Glick Auto and Truck Sales is celebrating 50 years in business. The family-owned and operated business opened in Monticello, in the same location it is today, in 1968. Current president Arthur Glick founded the dealership and service center with his wife Diane, whom everyone called Chicki.
When it opened, Arthur Glick sold only GMC trucks. The facility was small and had four employees. Since then the business has considerably expanded. The current facility is 28,000 square feet on 25 acres of land, and there are 28 employees.
In addition to GMC, they also sell Hyundai, Kenworth Trucks and Trailstar dump trailers. In fact, they are the oldest Kenworth dealer east of the Mississippi, a fact that Arthur is proud of, “It says we didn’t come and go,” he said. Glick Leasing Ltd. is an affiliate catering to medium duty and heavy duty trucks providing full-service leasing. The fleet has approximately 50 units at all time.
Now, Arthur runs the business with his son, Todd, who is vice president, and his daughter, Barri, who runs the parts management team.
“There’s never a time there isn’t a Glick on the premises,” Arthur likes to say.
The business has grown over the years, but it has also faced some setbacks. In 1998 the building was completely destroyed by fire. They had to rebuild, which took two years, and during that time they operated out of rented office trailers and a service facility in Monticello.
Arthur says very recently there has been a spike in business, which he largely accredits to the new Resorts World Catskills casino, located very near to the Glick facility.
“The casino has provided additional sales and it will get bigger,” he said.
Before Arthur opened his own business, he worked at his father’s business, Murray Glick Auto Sales, and became a partner.
But soon after he ventured out on his own.
Now a successful businessman, Arthur has served on the General Motors National Dealer Council and was vice president of the National GMC Dealers Association.
He was born and raised in the area, and attended Monticello High School.
By Isabel Braverman