President, Larry Puckett Chevrolet
Larry Puckett is the Dealer/Operator and President of Larry Puckett Chevrolet. Beyond business success, Larry is deeply involved in philanthropic endeavors, supporting various charitable initiatives and community development projects. His story is one of dedication, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in both business and community service. Puckett is a valued member of the automotive industry and his community. He serves on multiple business and non-profit boards and is the current Chairman of the Board for River Bank & Trust. He shared his expert advice and reflected on his learned experiences as a leader in the automotive industry and a pillar of the Montgomery community.
What would you tell your younger self?
Don’t be afraid to venture outside your comfort zone a little bit to accomplish what you want to accomplish.
In retrospect, would you change your path?
So far, I think I’m satisfied and comfortable in my skin. I think I would probably be a little quicker to forgive than I was in the past. And I think it’s very important that you can put yourself in someone else’s shoes and try to look at it from their side. My father taught me that, and I’ve tried to do this. I can talk to the janitor or the CEO, and I try to treat everybody the way I’d want them to treat me and that’s worked out for me. It’s simple—treat folks like you want to be treated.
What practical business advice do you have for young business owners and operators in Central Alabama?
You need to arm yourself with everything—learn about that business and the pitfalls. A lot of people today have no idea, and they won’t start on the top. What you’ve got to do is create a pretty firm foundation, then do your best and don’t quit.
What are your proudest achievements?
I’m big on long-term relationships—with marriage, your friends or your business. Most of the people who work for us have been with us for a long time, which can be good and bad. I think long-term relationships have a big impact. I’ve got a guy who started working for me washing cars at 16, went to college, and then came back to work for me—that’s how I got to stay in business.
What pivotal moments or decisions played a role in your success?
When I started in business, I had some experience but no money. Back then, there was a division of General Motors—a program to take guys like me who had some experience but didn’t have financial backing and help them open a dealership. They would help you start, put you in business and then you’d pay them out of the profits. In the late seventies, I went to work for a Chevrolet branch in Birmingham, and the reason I went to work for that branch was because the owner was part of that program. In April 1986, I was able to open my dealership.
JUST FOR FUN:
Go to Tunes
I grew up with country music, the Grand Ole Opry, and old Delta blues—kind of an odd combination. I guess my favorite is Willie Nelson. His lyrics and songs are a lot deeper.
Guilty Pleasure
I like coconut ice cream, fishing, and hunting.
If You Could Have Dinner with Anyone (Dead or Alive) Who Would It Be and Why?
President Harry S. Truman. I think his political views are what we need in Washington. No matter what party you serve, he was good for the country, and I’d like to have a conversation with him.
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