About

The Gerry Lane Story

Born during the Great Depression in Oklahoma's Dust Bowl, Gerald Ray Lane, the son of a sharecropper, learned early on that he had to shape his own destiny. At 22, he left for San Diego, eventually finding his calling in car sales, showcasing his determination and honest communication skills.Gerry quickly excelled in the car sales industry, climbing the ranks in both San Diego and Los Angeles. However, when faced with a closure in LA, he embarked on a journey through various cities in search of the right opportunity.

During his travels, Gerry was impressed with the thriving community he found in Baton Rouge, prompting him to settle there. He joined Capital City Ford as a sales manager and implemented an aggressive pay plan that led to record-breaking sales.

These record-breaking sales got the attention of Herb Polk, who offered Gerry a job working at his new Chevy dealership. Gerry gladly accepted and began building a life in the South, marrying Faye and raising their children, Saundra and Eric. They continued to have record-breaking sales and, in 1964, came across an opportunity to grow the business, resulting in a new Polk Chevrolet at 6505 Florida Boulevard.

As Gerry continued to excel, he faced the challenge of making "too much money" again. His solution was to buy his own dealership in Bay St. Louis, MS, transforming it into Gerry Lane Chevrolet. After just one short year, business increased by 487%. He turned, a failing dealership into a diamond in General Motors' crown. He spent the next couple of decades buying, flipping, and selling over a dozen dealerships.

Legacy Lives On

In 1987, Gerry acquired Herb Polk's dealership on Florida Blvd., which would become the Gerry Lane Chevrolet we know today. His legacy, built on values of "family, fairness, and legacy," continues to thrive. Although Gerry passed away in 2013, his philosophy endures, with Gerry Lane dealerships consistently outperforming others in the Gulf South due to exceptional customer service.

The Next Generation

The legacy doesn't stop with Gerry! Eric and Saundra Lane, Gerry's children, also earned their roles in the family business through hard work and dedication. Eric transitioned to full-time work after a baseball career with the San Francisco Giants and learned the business from the ground up. He now serves as the President of Gerry Lane Enterprises. Saundra, past president of The Lane Angecy, boasts an impressive advertising career - winning several awards for her innovation. Her work has made the Gerry Lane name one of the most recognizable trade names in the Baton Rouge area.

Nowadays, the third generation is taking the reins, with Tyler Lane managing Chevrolet store operations and Ashton Lane overseeing employee relations as the Human Resources Manager across all three stores.

A Steward of Activism

Not only was Gerry a sales force to be reckoned with, but he also led the way in local race relations! Gerry was the first business in the area to integrate his sales force and work staff. Shortly after, he hired and mentored Cedric Patton, making him a full partner in 1994. Patton continues Gerry's passion for excellence in customer service, sales training, and streamlined operations.

The Gerry Lane Experience

From the moment you step foot in a Gerry Lane dealership, the difference can be felt. Gerry wanted each and every customer to be treated with honesty and respect - that's why he put together years of sales training, books, and study into daily training that all of his team goes through. This pushes our team to be successful without ever venturing from the basic principle of treating customers right. This includes facts, fairness, and financial help. Every member of the Gerry Lane team is positively reinforced every day to overcome personal setbacks. They do this by doing what he did: fill the customer's needs first.

Looking to the Future

In the heart of Baton Rouge, Gerry Lane's legacy stands tall as a testament to hard work, dedication, and commitment to the community. Proudly serving as a pillar of the Baton Rouge area, Gerry Lane Enterprises has etched its name in the archives of automotive history, driven by values of family, fairness, and legacy. With each passing generation, the Lane family humbly carries forward Gerry's vision, ensuring that his legacy continues to thrive and that the Baton Rouge community will be served with excellence for generations to come.

Contact the Gerry Lane Team Today!

Gerry Lane Enterprises not only embodies a rich legacy but also offers a comprehensive range of services to meet your automotive needs. Whether you're in the market for a new or used vehicle or require automotive maintenance and repair, Gerry Lane is your trusted partner. Our friendly staff is always ready to assist, whether you have questions, are interested in a vehicle, or need to schedule a service appointment. We invite you to experience the excellence that has defined Gerry Lane for generations. Reach out to us today, and let us serve you with the same dedication and care that has made us a cherished part of the Baton Rouge community.