Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
July 03, 2026
Jessup Auto Plaza Marks 25 Years in Cathedral City
TLDR
- Jessup Auto Plaza's 25-year milestone and $150M annual sales demonstrate a strong, stable advantage in the Coachella Valley market.
- Jessup Auto Plaza moved to a central Cathedral City campus in 2001 to consolidate sales, service, parts, and collision repair under one roof.
- The Jessup family's philosophy of treating every guest like family has fostered customer loyalty and community support for over 85 years.
- The original 2001 campus cost under $8 million and now generates $150 million in annual sales, a 19x return on investment.
Impact - Why it Matters
This milestone matters because it showcases the enduring power of family-owned businesses in an era of corporate consolidation. Jessup's commitment to the Coachella Valley, through job creation, community investment, and exceptional customer service, sets a standard for local dealerships. For residents, it means continued access to a trusted provider of vehicles, service, and repairs, backed by generations of experience. The expansion to Indio via Chavez-Jessup GMC further strengthens local economic ties, ensuring that drivers across the valley have convenient, reliable automotive care. The story also highlights how long-term, values-driven businesses can thrive and adapt, benefiting the community through stability and personalized service.
Summary
Jessup Auto Plaza, a cornerstone of the Coachella Valley automotive community, is celebrating 25 years at its campus in the Cathedral City Auto Center. Founded in Palm Springs in 1938 by the Jessup family, the dealership has remained family-owned for generations. The move to Cathedral City in 2001 was a strategic decision to better serve drivers, families, and businesses across the valley. Today, Jessup Auto Plaza represents Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, and GMC, and offers a comprehensive range of services including sales, service, parts, fleet and commercial vehicle support, a Business Elite Truck Center, and an on-site Body Shop. The campus, built on nearly nine acres, was an $8 million investment that now employs approximately 120 people and generates about $150 million in annual sales.
General Manager Dan Jessup, a third-generation family member, emphasizes the dealership's core philosophy: treating every customer like a guest in their home. This mantra has guided the family since his grandfather started the business. Jessup Auto Plaza originally featured brands like Oldsmobile, Pontiac, HUMMER, and SAAB, but has evolved to focus on GM brands. The family's commitment to the Coachella Valley extends to Chavez-Jessup GMC in Indio, which provides GMC sales, service, and support on the east end of the valley. The dealership group's growth allows it to serve more customers across the region.
As part of the 25-year milestone, Jessup Auto Plaza will hold private customer appreciation activities to thank the community that has supported the family business for generations. The dealership's history is deeply intertwined with the Palm Springs area, and its continued investment in Cathedral City and Indio underscores a legacy of honest service and trusted relationships. Dan Jessup expressed gratitude for the customers and employees who have shaped the dealership's story, highlighting the family's pioneering tradition in the automotive industry.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content disributed by 24-7 Press Release. Read the original source here, Jessup Auto Plaza Marks 25 Years in Cathedral City
