The History of the Jack Schmitt Family of Dealerships
For over 60 years, the Jack Schmitt name has been trusted by car buyers across the St. Louis Metro East. From a single dealership in small-town Illinois to a thriving group of award-winning auto dealerships, the Jack Schmitt Family of Dealerships has built a legacy on hometown values, customer satisfaction, and automotive excellence.
Our Roots: A Family Legacy Since 1959
The Jack Schmitt story begins in 1959, when Jack Schmitt purchased his first Chevrolet dealership in Nokomis, Illinois. Jack, who grew up working at his father’s gas station and car dealership in Troy, Illinois, brought hard work and personal service to everything he did. That first dealership laid the foundation for what would become one of the region’s most respected dealer groups.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Jack expanded his business across Illinois. He operated dealerships in Jacksonville and Belleville, and later added Cadillac, Oldsmobile, and Ford franchises to the growing family portfolio. By the 1980s, the Jack Schmitt name was synonymous with quality vehicles and honest, hometown service.
Expanding Across the Metro East
Today, the Jack Schmitt Family of Dealerships includes:
From Chevy to Ford and everything in between, our dealerships offer one of the largest selections of new and used vehicles in the St. Louis area. Whether you’re looking for a rugged truck, reliable SUV, or affordable sedan, you’ll find it at a Jack Schmitt dealership.
We proudly serve drivers from all across the Metro East, including those in Granite City, Alton, Edwardsville, and the greater St. Louis area. Our convenient locations and reputation for fairness make us a top destination for car shoppers throughout southwestern Illinois and beyond.
A Commitment to Service and Community
What sets Jack Schmitt apart isn’t just our inventory or our prices—it’s how we treat our customers. From the beginning, Jack Schmitt believed in treating people like family. That belief continues today, with friendly, knowledgeable staff who make car buying easy and stress-free.
We’re proud to be a family-owned and operated business. Jack's children, Kathy Schmitt Federico and John Schmitt, help lead the company today, carrying on the values their father built the business on. They are joined by trusted leadership across our locations, including Rick Coca, who manages Jack Schmitt Chevrolet of Wood River, and Andy Carr, who leads Jack Schmitt Ford of Collinsville with a strong focus on customer service and community engagement. We also give back to our communities through local events, charity partnerships, and sponsorships that support families, schools, and first responders across the region.
Award-Winning Excellence
Over the decades, the Jack Schmitt Family of Dealerships has earned numerous awards, including recognition from Chevrolet, Ford, and Cadillac for outstanding customer satisfaction. Jack Schmitt himself has served as Chairman of the Illinois Automobile Dealers Association and has been recognized nationally as one of the industry’s top dealers.
Why Buy from Jack Schmitt?
With decades of experience, unbeatable selection, and a dedication to our customers, the Jack Schmitt Family of Dealerships is your trusted automotive partner. Whether you're buying your first car or your fifth, you can expect honest deals, hometown service, and a dealership that stands behind every vehicle we sell.
Visit one of our convenient locations in O’Fallon, Wood River, or Collinsville and experience the Jack Schmitt difference today.