Page 174 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2017

ESTABROOK
Legacy continues into third generation
There’s a story behind every success, a statement which especially rings true for Estabrook auto group. With dealerships for Lincoln, Ford, Nissan and Toyota under their belts, the Estabrook family is well-known in Jackson County, but they’re just as relevant in the community as they are in the car industry.
The Estabrook legacy spans three generations, beginning with Jim Estabrook, Sr. While Estabrook wasn’t always
in the car industry, he found himself working at MidCity Motors in Baton Rouge following World War II. According to his son, Jim Estabrook, Jr., his father worked at the dealership alongside other now-dealership-moguls such as the well known Bubba Oustalet. While MidCity Motors no longer exists, many of its past employees have gone on to have dealerships of their own.
“My father then had the opportunity to buy a Ford dealership, either here in Pascagoula or in Louisiana, and he chose here,” Estabrook, Jr. said. “I have all the records from his original purchase and he paid just $20,000 for it back in 1951.”
Estabrook, Jr. says he had no intention of following in his father’s footsteps. In fact, he wanted to work for an
accounting firm, but at the request of his father he decided to come home and help run the family business.
Estabrook, Sr. passed away in 1976, after his son had worked with him for just nine years. Estabrook, Jr. was
in his 30s at the time, but quickly began growing his father’s business. Within 10 years’ time, Estabrook bought additional dealerships, adding Lincoln Mercury, Pontiac Toyota and Nissan.
Years passed and the time came for Estabrook’s sons
to join him. Estabrook’s eldest son, Reed Estabrook, says that he always knew he wanted to be a part of the family business. “I always intended to come back home,” he said. “I knew growing up that I wanted to be like my dad.” Reed now serves as the business’ CFO.
Estabrook’s younger son, Drew Estabrook, wasn’t always as keen on joining his father in his work.
“After I graduated, I moved to New York and worked
in advertising, but I never thought farther in advance than my next lease,” he said. “Once I took stock of my opportunities, I decided to come home.” Drew now serves as COO for the company.
According to Jim Estabrook, working with family is
ESTABROOK FORD
3689 14TH ST., PASCAGOULA, MS 228.762.2641
ESTABROOK NISSAN
3693 14TH ST., PASCAGOULA, MS 228.762.2644
ESTABROOK TOYOYA
6521 HWY 63, MOSS POINT, MS 228.762.3553
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