Our Story
Where the Fitzgerald Story Began
In 1956, 20-year-old Jack Fitzgerald began his career as a door-to-door salesman. His natural ability to connect with people quickly led him into the automotive industry, where he became one of the top salespeople at Handley Ford in Washington, D.C. In 1966, Jack purchased a stake in Diver Dodge in Bethesda, Maryland, and just two years later relocated the dealership to Rockville Pike, renaming it Colonial Dodge and laying the foundation for what would become Fitzgerald Auto Malls.
The FitzWay Philosophy
From the very beginning, Jack's philosophy was simple: Treat every customer with honesty, transparency, and respect. Long before it was an industry norm, he introduced a “no haggle – no hassle” pricing model that gave customers a fair, upfront deal. This approach created a new level of trust in car buying—and it became the cornerstone of how we do business, known as The FitzWay.
Growing the Fitzgerald Family
What began with a single dealership grew into Fitzgerald Auto Malls—now 20 franchises across Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Florida, employing more than 1,800 people. Through every stage of that growth, Jack’s values of dignity, fairness, and customer advocacy remained the foundation of the company.
A New Chapter: Employee Ownership
In 2023, Jack made one of his most meaningful contributions to the company’s future. On February 1, Fitzgerald Auto Malls became the largest dealership group in the United States to transition to 100% employee ownership. This transition reflects Jack’s long-standing belief that the people who serve customers every day should also share in the company’s success and help carry the Fitzgerald legacy forward.
Leaving A Legacy Behind
Jack Fitzgerald passed away on April 8, 2025, leaving behind a legacy that forever changed the automotive industry. His vision was never just about selling cars—it was about doing right by people, empowering employees, and earning the trust of every guest. The culture he built and the values he championed continue to guide Fitzgerald Auto Malls, ensuring that the FitzWay remains at the heart of every interaction.
Carrying the FitzWay Forward
Today, the FitzWay philosophy Jack built continues as a lasting commitment carried forward by the employee-owners of Fitzgerald Auto Malls. What began as a belief in fairness, transparency, and respect for every customer still guides how we serve our communities today. Those principles live on through the Fitzgerald Promise—the standards that define the experience our guests’ can expect every time they visit a Fitzgerald dealership.