About Us

Get to Know McCormick Motors

McCormick Motors: A History

G. Gordon “Short” McCormick, the founder of McCormick Motors, began his automotive career selling Pontiac cars and International trucks. After spending five years as a salesman, Short was able to purchase the Nappanee Chevrolet dealership on December 13, 1953, from Ray Shank. Originally located in a storefront at 200 South Main Street in Nappanee, McCormick Motors had a one-car showroom, a three-stall service area, and a used car lot for 10 vehicles.

For the next 25 years, McCormick Motors focused on integrating the latest innovations in technology into customer and business practices. During the ’70s and ’80s, it was the integration of increasingly more complex diagnostic devices to make the repair and service more precise. In the early ’90s, the addition of computer systems tied together all of the business processes of McCormick Motors service orders, parts, invoicing, and accounting to seamlessly integrate with the latest application of new technology.

In June 1997, Short, Bernie Beer, and Gordon Moore entered into a buy/sell agreement to facilitate the smooth transfer of the dealership to the next generation of dealer owners. Control of the dealership passed on to Bernie Beer who became the President of McCormick Motors, while Gordon Moore became the Vice President of the company.

In the decade following the transfer of the dealership, the company grew from a very strong regional dealership to a nationally-recognized fleet and commercial operation. The dealership was recognized as one of GM’s leading experts in the Chevrolet ambulance, shuttle bus, and recreational vehicle markets, with the sale of products in all 50 states.

McCormick Motors has been nationally-ranked in the top five percent of all dealers in the sale of medium-duty trucks, light-duty commercial vehicles and in overall sales performance. McCormick’s was ranked in the top five GM medium-duty truck dealerships from 2003 to 2009, with annual sales of medium-duty trucks of over 1,500 trucks in each of those years.

In 2009, McCormick Motors acquired the Toyota Group company Hino and Isuzu truck franchises to expand our offerings to customers. With the acquisition of these two franchises, McCormick Motors was in a position to offer trucks to customers from even more vocations, Including FedEx Ground contractors. In 2013, the dealership completed the renovation of the showroom at a cost of $1M so that the facility met franchise requirements.

In 2014, this investment was followed by an expansion of the body shop operation into a new and larger facility. McCormick Motors was also selected by GM to be one of 13 pilot program dealerships for the GM Green Dealer Recognition Program. This ties into our mission to promote a sustainable work environment and commitment to solar energy production in the Nappanee area.

In March 2019, Bernie and Gordon entered into a buy/sell agreement with Tom Nunemaker, Susan Zeiger, and Josh George to facilitate the smooth transfer of the dealership to the next generation of dealer ownership, and ensure the continued prosperity of the dealership while minimizing the disruption to employees and customers. Control of the dealership passed on to Tom Nunemaker who became the GM, Hino, and Isuzu dealer principal and President of McCormick Motors while Susan and Josh became Vice Presidents of the company.

Additionally, in 2019, McCormick Motors furthered the training of staff to welcome the addition of the new Hino XL-7 and XL-8 heavy-duty truck. McCormick Motors welcomes this addition to provide a fantastic offering in Class 7 and 8 segments.

For the 2022 model year, Hino and Isuzu both incorporated Cummins diesel engines into their truck portfolios. Isuzu expanded their lineup with the addition of a Cummins engine into the FTR and all-new FVR trucks. Following this announcement, McCormick Motors became a certified Cummins repair facility, which allows our service department to maintain certification to repair Cummins-powered vehicles and for our parts department to stock Cummins parts. Our sales staff has been trained on the Cummins offerings from Isuzu and Hino to better equip our commercial truck customers with the knowledge they need to make a decision that accelerates their business with efficient and reliable offerings in the medium and heavy-duty truck market.

Management

Tom Nunemaker

President

Tom joined McCormick Motors in May 2007. He is a graduate of the Chevrolet Medium Duty Certification Program and is a member of the GM Mark of Excellence program. In 2012, Tom placed sixth in the Nation in a Chevrolet Sonic show what you know sales competition. The national competition began with close to 4,000 sales consultants with the Top 10 competing in Birmingham, MI. In 2019, Tom became the dealer operator and President of McCormick Motors. Tom was raised in Nappanee and graduated from Northwood High School. He currently resides in Bremen with his family.

Susan Zeiger

VP Variable Operations

Josh George

VP Fixed Operations

Josh joined McCormick Motors in June 2004, as a truck service technician. He attended WyoTech in Laramie, Wyoming to study automotive technology and graduated in December 2006. Following graduation, he returned to McCormick Motors working as a diesel technician. In January 2016, Josh became the Medium Duty Truck Service Manager and expanded the department in service operations. In March of 2019, Josh became the Vice President of Fixed Operations. In his spare time, Josh enjoys spending time with his wife and four daughters.

