THE FINAL WORD

The Loss of a Legend

GARY DREWING'S LEGACY LIVES ON IN THOSE HE MENTORED.

BY FRED PARRY

Gary Drewing, long-time car dealer, philanthropist and local business leader died unexpectedly on Jan. 28. Even if you didn’t know Gary Drewing well, you probably knew of his substantial impact on our community and the high standard he set in doing business and giving back to the community.

A native of St. Louis, Drewing first came to Columbia in 1983 to become a minority partner in the Joe Machens dealerships. Over the course of the next 40 years, he would transform the Machens organization, turning it into one of the most successful and respected automotive dealerships in the United States. His Ford dealership became the largest franchise of any kind in the state of Missouri and one of the largest throughout the entire Midwest. In 2015, with 16 brands under 10 dealerships and more than $850 million in annual revenue, Drewing sold eight of his dealerships to the Little Rock-based McLarty Automotive Group. He retained his Mercedes and BMW dealerships and operated them under the Drewing Automotive brand.

Drewing’s rise to the top was based on the common-sense philosophy that centered around taking care of the customer. As you might suspect, not every customer was a happy customer, but Drewing did his best to right any wrongs and personally deal with any customer who wished to talk to the “owner.” With a local workforce of more than 1,000 employees, he did his best to build a culture that nurtured professional and personal success. Gary Drewing took care of his employees and his customers. He had a generous spirit in all that he did. He was quick to come to your rescue and willing to help you get back on your feet.

Not only did Gary Drewing set the bar high for operating car dealerships but he also blazed the trail in setting an example for corporate stewardship and leadership in the local business community. I suspect that very few people know about all the organizations he supported, but he openly supported the causes that made a measurable difference in people’s lives including True North, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Special Olympics, MU Children’s Hospital and the United Way. Though Drewing might have been one of the busiest persons you’d ever meet in Columbia, he also gave generously of his time to a number of important boards and community endeavors.

Drewing had a particular passion for the youth of Columbia. Whether it was little league sports, scouting or high school sports, he was a popular target for kids who were raising funds for their respective organizations. Drewing wasn’t exactly an “easy sell” as my sons told me after they went to see him about buying discount cards for the Kewpie football program. Though he did it with a kind heart, he would make even the youngest Girl Scout run through "the features and benefits" associated with selling a box of Thin Mints. He loved kids and went out of his way to mentor and encourage them, sharing valuable life lessons along the way.

I met Gary Drewing almost 30 years ago when I launched my first magazine in Columbia. My first impression was that he was gruff, intentionally disinterested in what I had to say and, all in all, a bit of a curmudgeon. A few years later, our paths collided when a mutual friend had a near-death experience and, together, we spent the long, worry-filled night getting to know each other while waiting outside the emergency room at Boone Hospital. That’s when I met the “real” Gary Drewing. A friend was in dire need and he gave up a night’s rest to be there when it really mattered. I would witness similar acts of generosity and kindness from Drewing over the next 25-plus years. A trip to a NASCAR race in Indianapolis, a fishing trip to Wyoming and countless Saturday mornings enjoying a cup of coffee in Drewing’s office gave me the opportunity to see what really made him tick.

While many may claim that Drewing’s business acumen and philanthropic generosity will be the reason he’s remembered, I would venture to say that his legacy may be in the many lives he mentored along the way. Whether you were one of his employees, a media sales rep or the executive director of an organization he supported, the lessons you learned from Gary Drewing are the ones that made a difference. The best way to honor him is to pay his kindness and wisdom forward to those we come in contact with on a daily basis.

You’ll be missed, GRD. Thanks for making a difference. Our community is a better place because of you.

Fred Parry Founder & Publisher Emeritus fred@insidecolumbia.net