Over 500 people gathered at Korum Ford in Puyallup, Washington on Saturday night to celebrate Jerry Korum’s 50 years of service to the City of Puyallup.
Puyallup Police had been brought on board to make sure folks made it safely across Meridian as cars poured to the Korum Ford location.
There was a face painter and a clown for the little kids, video games for the older ones and food and drinks for everyone else.
Korum Ford’s downtown Puyallup location was packed to the rafters.
Many were reminiscing about their relationship with the Korum family.
Ernie Bay said his wife, Ellen, was Jerry’s first administrative assistant. “She introduced Jerry to the computer world,” he said.
Mark Starnes, CEO for the South Puget Sound Boys and Girls Club, and his wife Linda were there to honor the Korum family and spoke fondly of Jerry’s relationship with the Korum for Kids Foundation and the Boys and Girls Clubs.
“Jerry is a self made man and so successful because it is always about people and relationships,” said Mark Starnes.
Lt General Robert Brown, 1st Corps Commander at Joint Base Lewis McChord, presented Korum with a plaque and thanked him for all he has done for the military folks. “We wanted to give him a new Stryker but thought it would be too hard to park,” he joked.
He thanked Korum for all he has done for military men and women and the whole community. “70% of our soldiers live off post and many of those are in Puyallup,” said Brown.
Korum’s attorney, Doug Moreland, said he has known Korum for many years.
“I met Jerry and his wife in grade school,” he said.
He described Korum as a quiet man and a man of few words. “He actually is a bit shy,” he said.
Korum said he started out in the automobile business on January 5, 1963 selling Dodge automobiles. “I sold two cars on the first day and I was hooked,” he said.
He thanked his employees and said he is always happy to hear customers’ stories. When asked why he doesn’t retire, Korum replied, “What would I do? I’m not a great golfer. My passion has been automobiles, this community, employees and the customers.”
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