With so much change in the St. Pete area over the last few years, we’re making an effort to showcase the many wonderful businesses and families that have been here for the long haul. Family-run companies with local roots help keep our city special, and they make it easy to support local.
One of the most successful (and popular) family-owned businesses over the last half-century has been Suncoast Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM (8755 Park Blvd). Owned and run by the Schmidt family since opening in 1975 (with two generations now working at the dealership every day), 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of Suncoast CJDR serving the community.
ADVERTISEMENT
The dealership has been a stalwart over the decades, originally opened by Wayne F. Schmidt, Sr., and still operated by his children and grandchildren today. The local patriarch rocketed to success, twice honored with the Walter P Chrysler Award recognizing the top Chrysler dealer in the United States. He was also nominated as “Time” magazine Dealer of the Year, and he was even the former president of both the St. Petersburg Automotive Dealers Association and Southeast Chrysler dealers’ advertising association.
Automotive history buffs in particular will appreciate that he even served on Chrysler’s Executive Committee with Lee Iacocca.
Suncoast CJDR nears completion of latest renovation
In all the years of success, and through four renovations to the dealership property, Suncoast CJDR has stayed true to its roots: a family-run business that takes care of its customers as if they were a part of the family, too. It’s that love-for-your-neighbor mentality that helped make St. Pete so special, and we’re thrilled to celebrate the people keeping it alive today.
Today, it’s Wayne F. Schmidt, Jr., who owns the place and runs it alongside his family (and those who are as good as family).
“When my father founded this dealership 50 years ago, he built it on a foundation of hard work, integrity, and a deep commitment to the community,” Wayne Jr., said. “Today, I have the privilege of carrying on his legacy, ensuring that Suncoast CJDR remains a place where both our employees and customers feel like family. Our team is the heart of this business, and their dedication has been instrumental in our success. We are proud to have served this community for generations, and as we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to the values that got us here—building relationships, earning trust, and giving back to the people who have supported us. Here’s to the next 50 years of serving our community with the same passion and dedication.”
One of the last true family-owned dealerships
The dedication to building a sense of community remains, while still maintaining a state-of-the-art facility and a reputation as one of the most successful and trustworthy dealerships in the area. To hear employees speak about their experience, it’s easy to see that while the walls and cars may have changed dramatically, the ethos remains the same.
“Suncoast CJDR is one of the last true family-owned dealerships, where the owner’s door is always open to employees – whether it’s to discuss work or just talk about life,” said Steve Wakefield, who has been the Body Shop Foreman for the last 23 years.
Suncoast CJDR creates family atmosphere
In 50 years, plenty of people have come and gone, but it certainly seems that many more have come and stayed. As subsequent generations came into the fold, they began working alongside the same men and women they knew as children. Even still, one member of the team can regale them with stories of the early days, helping Wayne Sr. build the dealership from the ground up in the ’70s.
Perry Henry joined Schmidt’s small team as a technician in 1977, and all these decades later, he’s still thrilled to call Suncoast Chrysler home.
“Suncoast CJDR has been a great place to work for 48 years,” he said. “I had the privilege of working for Wayne Sr., who was not only a remarkable businessman but an exceptional person. This dealership has always prioritized excellent customer service, and its commitment to the community is one of the things I’ve appreciated most.”
A star employer in the Sunshine State
Alongside Henry, Wakefield, a dedicated team, and generations of Schmidts along the way, Suncoast Chrysler remains a star in the St. Pete community 50 years after opening its doors.
Visit Suncoast CJDR Monday-Saturday at 8755 Park Blvd, and learn more at suncoastcjd.com. Also, be sure to follow them on Instagram to see the latest news and deals.
ADVERTISEMENT
