Ed Stillman
President
Phone: 610-399-1300 ext. 101
eds@stillmanvolvo.com
Occasional visits to Stillman’s Automotive Center as a boy are among my favorite childhood memories. There was something special about the smell of oil and exhaust and just watching the mechanics at work. However, growing up in Knoxville where my father was an engineering professor at the University of Tennessee made it difficult to get there very often. In 1973, after an abbreviated college experience at UT, I decided to move north to work with my grandfather. Fortunately, he was a remarkably patient man as he put up with me while giving me an opportunity to learn the car business. Over the next six years I filled in anywhere needed while spending most of my time working on Volvos and Saabs. After Karen and I got married, we moved into the apartment over the “shop” where she always knew where I was late at night since the sound of the air guns could be clearly heard down below. It was a time when life and cars were both quite simple.
In 1979, after spending six months selling cars, I moved into the position of general manager. With no business education or experience, but a lot of enthusiasm, my family decided to take their chances with me. Knowing that I was in way over my head, I tried to follow my grandfather’s example of trusting God for the ability to manage the business responsibly. Eventually I developed some management skills while also getting a crash course on finance and expense control compliments of Paul Volker. The relationship with the Volvo Car Corporation has been exceptional which has made for a great long term experience. After all the years, the car business continues to be intriguing with so many recent advances in technology.
Karen and I have been blessed with a growing family that now includes four wonderful grandchildren; so naturally, spending time with our grandkids is what we enjoy most. In my free time I like to tinker with our collection of old Volvos and when I can escape from doing yard work, my favorite activity is riding on the scenic back roads of Chester County with the West Chester Cycling Club.
