Technical Training Center Grand Opening
Southeast Toyota adds training to its scope of dealer support services.
October 26, 1968
Our Story Begins...
Southeast Toyota Distributors Established
On October 26, company founder Jim Moran and Mr. Shotaro Kamiya, president of Toyota Motor Sales, signed our first distributorship agreement in Tokyo, Japan, creating Southeast Toyota Distributors with 11 associates and 42 dealers in a five-state region.
1969
Our First Office
1968
Southeast Toyota Distributors Established
1969
Our First Office
Deerfield Beach may be JM Family’s headquarters, but it wasn’t our original home. Our initial location was on the fourth floor of the Atlantic Federal Savings building in Pompano Beach, Fla.
1969
Rooted in Innovation
1969
Our First Office
1969
Rooted in Innovation
SET became the first company in the automotive industry to computerize inventory control and report sales through a state-of-the-art Teletype 33 ASR. The introduction of Computer Assisted Retrieval Network Entry To Toyota (CAR-NETT) allowed SET dealers to prepare parts and vehicle orders, and directly communicate with distribution.
1970
JM Pontiac Opens
1969
Rooted in Innovation
1970
JM Pontiac Opens
JM Pontiac opened in Hollywood, Fla., and within 42 days became the largest Pontiac dealership in the world. JM Pontiac remained an industry leader until the property was sold in 1994.
1972
Expansion of Jacksonville Operations
1970
JM Pontiac Opens
1972
Expansion of Jacksonville Operations
In 1972, to accommodate SET’s rapid growth, the Port Processing Center and Warehouse Parts Depot opened with a 125,000-square-foot building that housed administrative offices and operational facilities.
1972
Success in the Fleet Market
1972
Expansion of Jacksonville Operations
1972
Success in the Fleet Market
SET became the first import distributor to enter the fleet market. Jim Moran said, ’We knew – and I have to believe that Toyota knew, too – that if we were to get Toyotas into the hands of fleet-sales customers like rent-a-car companies, everyday people would soon come to appreciate the value of a Toyota." In 2017, SET’s Fleet department sold our 2 millionth vehicle.
1974
Creation of Cash Bash
1972
Success in the Fleet Market
1974
Creation of Cash Bash
To recognize and reward the hard work of our dealers’ sales people, SET held the first Cash Bash incentive event in Miami. It offered the region’s top performers a total of $87,000 in cash, with each "pull" valued at $10 - $100, and a drawing for a 1974 Toyota Corolla 1200. Cash Bash motivated sales team members to reach or surpass their goals and became an annual tradition that continues today.
1976
Pioneer in Sales & Marketing
1974
Creation of Cash Bash
1976
Pioneer in Sales & Marketing
Looking for a creative way to spark sales in SET’s five-state region of dealerships, Jim Moran originated a special event he dubbed "Toyotathon," first held January 23-24. Through the use of television advertising, SET dealers sold an astounding 3,000 new cars in just a 36-hour span. Today, Toyotathon is Toyota’s biggest sales event.
1978
JM&A Group Forms
1976
Pioneer in Sales & Marketing
1978
JM&A Group Forms
Jim Moran, SET Assistant General Manager Dick Knox and SET Vice President John McNally launched a limited extended warranty program called Tender Loving Care (TLC) to assist dealers with building their parts and service business and improve customer retention. TLC eventually evolved into what is now known as JM&A Group.
1979
SET Parts Distribution Center Dedicated
1978
JM&A Group Forms
1979
SET Parts Distribution Center Dedicated
On January 19, during a grand opening ceremony attended by Toyota executives, Jim Moran and Jim Moran Jr. officially dedicated SET’s new Parts Distribution Center constructed in the Baymeadows area of Jacksonville. The facility housed nearly 200,000 square feet of office and storage space dedicated to processing and distributing 22,000 parts from a 4.4-acre warehouse to 153 Toyota dealers.
1980
Credit Union Established for Associates
1979
SET Parts Distribution Center Dedicated
1980
Credit Union Established for Associates
On October 21, the JM Associates Federal Credit Union was established, opening its first branch in Jacksonville at our Port facility. The Deerfield location opened in February 1989, followed by the Mobile branch in February 1992 and St. Louis in 2001. Today, the credit union has five locations – two in Jacksonville and one each in Deerfield Beach, Mobile and St. Louis – and provides nearly 9,000 members with outstanding customer service, competitive banking solutions and low interest rates.
