WPBN: After almost 25 years of operation, a beloved and established car dealership in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, is about to permanently close.
On December 31, 2024, Bruce’s Lakeside Motors, which opened its doors in 1998, will formally close, signaling the end of an era for its devoted clientele as well as the community it serviced.
Bruce Pergament, the dealership’s owner, made the decision to close it after giving it some thought. Regarding the shutdown, Pergament revealed, “A lot of prayer and introspection went into this choice. I can’t continue like this forever.
His sincere remarks capture the emotional and personal significance of this achievement for him as well as the clients who have helped the company succeed over the years.
Since its founding in 1998, Bruce’s Lakeside Motors has grown to be a reputable brand in the community. Before relocating to Henderson Township in March 2020 to share office space with Scott Burnett’s company, Car Care, the dealership operated out of multiple sites.
Following Burnett’s retirement decision in November 2021, Pergament broadened his business by acquiring the Car Care division and rebranding Bruce’s Lakeside Motors to include “sales and service.” Pergament’s conviction that the community will continue to require these services, as well as the pragmatic requirement for a location to check his vehicles, served as the impetus for this growth.
“I took on this business because I thought there was still a need, and I needed a place to have my cars inspected anyway,” Pergament said, looking back on his choice to grow three years ago.
His attitude to his profession demonstrated his dedication to satisfying his clients’ demands and offering high-quality service.
But in recent years, the used automobile market has seen significant changes, posing new difficulties for tiny company owners like Pergament. The changing environment has made it harder to maintain the business, from shifting consumer demands to the growing complexity of running a small dealership.
Bruce’s Lakeside Motors has left a strong legacy of community involvement, trust, and service despite closing.
For almost 25 years, the dealership has been a mainstay for Huntingdon’s auto buyers and sellers. Many customers and community members will surely have positive memories of the business as it gets ready to close its doors for the last time on New Year’s Eve.
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For Pergament, the choice to leave the company signifies the close of an important period in his life that was characterized by commitment and diligence. Bruce’s Lakeside Motors is closing, which means a melancholy goodbye, but it also means new opportunities for its owner, who has gained the love and respect of the community he worked so hard to serve for 25 years.
He stated that “Prices have gone up faster than wages, people have less money, they’re working less jobs.”
“Just look at the companies downsizing.”
“We try to keep our prices down. Our guys are as good as or better than others, especially when it comes to used cars.”
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In recent years, Bruce has also had to contend with government rules and dealer competition.
He stated that: “President Barack Obama and the Cash for Clunkers program eliminated $4,500 cars 12-15 years ago. That’s what kept people in business selling quality used cars for under $3,000. They’re out of business now. They can’t compete.”
“New car dealers closed and got into the used car business and franchise dealers now have multiple dealerships and single franchises are selling used cars.”
“No one is selling inexpensive cars anymore.”
