 dealerships in Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Idaho representing 24 vehicle franchises.

Pete Findlay opened his first dealership, Pete’s Used Cars. The family became a major dealer in the Las Vegas Valley when they were awarded the Oldsmobile franchise in 1961. It was later relocated to 3024 E. Fremont St. which n houses Findlay Auto Body.

Originally our CEO Cliff Findlay, seen here with Muhammad Ali, didn’t want to move from Panaca. Where he was already an athletic star in various sports at the age of 12 in a city of 300.

Cliff Findlay is a fifth generation Nevadan. His grandfather owned farms and ranches. An uncle shoveled iron ore in the sticks of the Battleground State. Pete (Cliff’s father) bought a gas station. Turned the garage into a repair shop. Turned the repair shop into a used car lot. Pete’s Used Cars was born. That simple gas station has blossomed into over 2 dozen dealerships in four states.

 

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