1981
Company Headquarters Moves to Deerfield Beach
1980
Credit Union Established for Associates
1981
Company Headquarters Moves to Deerfield Beach
To accommodate future expansion, Jim Moran purchased a tract of land in Deerfield Beach to construct his new corporate headquarters. The 100 Building, completed in 1981, was the first structure in the campus master plan and was designed by Jacksonville architect Robert Broward, an apprentice of Frank Lloyd Wright. At 33,000 square feet, the 100 Building was occupied by 90 associates. Today, the Deerfield campus is home to more than 1,200 associates occupying 11 buildings that total 404,000 square feet.
1981
World Omni Financial Corp. Established
1981
Company Headquarters Moves to Deerfield Beach
1981
World Omni Financial Corp. Established
When SET dealers began to experience difficulties obtaining credit and competitive interest rates from traditional financial institutions, Jim Moran recognized the need to support his customers. Using $25 million, World Omni Financial Corp. was established as the first captive auto finance company in the United States for an import automaker.
1982
Marketing Innovation Continues
1981
World Omni Financial Corp. Established
1982
Marketing Innovation Continues
Building on the success of Toyotathon, SET began utilizing Tent Sales to assist dealers in clearing model year-end inventory. Dealerships partnered to combine their cars and trucks at a single venue and worked together to close deals on the deeply discounted vehicles. SET associates also assisted onsite, conducting appraisals on trades, providing financing through World Omni and selling additional warranty products offered by JM&A Group.
1984
Celebrating Associates
1982
Marketing Innovation Continues
1984
Celebrating Associates
Jim Moran hosted our first Anniversary Celebration at the Pier 66 Hotel in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., for associates who had worked with the company for 10 or more years as a way to show appreciation for their hard work and dedication. This tradition continues annually to recognize associates celebrating 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45 years of service.
1985
The Tree Takes Root
1984
Celebrating Associates
1985
The Tree Takes Root
Initially incorporated as Lisa Enterprises, by 1984 the company had expanded to include 1,450 associates working across 16 different businesses. Jim Moran decided to change the name to JM Family Enterprises to unify business units and better reflect the core values that drove the establishment of the company in 1968. To visually represent JM Family’s continued growth and foundational roots, an oak tree was selected as the new company logo, which first appeared in this 1985 newsletter.
1986
Strengthening Our Partnership
1985
The Tree Takes Root
1986
Strengthening Our Partnership
Coinciding with the grand opening of the 120 Building in Deerfield Beach, Toyota Motor Sales President Yuki Togo, Jim Moran and SET President John McNally signed a five-year distributorship renewal agreement during a ceremony held on the building’s patio. The second structure completed on campus, the 120 Building provided additional space for World Omni and a café for associates.
1989
Distribution Grows In Commerce
1986
Strengthening Our Partnership
1989
Distribution Grows In Commerce
Jim Moran and Pat Moran joined SET associates and Toyota Motor Sales executives for the dedication of the Toyota Distribution Center of Commerce. The 100,000-square-foot facility constructed on a 300-acre site was the first distribution center built to process new Toyota vehicles produced in North America, received by rail from plants in California and Kentucky.
1989
Medical Care for Associates
1989
Distribution Grows In Commerce
1989
Medical Care for Associates
Jim Moran announced that associates and their families could now receive medical care at no cost from Dr. Joseph Kump, the company’s new corporate physician. Today, teams of physicians, nurses, dietitians and physical therapists provide care with more than 30,000 annual patient visits in our nine onsite Health and Wellness Centers.
1989
JM Lexus Opens Showroom Doors
1989
Medical Care for Associates
1989
JM Lexus Opens Showroom Doors
JM Lexus began operations in the fall of 1989 on a 4.5-acre site in Margate, Fla. On June 20, 1990, Jim Moran, Pat Moran and Jim Moran Jr. welcomed Mr. Yuki Togo, president of Toyota Motor Sales, during a visit to the new facility. JM Lexus soon became the No. 1 volume Lexus dealership in the world and has earned the Elite of Lexus distinction – awarded to dealerships that excel in sales, service and overall owner support.
