Sunnyside dealership built on service becomes America’s richest

A family-owned dealership in Sunnyside, Washington, says its wealth comes from more than car sales: it has grown for generations by serving local customers, workers and farmers. The business also channels sales and service revenue into community needs, including cancer care and farm equipment repairs.

Why it matters: - Speck’s offers a different model of dealership success in a small agricultural town, showing how long-term community ties can translate into enduring business strength. - The dealership’s local giving has funded better cancer diagnostics and helped keep farm operations moving during harvest, both of which have direct impact in Sunnyside and the surrounding region.

What happened: - Speck’s, a family-owned dealership in Sunnyside, Washington, has operated in the community since 1912. - The dealership is described as the richest dealership in the United States. - Katy Moore, the fourth-generation owner, carries forward the family legacy. - The business has a history of serving the community through multiple generations of customers and employees.

The details: - Customer records have included unusual trade-ins and down payments such as guns, rings and cows. - During the Great Depression, the founder opened a new dealership when conventional wisdom called for caution. - During World War II, Speck’s service department shifted to manufacturing equipment for the war effort. - Employees have stayed with the company for more than 50 years, and some customers have bought cars from three generations of dealers. - Every October, during Cancer Awareness Month, the dealership directs proceeds from car sales and service to a local cancer center. - The cancer center used those funds to buy more sophisticated diagnostic software. - General Manager Andy Flynn’s wife died after a battle with cancer, underscoring the personal connection between the dealership and the cause. - When a farmer’s equipment fails during harvest, Speck’s helps local farmers get back to work. - The dealership sponsors the Prosser Mustangs high school basketball team.

Between the lines: - Speck’s wealth is presented as rooted in contribution rather than flashy retailing or aggressive upselling. - The dealership’s identity is tied to Sunnyside’s farm economy, where business value comes from reliability, trust and local relationships. - Katy Moore frames that model as an expression of place and community, saying, “It’s where we live. It’s the people we know.”

What's next: - Speck’s is likely to keep leaning on service, community support and multigenerational loyalty as the core of its business. - The dealership’s annual cancer fundraising and farm support work appear set to continue as part of its identity. - Its local sponsorships and long-term customer relationships suggest the business will keep investing in the Sunnyside community.