Shoyrtt
Samba Member
Joined: August 21, 2010
Posts: 1159
Location: Redlands, CA
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 Posted: Mon Dec 23, 2024 3:48 pm Post subject: Van Wyk VW of San Bernardino |
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Once again, local historian Mike Kunert posted this interesting article about Jack Van Wyk, who owned the local VW franchise in San Bernardino from 1961 to 1973. Thought I would share it to the group and maybe it could be included in the Dealer Listings information in the Technical section.
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Jack Van Wyk was born on June 16, 1917, in Sanborn, Iowa, as the eighth child in a farming family. Growing up, he worked on the family farm and took on tasks like collecting bones for the rendering plant, which paid very little. These early experiences helped him develop a strong work ethic.
Jack’s career in the automobile business began in Iowa, where he and his brothers, Art and Arnold, operated car dealerships. Later, they expanded their business ventures to California. In the 1940s, Jack and Art purchased a Dodge Chrysler Plymouth dealership in Inglewood. This dealership became the foundation for Jack’s long career in the automotive industry.
In 1961, Jack sold the Inglewood dealership and acquired a Volkswagen dealership in San Bernardino. The dealership, located on Baseline, included a small lot and a service department. Over time, Jack expanded the property by purchasing adjacent lots, which allowed him to add a body shop and increase inventory capacity. These investments helped establish the dealership as a prominent business in the area.
Jack’s business approach went beyond selling cars. He was committed to building strong relationships with his employees and customers. Through a county program, he hired parolees, giving them opportunities to rebuild their lives. Several of these employees advanced to management roles under his guidance.
In the late 1960s, Porsche decided to separate its franchise from Volkswagen. Dealers were required to build new facilities to retain their Porsche franchises. Jack chose not to make the significant financial investment and instead focused on maintaining the Volkswagen dealership. This decision allowed him to avoid unnecessary financial risks and ensured the dealership’s continued success.
Jack’s interests extended beyond the dealership. He had a passion for horses, which he shared with his family. On weekends, the family participated in shows, and Jack eventually converted an old orange grove in Highland into a facility for training hunters and jumpers. His dedication to this hobby reflected his focus on both work and family.
The San Bernardino dealership benefited from its location near Norton Air Force Base, which brought in a steady stream of customers. Jack’s marketing efforts, including a large “Jack Van Wyk Volkswagen” sign, made the dealership highly visible. He also embraced the demand for innovative vehicles like EZ Camper conversions and Westfalia pop-ups, which appealed to families looking for travel options.
Jack’s community involvement was evident in his annual Christmas celebrations at the dealership. He provided fresh turkeys for employees’ families, gifts for children, and bonuses for staff. These events demonstrated his commitment to fostering a positive environment for those around him.
In 1973, Jack passed away. The dealership was sold to Johnny Johnson in 1974, marking the end of Jack’s direct involvement in the business. |
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Shoyrtt
Samba Member
Joined: August 21, 2010
Posts: 1159
Location: Redlands, CA
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| Posted: Mon Dec 23, 2024 4:48 pm Post subject: Re: Van Wyk VW of San Bernardino |
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That is very cool!
I know that all of the advertisements I found for Bering Monroe listed the Baseline & Tippecanoe address, but I found this early ad (notice the 23 window) for Van Wyk that has a second location at 901 N. "D" Street. I wonder if Bering Monroe owned 9th & D before Van Wyk?
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