About the Cavender Auto Family

The Cavender family has become as much a part of South Texas as some of its landscape, and as close to a dynasty as you can get. Our family business begins with James M. Cavender. James grew up in San Antonio, TX, and began his career in the automotive industry working for Goade Motor Company on Lexington Avenue. Because of his aptitude and work ethic, James was selected in the 1930's by General Motors to become a trainer in its sales division. James became a familiar face to the owner of a local Oldsmobile dealership, Mr. E. A. Kinsel. In 1939, Mr. Kinsel became concerned about the future of his dealership and lured James away from General Motors by hiring him as the sales manager of his dealership. Shortly thereafter, Mr. Kinsel asked James if he would consider buying his business.

And so begins the Cavender Auto Family story.

Drawing from his training and experience in serving his customers, James firmly believed in the idea that great service and customer satisfaction build confidence and trust. This belief has resonated for generations for the Cavender Family, and continues to ring as strong and true today as it ever has. While growing up, James' twin sons, Jimmy and Billy, worked alongside their father at the dealership, taking every opportunity to learn all they were able to about the business. Eventually, both Jimmy and Billy began to work full-time and continued to grow the business with their father, James. Later on, the acquisition of Riata Cadillac allowed both Jimmy and Billy to each manage a dealership. This was the beginning of many more successful Cavender dealerships.

Following in their predecessors' footsteps, the third generation of the Cavender Family, under the leadership of Stephen and Rick Cavender, continues the ideals and traditions started more than 80 years ago. Building on the belief and practice of fostering relationships built on trust and integrity for both customers and associates alike, Stephen and Rick have built teams empowered to exceed customer expectations and provide secure, family environments in their dealerships that promote their associates’ personal achievements as well as the achievements and growth of the entire team. Stephen and Rick Cavender prove time and again their devotion to the Cavender Auto Family ideal, "Make Confidence Happen"!

Today, with now several additional acquisitions of other automotive dealership franchises, a fourth generation of the Cavender Auto family is following in their predecessors' footsteps. Joining the Cavender Family and Partners, Operators and executives committed to continuing the ideals and traditions started more than 80 years ago. They are proving, once again, the Cavender Auto Family is devoted to the ideal, "Make Confidence Happen"!