Central Cadillac has a rich family history of supporting United Way of Greater Cleveland and philanthropy in general throughout our community. Mr. Frank Porter Jr., Central Cadillac's current owner, has continued the philanthropy tradition of his grandfather, George H. Lyon, who incorporated the business in June 1943. To read and ponder the history of this "Cleveland Institution" one can sense its monumental contribution to our community. United Way leadership is grateful for Central Cadillac's continued commitment to our community mission.

Mr. Lyon was a Chevrolet dealer when the company was first incorporated. He started Central Chevrolet in August of 1930 and by the early 1940s, the company had grown to be the largest Chevrolet dealership in the State of Ohio. In June of 1942, Central Chevrolet was appointed the Cadillac Distributor for the Northeastern Ohio Area. The Cadillac dealership was originally located at 2040 East 71st Street, which was part of the Chevrolet dealership. In September of 1945 Frank H. Porter, son-in-law of Mr. Lyon, was hired and construction began in 1948 on an independent facility for Central Cadillac. This facility was located at 2801 Carnegie Avenue, the site that the newly remodeled dealership sits at today.

Central Chevrolet was sold to an individual not affiliated with the company in 1959. Executive Leasing Corporation was formed to take advantage of the fledgling leasing industry. In 1965 Mr. Lyon retired and Mr. Porter became President of the company. His son, Frank H. Porter Jr., began his career at the dealership.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Central Cadillac continued to serve the needs of the Cadillac owner by providing excellence in sales and service. Central historically sells 50% of all the new Cadillac's sold in Cuyahoga County. In 2002, sadly Frank H. Porter died at the age of 82, bestowing upon the Cleveland Foundation the largest gift in its history, between $60-70 million from the estate of Mr. And Mrs. Frank H. Porter. In 2003 a multi-million dollar remodeling and expansion of the dealership began. In 2004 Frank H. Porter Jr. purchased the assets of Central Cadillac Limited and became the dealer on record with General Motors. In 2001 Central Cadillac was named the exclusive HUMMER dealer and service center in Northeast Ohio; the dealership's name was changed to Central Cadillac-HUMMER. In 2005 a standalone HUMMER dealership was built in Beachwood, on Cleveland's eastside.

Year after year, Mr. Frank H. Porter Jr., has consistently led his team in conducting model United Way campaigns. Employee participation in each campaign has set a standard that other local companies can aspire to. Central holds employee kickoff meetings each year at both locations. They allow a United Way and partner agency representative to educate their employees of the value in donating through United Way. The company has supported the United Way Golf Tournament in years past, and this past spring proceeds from their "HUMMER Happening" special event were donated to United Way of Greater Cleveland.

"Central Cadillac-HUMMER has been a great friend of United Way of Greater Cleveland, so please join us in recognizing them for their accomplishments."