In Jacksonville, three of the region’s most enduring automotive companies—Tom Nehl Truck Company, Duval Ford, and the Tom Bush Family of Dealerships—illustrate that when success is rooted in values, philanthropy naturally follows. Each has partnered with The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida to give back.
Tom Nehl Truck Company
Founded in 1958, Tom Nehl Truck Company has been a trusted name in commercial trucking for more than 65 years. Now led by President Steve Bacalis and his daughter, Executive Vice President Lauren Scheible (pictured above), the company’s values of integrity, customer focus, and excellence extend beyond a one-time purchase.
“We are successful because of our employees. We are in a relationship business, and our customers know they can depend on us to partner with them.”
— Lauren Scheible, EVP, Tom Nehl Truck Company
Duval Ford
Now in its fourth generation of leadership, the Graham family’s Duval Ford has lived by the principle of “service first” for more than a century.
For the Grahams, philanthropy is most meaningful when it’s personal. Through the Duval Motor Company Charitable Fund, established in 2020, they focus their giving on health, children, and the environment, areas where employees, customers, or family members are deeply engaged—from sponsoring the annual Buddy Walk for the Down Syndrome Association, to decades-long support of the Wolfson Children’s Hospital Women’s Board, where their grandmother was a founding member, to environmental advocacy to protect waterways like Kingsley Lake and the St. Johns River, following in the footsteps of their father and grandfather, who were avid outdoorsmen.
“Even though we’re a sales organization, service is at the forefront—serving our customers, our employees, and our community. That’s the culture we’ve tried to carry forward.” — Hampton Graham
Tom Bush Family of Dealerships
For siblings Megan Del Pizzo and Brian Bush, the fourth generation to lead the Tom Bush Family of Dealerships, giving back is a family tradition. Their grandfather purchased his first Jacksonville dealership 55 years ago, and today the Bushes operate seven dealerships and a collision center with more than 350 employees.
“A vibrant Jacksonville is about more than business—it’s about people. Our family and our employees share a responsibility to give back and help our community grow.” — Megan Del Pizzo
Looking ahead, these family businesses see community commitment as integral to their success, especially as more family businesses consolidate into national companies and technology brings changes to the industry through automation and electric vehicles. What sets them apart is their commitment to relationships, the local community, and giving back.
Are you interested in learning more about how The Community Foundation can help your business give back? Download a PDF about Corporate Advised Funds.
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