1991
World Omni Branches Merge in Mobile
1989
JM Lexus Opens Showroom Doors
1991
World Omni Branches Merge in Mobile
World Omni announced it would combine its field branches into one facility located in Mobile, Ala. To commemorate the new Customer Service Center’s opening, a reception was held for more than 75 associates, known as the Mobile Charter Club.
1992
Pat Moran Named President
1991
World Omni Branches Merge in Mobile
1992
Pat Moran Named President
Pat Moran assumed JM Family’s presidency in March. She had served as Executive Vice President of JM Family and President of SET since 1989. In 1993, Working Woman magazine featured Pat Moran as the leading female business owner in the country.
1994
Jacksonville Extends Holiday Spirit
1992
Pat Moran Named President
1994
Jacksonville Extends Holiday Spirit
The annual Extended Family Night in Jacksonville began as a way to spread holiday cheer to underserved residents of the community. It has consistently been the most popular volunteer event among our Jacksonville associates.
1996
Southeast Toyota Finance Sets New Standards
1994
Jacksonville Extends Holiday Spirit
1996
Southeast Toyota Finance Sets New Standards
World Omni created the Southeast Toyota Finance brand to offer better service and personalized support to SET dealers. In our first year of operation, Southeast Toyota Finance leased or financed 50 percent of all Toyotas retailed in the SET area. Southeast Toyota Finance has funded more than 2.7 million contracts since.
1997
St. Louis Operations Established
1996
Southeast Toyota Finance Sets New Standards
1997
St. Louis Operations Established
World Omni’s National Customer Service Center opened in Earth City, Mo., just outside of St. Louis. Servicing loans and leases for World Omni’s third-party accounts and housing JM&A Group’s Midwest claims processing center for Fidelity Warranty Services, the St. Louis location helped both business units establish a greater national presence.
1997
JM&A Group Aims to Boost Dealers’ Performance
1997
St. Louis Operations Established
1997
JM&A Group Aims to Boost Dealers’ Performance
JM&A Group established its Performance Development Center to support the training needs of its customers’ F&I departments.
1998
BuyAToyota.com
1997
JM&A Group Aims to Boost Dealers’ Performance
1998
BuyAToyota.com
Southeast Toyota launched buyatoyota.com, the newest way to design, finance and select a vehicle online. Toyota Motor Sales adopted the popular website in 2000 and rolled it out to all dealers in the U.S. JM Lexus also earned an important achievement in 1998 when it was recognized by J.D. Power as the first Certified Automotive Retailer in the United States.
1998
An OASIS of Information
1998
BuyAToyota.com
1998
An OASIS of Information
JM Family’s first intranet, OASIS (Online Associate Source for Information and Services), was launched as an internal resource for company news, associate programs and the ever-popular café menu. OASIS was replaced by The Hub in 2014.
1999
First Time Ranked by FORTUNE
1998
An OASIS of Information
1999
First Time Ranked by FORTUNE
JM Family ranked on FORTUNE magazine’s prestigious 100 Best Companies To Work For® list the first time we applied. We were the only Florida company in the top 50, as well as the leading automotive company in the ranking. JM Family has been ranked every year since 1999.
1999
Stakeholders Debuts
1999
First Time Ranked by FORTUNE
1999
Stakeholders Debuts
The annual Stakeholders meeting originated from informal Q&A sessions with the Executive Management Team. The event has grown into an associate favorite that is broadcast live to all company locations using a mix of creative themes to share business highlights and recognize associates for their contributions.
2000
Leading The Way
1999
Stakeholders Debuts
2000
Leading The Way
Pat Moran was appointed Chairman of the Board and CEO of JM Family. In the same year, she was named on Automotive News’ list of 100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry. Pat retired in 2007.
2000
World Omni Forms CenterOne
2000
Leading The Way
2000
World Omni Forms CenterOne
CenterOne Financial Services, a subsidiary of World Omni, was formed as the brand under which the company provided third-party servicing for vehicle loans and leases, as well as commercial auto dealer loans from our customer service centers in Mobile, St. Louis and Deerfield Beach.
2000
Delivering Vehicles to Dealers Across the Southeast
2000
World Omni Forms CenterOne
2000
Delivering Vehicles to Dealers Across the Southeast
Once vehicles are processed, getting them to dealer lots and showrooms in perfect condition becomes a top priority. In July 2000, auto-transport company Southeast Transportation Systems, Inc., was established by Southeast Toyota to meet that goal.
