**Gunn Automotive Group** [www.gunnauto.com](http://www.gunnauto.com/) Curtis C. Gunn, Inc., was founded by C.C. "Pop" Gunn in 1955 with one Oldsmobile franchise. Today, the Gunn Automotive Group has seven franchises and three body shops. The company is consistently ranked by Automotive News as one of the Top 100 Automotive Mega Dealer Groups in the United States. San Antonio Business Journal has recognized Gunn as one of the fastest-growing companies in the city on multiple occasions, and the company is one of the city's 50 largest privately held companies. In 2014, Gunn ranked second out of 3,600 nominations for The San Antonio Express-News Top Work Places, based on votes by its employees. In 1995, the company rolled out a “No Hassle, No Haggle, and One Simple Price” business model. The launch resulted in tremendous turnover in personnel and a painful drop in profitability, but Pop's son Curtis, now chairman emeritus, held firm. Ultimately, "One Simple Price" changed the San Antonio car market. The last few years have seen Gunn's market share more than double; the company has enjoyed the most successful period in its 50-year history. The Gunn Automotive Group has ties to the military going back to World War II – in which Pop served under General George Patton. The company focuses strongly on recruiting veterans. Nearly 10 percent of the active employees are former veterans and/or civil servants. Whether working with customers in a sales role or working on vehicles, Gunn Automotive Group has a home for our nation’s servicemembers. ###A VETERAN SUCCESS | ROBERT THORNE Robert Thorne is the ecommerce sales manager at Gunn Chevrolet. Before turning in his military uniform, he was a command sergeant in the United States Army, retiring after 30 years. He started at Gunn in 2000 and was Salesman of the Year from 2000 to 2005, selling as many as 25-35 cars per month in 2003. The military taught him a lot that he uses while working at Gunn. “Dealing with people every day, I remember skills learned in the military and keep a good work ethic always,” he said. “That helps me deal with different groups of people and my employees, understanding their needs and motivations – why they do or want what they do.” Thorne believes that veterans are set up to succeed at Gunn. “We have a great work environment for growth and promotion, with fair pay and benefits for all,” he said. “Work hard, do your job to the best of your ability, and don’t wait to be told to do something. See what needs to be done, and do it. In this job, you must be a self-starter. Most of all, be honest to yourself and your customers.” “The hours are long, but rewarding. You will get out of it what you put into it. The car business here at least is like being your own boss without the overhead. We have a leadership group at Gunn Automotive that really cares about their employees and insures we have a safe, clean workplace.”