Business Hall of Fame 2005: Joseph D. O'Brien
Joseph D. O'Brien Jr. was born into the automotive retail business the son of Joseph D. O'Brien, Sr., a Dodge/Plymouth dealer is Ottawa, IL. After briefly attending college, O'Brien started his career in the automotive industry as a salesman and quickly advanced to the position of Used Car Manager. O'Brien branched out on his own and from 1971-1974, was the Vice President and General Manager of Illinois Valley VW/Audi/Mercedes-Benz in Peru, IL. After 4 years away from the family business, O'Brien re-joined his father as General Manager of J.D. O'Brien Olds/Cadillac in Streator, IL. In 1977, O'Brien founded O'Brien Olds in Milwaukee, WI. then returned to Illinois in 1982 to purchase and assume ownership of his father's dealership, J.D. O'Brien Olds/Cadillac/Pontiac/GMC in Streator, IL.
In the mid-1980s, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) built a state-of-the-art production plant in Bloomington-Normal, IL, known as Diamond Star Motors Corporation. O'Brien was awarded Mitsubishi's first Central Illinois dealership Parkway Mitsubishi of Normal, IL: in 1987. That same year, O'Brien Automotive Team was established with O'Brien heading the operations as its President and CEO.
Since its inception, the O'Brien Automotive Team has been dedicated to organizational excellence and is an automotive industry leader in the sales, service, and leasing of eleven different automotive brands of autos, SUV's and Trucks, represented through twenty-six franchise agreements. The O'Brien Automotive Team also provides parts, service and bodywork.
O'Brien Automotive Team locations are in nine cities and three states and include Peoria, IL (2 locations); Normal, IL; Bloomington, IL; Urbana, IL; Champaign, IL; Springfield, IL (2 locations); Ft. Myers, FL (3 locations); Naples, FL; and Cathedral City, CA. Automotive brands include Mitsubishi; Hyundai; Kia; Suzuki; Toyota; Volkswagen; Dodge; Chrysler; Subaru; Isuzu; and Mazda.
Family is important to the O'Brien's and is reflected in their involvement in the automotive retail industry. Joe and his father have been joined in the industry by an uncle, two brothers, a son-in-law, and Joe's son, Joseph D. O'Brien, III. Along with family, employees are vital to O'Brien and the success of the O'Brien Automotive Team. One facet O'Brien learned early in his career is that the most valuable asset any business has is its employees. Many employees have been promoted within the organization, some to General Manager or Operating Partner positions. O'Brien holds true to a firm belief of treating people equally, holding them to their word, and rewarding them for their efforts and achievements. Currently, the O'Brien Automotive Team employs over 750 people between all its locations in Illinois, Florida and California.
O'Brien's commitment extends far beyond his dealerships. His generosity and heart are as much a part of his success as his business prowess. His allegiance to the communities in which the O'Brien Automotive Team serves has made a difference to so many lives. It's because of Joe O'Brien's vision and leadership that the annual O'Brien Automotive Team LPGA Charity Classic has raised over 3.2 million dollars for breast cancer research, technology and education.