The Automotive Distribution Network continues to extend the Auto Pride brand nationwide with the group’s recent signing of Greensboro, Md.-based Ober Automotive.
“Ober Automotive is a family-owned business with a rich heritage dating back to 1960,” says Cora Roark, director of Auto Pride and Business Services at the Network. “The group’s manufacturer partners are already working closely with Ober Automotive to expand their range of product lines to provide even better service and grow their customer base.”
After opening their initial location near their house, company founders Ralph and Ruth Ober relocated the business in 1975 to an annex of the abandoned local high school, where the couple met. Although Ralph passed away in 1999, Ruth, who will turn 94 this year, continued to work every day until recently. The couple’s three sons are onboard to carry on their father’s legacy: Ralph Ober Jr., president; Robert Ober, treasurer (semiretired); and Randy Ober, vice president/salesperson. Honoring Ralph Sr.’s commitment to add a personal touch to customer service, Ober’s salespersons make their own deliveries to Cape Charles, Va., throughout eastern Maryland, and as far north as Wilmington, Del., and as far west as Martinsburg, W.Va.
“Ober Automotive is still run like a close-knit family organization,” says Chris Ober, purchasing agent/accountant, who is married to Randy Ober. “Although we’ve only been with Auto Pride a short time, the Network staff and manufacturer partners have been incredibly helpful as we clean up our inventory and add lines that will open some new doors for our company.”
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