Findlay worker celebrates 50 years

Charlie Davis remembers going to work detailing cars at the old Herb Biddulph Continental Imports at 1600 Fremont St. in 1960.

At the time, Davis was just 23 years of age. Not long after that, Pete Findlay purchased the dealership from Biddulph and Davis will celebrate his 50th anniversary in the car business June 2.

Davis actually learned about the opening at Continental Motors at the unemployment office in downtown Las Vegas.

"They needed someone to detail new cars for delivery," remembered Davis. "I walked all the way to the dealership for the job. I think I got paid $95 a week.

"It seems like yesterday," added Davis, a company courier who turned 73 March 1. "One thing is for sure -- I'm not going to try for another 50."

Davis could have stayed with Biddulph, but chose to go with Pete Findlay, who moved his family from Panaca to enter the car business.

"I made the right move, for sure," Davis said. "The other store went out of business but Findlay has grown all over. In looking back, it was the best decision I ever made."

Davis remains an important part of Findlay Automotive Group and can be seen running from one store to the other on a daily basis working as a courier. When it comes to loyalty, there is little doubt that the company has found the ideal alternative as the American work force is plagued by turnover.

A humble man, Davis takes his role with the company in a matter-of-fact fashion. He shows up on time often leaving long after his shift has officially ended.

"I was in the Air Force when I got into the car business," said Davis. "The Air Force taught me how to how handle responsibility and I have thrived on making sure the job gets done. I don't think I have had more than 10 sick days and most of those were last year."

Among Davis' biggest fans is Cliff Findlay, the son of the late Pete Findlay.

"Charlie Davis is more than an employee," said Findlay, who now spearheads 21 car operations in Nevada, Utah, Arizona and Idaho. "He is part of our family and, in fact, I remember my dad saying that Charlie Davis was welcome in our home anytime. That remains true today.

"Charlie started driving my kids to school back in the early 1980s. He is definitely part of the family."

Findlay Automotive Group Chief Financial Officer Tyler Corder added, "We value longevity and our long-term employees. Charlie is the shining example of that. We use him as an example of how people can make a career working for our company. Half of the battle is showing up every day and he has done that every day for 50 years."

Corder pointed out that there are number of long-term employees with more than 30 years of service and Davis has more tenure than anyone.

Davis and his wife, Mercedes, have been married since 1979. The couple has three grown children, Laura Jennifer Cali, Lilliana Jessica Davis and Charles Patrick Davis III.

Further information regarding Findlay Automotive Group can be found at www.findlayauto.com.