The former Garber Chevrolet and Subaru dealerships in Webster are operating under independent, local ownership as Parker Automotive, with longtime Rochester-area automotive executive Kevin Parker leading the business alongside his son, Brandon.
The company announced the transition Thursday, describing a family-owned operation that employs more than 80 people and intends to deepen its ties to Webster and the Rochester region. Its release identifies Kevin Parker as the owner and Brandon Parker as director of sales operations; it does not specify a transaction closing date or purchase price.
Kevin Parker has more than 40 years of automotive industry experience, including more than 15 years serving the Rochester region. He said the ownership change gives the family an opportunity to invest further in a community where he has spent much of his professional life.
āLocal ownership gives us the ability to listen closely and respond directly to the needs of our employees, customers and neighbors,ā Kevin Parker said.
Community ties and a larger workforce
Parker Automotive plans to expand relationships with local schools, workforce-development organizations, nonprofits and community groups. The company says those connections will support recruitment of automotive technicians, introduce people to automotive careers and create opportunities for employees to participate in community activities.
Kevin Parker also plans to continue supporting Golisano Children's Hospital, United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes, Pluta Cancer Center, The Dream Factory of Rochester and Make-A-Wish. Local youth sports teams and other nonprofits are also among the causes he intends to support, according to the announcement.
The business expects its workforce to reach approximately 100 employees by the end of 2026. That is a staffing goal, not an announcement that the additional positions have already been filled. Recruitment will focus in particular on technicians and other roles supporting service operations and customer experience.
The company also plans investments in employee development, service operations and the processes customers use to purchase and maintain vehicles. The release does not give an investment amount.
Brandon Parker said working with his father brings together decades of industry experience and a different perspective on employee and customer expectations. He described growth with Webster and Rochester, and support for people who live and work there, as goals for the business.
Vehicle exchange policy has time and mileage limits
For customers, the company describes an exchange option under its āBuy It, Love It, or Bring It Backā program. A recently purchased vehicle can be returned and exchanged within three calendar days of delivery and before exceeding 1,000 miles driven.
Both conditions apply. The announcement describes an exchange policy, not an unconditional cash-refund guarantee. Parker Automotive presents the program as part of its āNew. Different. EZ.ā approach to purchasing and maintaining vehicles.
Information about the business is available through Parker Chevrolet Webster's website.
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