Cooper Motor Company was founded in
1938 with $750 of borrowed investment by Lynn Cooper Sr. as the only
salesman, and had an inventory of three automobiles. The Dodge and
Plymouth franchised dealership was located in a two bay cotton warehouse
on West Main Street in Clinton which is still family owned today. Lynn
Cooper, Sr. started and maintained business through the Great Depression
and World War II with honesty and integrity. His son followed those
same business ethics. They have carried brands such as Oldsmobile, AMC, International Truck and Massey Fergusen.
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Cooper Motor Company began a second
generation of business under Lynn Cooper, Jr. in 1956 and continued to
grow business with the same business principles. During these years,
Lynn Cooper Jr. added Clinton Ford in 1986 with his partner Bob Cason,
and the Chrysler and Jeep lines to the Dodge dealership in 1998.
Surviving the oil embargo of the 1970's and the recession of the early
1980's, Lynn Cooper, Jr. made it through with the same honesty and
integrity.
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Now as a third generation family
business, Cooper Motor Company continues to run strong with great
employees and great customers. Today, Cooper Motor Company, owned and run by
Cooper's grandson Lynn "Chip" Cooper III, is one
of up South Carolina's oldest dealerships and one of the county's best
known family businesses.
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![Lynn Cooper]()
Today, Cooper Motor Company has six sales team members and an inventory with more than 250 new and used cars. "Very few dealerships in this day and age have been in business 10 years, let alone 70 plus years," said Chip Cooper. "I have a lot of pride in that and in continuing what my grandfather started, and dad continued. Nowadays, the family business is a forgotten practice. In the age of Wal-Mart, Lowe's and Home Depot, the family business is often overlooked because they can't compete in advertising."
Competition is fierce in the car business, but Chip has an idea why Cooper Motor Company has been able to survive into its third generation, "Most dealerships operate with high pressure, but we do things differently here. We try to a have a one-on-one experience between salesperson and customer. We've built a relationship with our customers. We like to say 'when we sell a car, we haven't created a customer, we've created a relationship.' That is what has helped us succeed in business and survive the hard times. Those business ethics, and the loyalty of our long-time customers, are the reason we have been in business since 1938. We depend on customer loyalty. It's a small town. You won't survive in a small town unless you treat people right," says Cooper. "We know our customers. They're our neighbors. We go to church with them and see them socially." Word-of-mouth advertising has also helped the company generate at least 50 percent of its business from out-of-town customers.
Chip knows that even though people are searching for a vehicle, superior customer service is what really draws them in and helps them make that final decision. "I think make and model has a lot to do with the customer first looking at a vehicle, but they've got to feel comfortable with where they are buying it from and know they're going to be taken care of afterward," he said. "We've been able to maintain a lot of customers because, whether it is a Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep or finding that certain used vehicle, we've got the products in stock and the ability to compete with any dealership or any product out there."
From new and used Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles, to auto loans and OEM car parts, Cooper Motor Company really is your one-stop, full-service dealership. Whether you need vehicle repair, financial assistance, a new car or anything else, our friendly and knowledgeable staff will point you in the right direction. Visit our impressive dealership and check out everything we have to offer at
305 E Main St, Clinton, SC 29325, or simply call us at 877-845-0576. We look forward to helping you find the new or used vehicle of your dreams!
Today, Cooper Motor Company has a sales staff of six and an inventory of over 250 new and used cars. "Very
few dealerships in this day and age have been in business 10 years, let
alone 70-plus years," says Chip Cooper. "I have a lot of pride in that
and in continuing what my grandfather started and dad
continued."Nowadays the family business is a forgotten practice. In the
age of Wal-Mart, Lowe's and Home Depot, the family business is often
overlooked because they can't compete in advertising."
Competition is fierce in the car business, but Chip has an idea for why
Cooper's has been able to survive into its third generation. "Most
dealerships operate with high pressure, but we do things differently
here. We try to a have a one-on-one experience between salesperson and
customer. We've built a relationship with our customers. We like to say
'when we sell a car, we haven't created a customer, we've created a
relationship.' That is what has helped us succeed in business and
survive the hard times. Those business ethics and the loyalty of our
long time customers is the reason we have been in business since 1938."Â
Word of mouth advertising has also helped the company generate up to 50 percent of its business from out-of-town customers.
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"I think make and model has a
lot to do with the customer first looking at a vehicle, but they've got
to feel comfortable with where they are buying it from and know they're
going to be taken care of afterwards," Chip said. "We've been able to
maintain a lot of customers because whether it is a Chrysler,
Dodge, Jeep or finding that certain used vehicle, we've got a products
in stock or the ability to compete with any dealership or any product
out there."Â
From new and used Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles to auto loans to OEM car parts, Cooper Motor Company really is your one-stop full service dealership. Our experienced staff has the experience and expertise to point you in the right direction, whether you need vehicle repair, financial assistance, a new car or anything else. Come and see our impressive dealership at 305 E Main St, or simply call us at (877) 845-0576. We look forward to helping you!