Community Involvment

Giving back to our community is our corporate responsibility. McCormick’s takes pride in supporting local chambers of commerce and non-profit agencies focused on the youth of today. We have a moral obligation to be good role models for the future leaders of our community and our company tries to live up to that, every day. Our dealership has also partnered with the University of Notre Dame with the “Drive with the Irish” Courtesy Car Program and with Goshen College on environmental and energy conservation issues.

Local Chambers of Commerce

Area Festivals

Non-Profit Organizations We Support

Nappanee Boys &Girls Club
The Nappanee Club occupies 19,000 square feet in the former Central School on North Main Street. Today, Club membership numbers are approximately 500 children, ages 6 through 18, with around 100 attending programs and activities each day. During the school year, the Club is open to all members from the end of the school day until 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Club is open for teens only on Tuesdays and Thursdays until 9:00 p.m. During summer months, the Club opens at 6:30 a.m. each day and remains open until 6:00 p.m.

Facilities Include:
- A Professionally Staffed Learning Center, Complete with 12 Computer Workstations
- A Lounge, Used Exclusively by Teenage Members
- A Vended Snack Room
- Two Recreation Rooms for Younger Members
- An Area Devoted to Arts & Crafts Instruction
- A Gymnasium, Complete with Locker Rooms & A Weight Training Area

Community School of the Arts

Goshen College has a long tradition of preparatory programs in piano and violin for pre-college community youth. These programs and other initiatives were combined to establish the Goshen College Community School of the Arts (CSA) in the fall of 2003. The CSA provides quality arts education and performance experiences to people of all ages, abilities and economic circumstances. The Music Center is committed to finding ways for deserving students to study music by offering need-based scholarships. The program offers personal attention and encouragement that make learning a positive and enjoyable experience. For more information, contact CSA@goshen.edu or call 574-535-7361.

Goshen College Performing Arts Center

The Performing Arts Series roots run to a lecture series program. With the construction of the Union Auditorium building in 1950, Goshen College boasted a facility with a large stage and an auditorium that held several hundred people. The popular lecture-music series of that time brought world-class performers and speakers to campus, contributing significantly to the cultural life of the college and the Goshen community. Hundreds of regular attendees enjoyed presentations by the likes of Carl Sandburg, Martin Luther King, Jr., Marian Anderson, Robert Shaw Chorale, Trapp Family Singers, and the orchestras of Detroit, Cleveland and Indianapolis. The lecture-music series evolved into our current Performing Arts Series.

Elkhart County Safe Kids Coalition
Safe Kids Elkhart County began as the Elkhart County SAFE KIDS Coalition in 1991, making it one of the oldest coalitions in the state. They executed their by-laws and became incorporated under Federal Code in 1992. They received their 501c (3) in 1998 making charitable giving and grant attainment more favorable to its constituents. This coalition won the coalition of the year from the National SAFE KIDS Campaign in 1997 and is a 3-time recipient of the Indiana Child Safety Advocate Award.

The Members of Safe Kids Worldwide:
- Empower local communities to prevent accidental injuries by building grassroots coalitions.
- Generate national awareness of the burden of accidental injuries.
- Encourage sound research on leading injury risks and critically evaluating solutions.
- Pass and improve child safety laws and regulations.
- Provide lifesaving devices such as child safety seats, helmets and smoke alarms to families who need them.
- Promote global corporate leadership in child safety through effective and sustainable partnerships.
- While injury is a threat to children everywhere, significant progress has been made to reduce the risks. This progress must continue, and the lessons learned from years of injury prevention work must be adapted to help create a safety culture in every country where it is sorely lacking.

Nappanee/Wakarusa Little League Program

This program began in the summer of 1978 and is run by volunteers. The season starts at the end of May and continues through June. Programs consist of a Peewee, Minor & Major boys, Jr. & Sr. girl’s leagues. Wakarusa Softball/Baseball program is fun for all ages. Come out on a summer night and enjoy an entertaining time of food, fun, and fellowship with the people of Wakarusa. And don’t forget the popcorn! The 2015 season will begin May 21st through July 1st. Games will be played Monday through Friday starting at 5:30 pm. For additional information call 574-862-4202.

Northwood Soccer Club

Elkhart County 4-H Fair

A longtime supporter of Elkhart County 4-H Fair activities, McCormick Motor’s purchases show animals at the fair auction and is the corporate sponsor for the three-on-three basketball tournament. The Elkhart County Fairground has 143 acres, 70 buildings and over 300 permanent RV sites in addition to 600 temporary RV sites. Camping is available year-round on the grounds. The fairgrounds have accommodated over 1200 RV units at one time. Building facilities range from carpeted reception halls to open livestock pavilions. In addition to the County Fair and many private events, they host annual public events such as the Michiana Mennonite Relief Sale, Autumn Splendor Arts & Crafts Show and the Spring Rodeo. Call the Fair Office for booking information 574-533-FAIR.

