Spitzer Automotive was founded in Grafton in 1904 by George G. Spitzer as a hardware store which included a livery stable.[1][5] They later extended and began renting horse-drawn buggies to train passengers.[6]
In 1945, John Spitzer assumed control.[5] He expanded the retail chain to 14 different locations in four states.[1][5] During his tenure, Spitzer developed Spitzer method which was used by Ford Motor Company in their corporate trainings.[1][7] John Spitzer died in 1992.[7]
In the 1980s, Alan Spitzer and Del Spitzer assumed control of daily operations from John Spitzer.[1] Under their leadership, Spitzer expanded its dealearship in Florida, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.[1] They also diversified their business and invested in marinas, farms in Lorain and Medina counties, developed Brentwood Lake Village, and the Pheasant Run Golf Course.[1]
During the 2007-2009 recession in the United States, automotive retailers were largely effected.[1] In 2009, Chrysler and General Motors became bankrupt and as a result discontinued their contracts with Spitzer and other auto dealerships.[1] Alan and Alison Spitzer lobbied for Automobile Dealer Economic Rights Restoration Act to restore auto dealers rights.[1] The effort resulted in restoration of about one thousand dealerships.[1] They also wrote a book, named Grand Theft Auto, about this development.[1]
In 2015, Spitzer was inducted into the One Hundred Year Club of the Western Reserve.[1][8]
As of 2026, Spitzer operates twenty-seven auto dealerships in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Florida.[1]
