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Cass Burch took a leap of faith 12 years ago when he purchased a small dealership in Quitman, Ga. He took another leap of faith this week by purchasing the Dodge Jeep dealership in Valdosta.

“This was the most complicated business transaction I’ve chosen to tackle. At almost every turn, I found disappointment, and every time we prayed, God’s hand moved and it changed everything,” said Burch.

Burch now owns Chrysler Dodge Jeep dealerships in Quitman and Valdosta, and will soon add Alfa Romeo and Fiat to the mix.

“They are only offering the Alfa Romeo and Fiat to dealerships with all three brands, so if this transaction had not gone through, Valdosta would not be getting the new brands.”

The 31 cars and trucks that remained on the Dodge of Valdosta lot on North Valdosta Road were moved to the Chrysler dealership Monday evening. The transaction did not include the land. The Dodge Jeep dealership has been for sale for several months, and Burch said he just received final word Monday that all of the necessary approvals had gone through.

“Every manufacturer has the right to choose who represents them in the market. They have first right of refusal,” he said. “They had to agree with the purchase or the deal would not have gone through.”

According to Burch, there are those who might think he’s taking on too much in this economy, but he simply smiles at the suggestion. He’s a man with a reason and a plan for everything he does.

“I wouldn’t have done this if I didn’t have total faith in the economy. We are looking to expand over the next few months as the market continues to gain momentum and stability,” Burch said.

“People will be extremely excited to hear what the company has planned for their products. I’ve been ‘behind the curtain’ in Detroit and the products coming will stand the market on its ear. The knowledge I have of what is coming in the future helped me make this business decision in this economy.”

When Burch acquired Smith Motors in downtown Valdosta eight years ago, the Chrysler dealership was nearly 70 years old. He says it was important for his customers from Valdosta to have a place to have their cars serviced that was more convenient for them than driving to Quitman.

In December 2004, Burch moved the Chrysler dealership to its current location on North Valdosta Road.

“I built this dealership to the specs necessary to also house Dodge and Jeep, with the hope that someday I’d have all three.”

Burch says Chrysler is moving away from stand alone dealerships. Now that his is not a standalone any longer, there is only one left in the Southeast.

“Chrysler’s longterm plan is to have all their products for sale under one roof.”

According to Burch, “This acquisition has been one of the most challenging I’ve ever done. It has shown me the power of relationships, relatives, friends and family. Passion and persistence pays off.”

Burch added that all former customers of the Dodge of Valdosta dealership are welcome at his dealership.

Cass Burch Chrysler Dodge Jeep received the 2007 Dealer of the Year award, a national dealer recognition.