Toys For Tots

The objective of Toys for Tots is to help less fortunate children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas; to play an active role in the development of one of our nation’s most valuable resources – our children; to unite all members of local communities in a common cause for three months each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign; and to contribute to better communities in the future. McCormick’s holds a display drop-off from the 1st week in November until mid-December every year to support Toys for Tots.

Cell Phones for Soldiers

Cell Phones for Soldiers hopes to turn old cell phones into more than 12 million minutes of prepaid calling cards for U.S. troops stationed overseas in 2008. To do so, Cell Phones for Soldiers expects to collect 50,000 cell phones each month through a network of more than 3,000 collection sites across the country. The phones are sent to ReCellular, which pays Cell Phones for Soldiers for each donated phone – enough to provide an hour of talk time to soldiers abroad. McCormick’s is listed as an area drop-off location to collect cell phones for Cell Phones for Soldiers.

Testimonials

“I just wanted to let you know what a great salesperson/human being you have in Sue Glant. Last week was traumatic for me as I could NOT decide what to do with my lease ending. I kept changing my mind, doubting myself, re-thinking, and all the while I kept Sue adding and subtracting figures for the best deals on various cars - leasing results, buying, etc. Sue stayed late, came in early, returned my phone calls, and never was impatient or frustrated with my constant indecision. Meanwhile, she had several other customers to help as well! Finally, I think I reached the best choice for me and my three small dogs. I am very happy with my decision - thanks to Sue

Again I just want to say how happy I am with the decision we finally reached. Sue was "with me" all the way, but she was never rushing me or telling me what she thought I should do. She just gave me the info and support to reach a good conclusion. Many thanks!”

- Susan Clark, 12/08/2018

“Sue thought you would like see from the picture of 100k mile mark. Our truck (HD 3500 Sierra) is just getting broken in! Can't say enough about this truck. Pretty much been flawless. We hit the mark while in AZ. Had to pull over and genuflect then rub the dashboard. It’s been a real pleasure, in meeting you along with your fine salesmanship, McCormick Motors should be proud to have you there. See you in March! Thanks again.”

- Milestone, 03/09/2018

“Great people! Nice inventory and Service department. Talked to Tommy in sales was treated very well. Thanks!! 5 out of 5 stars”

- CarGurus, 02/17/2018

“Very polite and helpful, responded quickly and let me know it was sold. He asked me if I was interested in any others. Not pushy at all. 5 out of 5 STARS”

- CarGurus, 08/12/2017

“5 out of 5 stars - Tom was very good to work with. He was helpful without the pressure of feeling forced to buy. I would definitely purchase another vehicle from them, it was a fun and positive experience!”

- CarGurus, 03/27/2017

“Very positive experience. Well worth the over 2-hour drive. A smaller dealership that stresses personal prompt service. Prompt replies to all phone and email correspondence from Tom Nunemaker. Got a good deal on precisely the certified pre-owned truck we were searching for. Thanks to Tom!”

- CarGurus, 01/15/2017

“I had an overall great experience at McCormick Motors. The staff was very friendly, my salesman Tom was very helpful, made everything easy, and got me out the door with the truck I wanted with ease. Thank You! Great Place to shop.”

- CarGurus, 10/01/2016

“I am a contractor in Michigan who was in need of a new service vehicle. I called Tom at McCormick Motors on Tuesday. By Wednesday afternoon they had delivered the new vehicle all filled up. Tom Nunemaker personally met me at my office to do the paperwork (15 minutes worth). Great place to deal with and will highly recommend McCormicks.”

- Michigan, 09/29/2016

“Friendly and Helpful: We have decided that McCormick Motors is the ONLY place to purchase a vehicle. Sue Glant helped us with the 2 purchases we have made and she is amazing when it comes to her knowledge and professionalism. Jim and his staff in the service area do a wonderful job. There is a great bunch of folks at McCormicks....everyone is very friendly and helpful.”

- Goshen, IN, 07/17/2016

“Highly Recommend: I was in the market for a used truck and couldn't find the vehicle I wanted with a dealership willing to work with me in the Detroit/Ann Arbor area. I expanded my search area and found the vehicle at McCormick Motors in Indiana. I emailed Tom about the truck and had a very prompt, no games reply. With the help of Tom, we went from first contact to delivery in less than 24 hours. I have purchased 7 vehicles from 7 different dealerships in the last few years, but this buying experience was the simplest of all of them. It's also very nice to see that there are no additional dealer doc, or financing fees that arise when doing paperwork. Tom even went as far as to cover the bill to replace a part that I had noticed was non-functional, even though he already had made the deal! Very pleased with McCormick Motors - definitely worth the drive to have the vehicle that I wanted, and a sales department that doesn't play games.”

- Ann Arbor, MI, 04/19/2016