Smith Motors owner Wally Smith first entered the automobile business in 1970 as a salesman for Strode Motors, in Brighton, Colorado. Selling new Pontiacs, American Motors, Jeeps and used cars, Wally began to learn what the industry was about. He proved to be an excellent salesman and in 1972 was promoted to the office of Finance Manager where he successfully restructured the Finance Department into a profit center for the dealership. In 1976, Wally was once again promoted to manage the new and used car sales as well as continuing to run the finance office. The writing was on the wall. In 1978, Smith became the General Manager of Strode Motors.
 
For the next six years, Wally managed the new car dealership, handling all aspects of the operation. He did everything from ordering the new car inventory to hiring, training and managing the service department, the part department, the body shop and, of course, continued to oversee the new and used car sales departments.
 
The summer of 1984 was a turning point in the lives of Jan and Wally Smith. They decided to strike out on their own, buying an existing garage and an empty dirt lot near downtown Brighton. Within six weeks they had built an office adjacent to the garage and gave the entire building a new look with a coat of stucco. Next the lot was paved, the garage was updated, a sign was erected and they were finally in business.
 
Smith Motors, Inc. has now been in business for over sixteen (16) years selling used cars, operating a very successful service department and offering rental cars. The Smith’s employ five people and are consistently working to improve their team through training and incentives.
 
While being a small business man in this day and age in confining and challenging, Wally has found it to be one of the most rewarding things in his life.