2000
The Jim Moran Foundation Established
2000
Delivering Vehicles to Dealers Across the Southeast
2000
The Jim Moran Foundation Established
The Jim Moran Foundation was incorporated to ensure Jim Moran’s philanthropy endured beyond his lifetime. The Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life for the youth and families of Florida through the support of innovative programs and opportunities that meet the ever-changing needs of the community. Learn more at jimmoranfoundation.org
2002
JM Family Opens Onsite Daycare at Corporate Headquarters
2000
The Jim Moran Foundation Established
2002
JM Family Opens Onsite Daycare at Corporate Headquarters
In February 2002, a groundbreaking ceremony was hosted by JM Family’s Chairman and CEO Pat Moran and Deerfield Beach Mayor Al Capellini. At the time, JM Family became the third Broward County company to offer its associates onsite child care. Six months later, the JM Family Center opened its doors on August 22, 2002. The 14,000-square-foot facility accommodates 108 full-time and 44 school age children, and features 10 classrooms, two multipurpose areas and a special art studio.
2003
Grand Opening of Westlake
2002
JM Family Opens Onsite Daycare at Corporate Headquarters
2003
Grand Opening of Westlake
Jim Moran, joined by Honorary Chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation Dr. Shoichiro Toyoda and SET associates, celebrated the grand opening of SET’s Westlake Vehicle Processing Facility in Jacksonville. The $53 million facility can process more than 150,000 vehicles per year.
2003
Colin Brown Appointed as CEO
2003
Grand Opening of Westlake
2003
Colin Brown Appointed as CEO
Jim Moran and Pat Moran named Colin Brown CEO of JM Family, the first non-family member to hold the title of President and CEO. Colin was named Chairman of the Board in 2017.
2003
JM&A Group Celebrates 25 Years
2003
Colin Brown Appointed as CEO
2003
JM&A Group Celebrates 25 Years
JM&A Group’s founding President Dick Knox, Pat Moran and Jim Moran commemorated JM&A’s 25 years of success and innovation at a tree dedication ceremony outside the 500 Building in Deerfield Beach. At the time, JM&A had established partnerships with more than 1,600 dealerships nationwide.
2003
DataScan Joins JM Family
2003
JM&A Group Celebrates 25 Years
2003
DataScan Joins JM Family
DataScan was acquired by World Omni after a 14-year partnership and continues to be an industry leader in wholesale floorplan accounting and risk management systems.
2004
Building Our Communities
2003
DataScan Joins JM Family
2004
Building Our Communities
JM Family has long partnered with Habitat for Humanity to carry out our philanthropic mission of providing for essential needs. Associates have helped build 57 houses in our local communities.
2004
World Omni Strong
2004
Building Our Communities
2004
World Omni Strong
World Omni/CenterOne became the first automotive servicer to receive a STRONG rating from Standard & Poor’s. This represents the highest ranking possible for a consumer finance, automobile loan and lease servicer.
2005
Automotive Hall of Fame
2004
World Omni Strong
2005
Automotive Hall of Fame
On October 11, Jim Moran was inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame, the highest place of honor in the international motor vehicle industry.
2007
Honoring the Life of Jim Moran
2005
Automotive Hall of Fame
2007
Honoring the Life of Jim Moran
Jim Moran passed away on April 24 at the age of 88. At his Celebration of Life ceremony in South Florida, Colin Brown said during the eulogy, "Jim, you have left us an amazing company, an amazing culture and in keeping this legacy alive and thriving, we will keep you alive within us. We WILL do it better. And we will make you proud. And you, my friend, you did it best of all."
2008
JM Lexus’ Used Car Superstore
2007
Honoring the Life of Jim Moran
2008
JM Lexus’ Used Car Superstore
On January 18, JM Lexus opened its all-new Used Car Superstore in Coconut Creek, Fla., just across the street from the new-car dealership.
2009
The Industry Declines
2008
JM Lexus’ Used Car Superstore
2009
The Industry Declines
The automotive industry crisis was part of a global financial downturn. Sales tumbled nearly 40 percent and the seasonally adjusted annualized sales rate (SAAR) fell to a dismal 9.1 million units – the lowest in more than 25 years. It would take three years before the SAAR rebounded to 15 million units. While this was one of the most challenging times in JM Family’s history, associates continued working hard to prepare for an industry comeback.
