This is coming full circle for us, since my father briefly served the special-needs vehicle sales market when he was starting out in the 1960s. That’s why, initially, we thought, ‘What do we need a franchise for? We already know this business.
Beth Melamed, J.D. Byrider Franchisee

A second-generation car dealer, Beth Melamed is one of a growing number of women in the automobile industry. She’s also the owner of two successful J.D. Byrider dealerships in Pennsylvania—first in Lancaster, then in Philadelphia. Her opening of the Lancaster dealership in 2000 was her family’s second foray into the sub-prime market.

“This is coming full circle for us, since my father briefly served the special-needs vehicle sales market when he was starting out in the 1960s,” said Melamed. “That’s why, initially, we thought, ‘What do we need a franchise for? We already know this business.'”

But, as the Melameds investigated the Byrider business model more closely, they changed their minds. They realized that the powerful combination of on-site vehicle servicing and financing creates a potent recipe for financial success.

Another selling point for the Melameds was the promise of support and guidance from the nation’s oldest and most experienced used car franchise. It’s a promise that Melamed says J.D. Byrider has fulfilled time and again.

“From examining our vehicle inventory and recommending improvements, to promoting the open exchange of information and ideas between franchisees, the Byrider management team has created a support network that you just don’t find in the new car business,” said Melamed.

For example, Melamed herself has assisted a fellow franchisee who was new to the car business. She sent her own buyer to guide the newcomer through his first vehicle auction.

From that kind of camaraderie, to the unique business-model offerings, the Byrider recipe has been a proven success for Melamed. That’s why she’s planning to open four more J.D. Byrider stores in the Philadelphia area within the next five years.

For more information about the Byrider system, visit www.jdbyrider.com.