Texas native Chuck Swift, who began working in the auto industry in 1939 as a service station attendant, is president of Swift Jeep Chrysler Plymouth Dodge Inc. and Swift Leasing on Chiles Road in Davis, and vice president (son Robert is president) of Swift Auto World and Swift Dodge Inc. on Arden Way in Sacramento. With annual revenue at $103 million in 1998, the Swift dealerships rank as one of Sacramento's largest private companies.
THE COMPANY
Sacramento bound: "A Dodge dealership was for sale here (on Broadway). After we bought the dealership in 1966, we moved to Florin Road in 1967. That was the largest Dodge dealership in the United States for several years. By the time we sold it (in 1994), we had sold about 300,000 cars, and for 18 out of 22 years, we were the successful bidder for California Highway Patrol cars."
Attempt at retirement: "In 1994 we decided to quit working so hard and sold the two dealerships -- the Swift Dodge on Florin Road and the Chrysler Plymouth Mazda dealership on 65th Expressway. We also moved Swift Leasing to Fulton and the Rolls-Royce franchise to Fulton. But I was bored. And then the opportunity to buy this store (in Davis) came up. We had started this dealership in 1972, and sold it in 1986. All we did was buy it back (in 1997)."
Goals: "Moving this dealership down the street half a mile. We'll have 71/2 acres instead of 3 acres. And the service department will have all of the latest equipment. Construction will start the first part of June, and we hope our Christmas present will be moving in."
Toughest business decision: "After I was operated on (in 1976 for a tumor in the spinal cavity, an operation that caused Swift to require a wheelchair for mobility), it was to realize we couldn't continue to have dealerships in Nevada and here, so we needed to pull back."
Biggest missed opportunity: "When the bank raised interest rates to 22 percent, we sold property at (what is now) Howe 'Bout Arden for $8 a square foot and three years later it was $20."
Favorite car of all time: "In 1968, I thought the Dodge Charger was the greatest thing since sliced bread. If I had to choose a favorite car in the last 30 years, that would have to be it."
Would most like to meet: "President Clinton. He can stretch the truth better than anybody I've ever heard of."
Like least about your job: "I think the government's my biggest problem. When you buy a car, you have to sign your name or initial it over three dozen times because of all the state and federal regulations."
First choice for a new career: "I'd probably want to be a basketball player. Even a baseball player today makes millions for having fun."
Childhood dream: "All I wanted was to not be hungry. As I grew older, it was fixing myself so Momma didn't have to work."
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