2009
Toyota’s Continued Commitment to SET
2009
The Industry Declines
2009
Toyota’s Continued Commitment to SET
Recognizing SET’s leadership and long-standing partnership, Toyota Motor Sales President and CEO Jim Lentz signed a five-year distributorship renewal agreement with JM Family President and CEO Colin Brown and SET President Ed Sheehy.
2009
Filling Up Our Food Banks
2009
Toyota’s Continued Commitment to SET
2009
Filling Up Our Food Banks
While JM Family slowly started to recover from the 2008 economic downturn, there were still many who struggled day after day. The Census Bureau reported that one in seven Americans were going hungry each night. JM Family recognized this need and responded by creating our first company-wide food drive. In just two weeks, associates collected 27,000 pounds of food for 10 partner food banks during the Fall Fill-Up.
2011
Environmental Excellence
2009
Filling Up Our Food Banks
2011
Environmental Excellence
Our business goals are tightly connected to the communities where our associates live and work, which makes sustainability a natural extension of our operations. In support of our Sustainability Plan, JM Family has achieved an impressive list of accomplishments, including Broward County’s Emerald Award for Environmental Business of the Year.
2013
Giving Back on Company Time
2011
Environmental Excellence
2013
Giving Back on Company Time
Colin Brown introduced a new volunteer initiative to JM Family associates called What A Difference A WORK Day Makes! Through it, associates may volunteer one full day or two half days of paid time off at the nonprofit, school or religious organization of their choice. The program’s name is a play on our primary company-sponsored volunteer initiative called What A Difference A Day Makes!
2015
Setting the Trend
2013
Giving Back on Company Time
2015
Setting the Trend
Florida Trend recognized Colin Brown as Floridian of the Year for his continued business and community leadership. That same year, JM Family implemented a $16 per hour minimum wage to ensure every associate could earn a living that provided a sustainable quality of life for themselves and their families.
2016
Four Record-Breaking Years in a Row
2015
Setting the Trend
2016
Four Record-Breaking Years in a Row
As the economy began to rebound, each of JM Family's business units outpaced industry growth to achieve a phenomenal four-year run of record-breaking success. SET captured several sales records, SETF broke annual volume records, JM&A enjoyed consecutive best years with just over 3.4 million profit-weighted units, and JM Lexus celebrated 25 years as the No. 1 volume Lexus dealer in the world.
2017
African-American Achievers Celebrates 25 Years
2016
Four Record-Breaking Years in a Row
2017
African-American Achievers Celebrates 25 Years
Jim Moran believed in the importance of saying "thank you." In 1992, he established the African-American Achievers Awards to recognize and thank unsung heroes who unselfishly give of themselves to make a difference in the lives of others. JM Family celebrated the impact these role models have had on the South Florida community at the 25th annual ceremony.
2017
Prepared for the Future
2017
African-American Achievers Celebrates 25 Years
2017
Prepared for the Future
The 2018 Toyota Camry rolled onto SET dealership lots in the summer of 2017, once again setting the benchmark in the mid-size sedan market. Jim Moran’s vision and guiding principles established the heart of our company, and through the hard work of talented associates and our unwavering partnership with Toyota, JM Family is prepared for a bright future.
2017
DataScan Looks to the Future
2017
Prepared for the Future
2017
DataScan Looks to the Future
DataScan broke ground on its new corporate headquarters in Alpharetta, Ga., on March 23. Although just a short distance from its current home, the new building is located in the innovatively designed Alpharetta City Center community. The 26-acre development already includes city hall, a library, a park and 42 single-family homes. Once complete, it will also feature 15 restaurants, 30 retail stores, an apartment complex and of course, office space for DataScan and other businesses.
OUR STORIES
Throughout the year, we will be sharing stories that celebrate key milestones in JM Family's 50-year history, plus special moments that reflect our unique workplace and commitment to our associates.
An Extended Family for the Holidays
Annual event is an associate favorite.
Our Mission for Sustainable Solutions
JM Family launched a formal sustainability mission in 2008.
Jim Moran content provided courtesy of The Jim Moran Foundation, Inc.
