Celebrating 50 years with Mercedes-Benz
Earle Lokey breaking ground with the mayor in 1969.
Philip Lokey
President
19820 U.S. Highway 19 North
Clearwater
Sales: (888) 484-5594
Service: (888) 472-1267
Parts: (727) 530-1661
www.lokeymotorco.com
In 2011 Phil Lokey cut the ribbon to commemorate the grand opening of the new Mercedes-Benz facility.
Lokey Motor Company had it's Golden
Jubilee in June, when the Mercedes-
Benz dealership turned 50 years old.
In 1965, Earle Lokey was awarded one
of the first franchises for the prestigious
Mercedes-Benz brand in the state of
Florida. What was then a modest showroom
in the middle of the orange
groves on Gulf to Bay Boulevard, is
now a state-of-the-art showroom on
U.S. Highway 19 North in Clearwater.
The legacy was passed from father to
son, when Philip Lokey succeeded his
father's vision in 1979. The half-century
mark was on June 23, 2015, and they are
celebrating.
The fact that Lokey Motor Company
has grown from those early beginnings
so many years ago isn't their only reason
to celebrate. This family owned and
operated automotive dealer has stood
the test of time and certainly has proven
its founder's entrepreneurial spirit
during economic growth by remaining
family owned when so many dealers
chose to sell-out to corporate entities.
Unlike others, Phil Lokey has relied
on his family’s tried and true guiding
principles. He understands that employee
empowerment and involvement is the
greatest source of strength and creativity.
Their recipe for success includes a strong
sense of integrity, not normally aligned
with the automotive industry. And the
results? Fifty years of sustainability.
You may know the face of the dealership,
but there are other facets in which
Phil Lokey and his staff are involved.
Golfers vs. Brain Cancer; The Hope
Autism Foundation; Drive for a Cure;
Susan G. Koman Foundation; and
Woodlawn, which supports autism, are
all charities regularly supported by them.
From hosting events for the local
Chamber of Commerce to offering
its showroom for celebrity-attended
functions, including the Clearwater
Jazz Festival, Lokey Motor Company
has become more than the best place to
purchase and service your Mercedes-
Benz. They are also deeply rooted in the
Tampa Bay community.
Mr. Lokey and his staff have
plans to continue doing what earns
loyal customers in the Clearwater,
St. Petersburg, Tampa, Wesley Chapel
and surrounding communities, in
turn securing the future of their Crown
Jewel. Celebrating 50 years as an
integrity-driven business will certainly
add longevity to one of their many
accolades.
Now that is reason to celebrate!
JULY/AUGUST 2015 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 77