Camacho Auto Sales, Inc - American Success Story

May 25, 2012 - PRLog -- PALMDALE  —  The  grand opening ceremony Thursday February 9th of the Camacho Auto Sales new location in Palmdale, was more than a celebration of the expansion of a business; it was a recognition of an Antelope Valley  success  story, of a local family made good, and a symbol of realizing the American Dream.

The opening also signified the addition of  dozens of new jobs up to 63 new positions as part of an expansion, with  $18 million in revenue from  the  operation forecast for the first year, and more than $1.5 million in retail sales taxes to send back into
city services.

The  new  location, 412  Auto Vista Drive, is the fifth and largest for Camacho, making the company  one  of the largest independent used car sales operations in California, and the largest in the Antelope Valley.  Its opening was a major milestone for the business, which had begun in 1980 on a dirt lot with seven vehicles and an office trailer tied to a telephone pole so the trailer wouldn’t get taken.

“It’s  a  huge  step for  our family,”  said  Gus  Camacho  Jr., the company president who took the reins of the family business in the 1990s.
“To  add  employment  and sales  tax  revenue  and  continue our tradition.
It’s a big deal. It’s a great feeling. It’s a symbol for our family and our hard work.”
His  father,  Gus  Camacho  Sr., stepped up, and emphasized, “And we could
not have done it without our employees.”  In  addition to the  work  ethic
the elder Camacho inspired in his sons — Gus, Joe and Cesar — he also  
stressed  giving  back  to  the community, Gus Jr. said. The family is involved
in a wide range of civic contributions.

Mayor  Jim  Ledford  said  the Camacho  family  embodies  the
entrepreneurial  spirit  the  city needs  to  embrace  and  help  foster  success
in  other  commercial ventures.  “To expand and grow and open up new points
across the Valley is an American  success  story,” Ledford said.
The  addition  of  the  jobs  and the sales tax revenue will also be
a great help to the city. “This  helps  us  provide  basic services  for  our  residents,”  Ledford said.  

The grand opening was marked by  a  ceremony  that  included  an appearance
by Major, an 11-year old lion whose Hollywood credits include parts in the movies “Water for Elephants,” the upcoming “Three  Stooges” movie,  and  a Britney Spears music video.

By JIM SKEEN
Valley Press Business Editor