Longtime New Jersey dealer Donald Toresco, an elite dealer in our industry, passed away Sunday at age 71. He opened his first dealership in the early 1970's -- Dodgeland, U.S.A. -- which became one of the top selling dealerships in the country.

Toresco renamed the dealership "AutoLand" after adding several franchises during the 1980's. In 2010, Toresco Enterprises ranked as the 76th largest dealergroup in the country according to the 2010 Ward's Megadealer 100 with its nine stores generating more than $300 million in revenue.

Affectionately known as "Mr. T," Toresco was known for helping aspiring dealers establish their businesses. He also was involved in numerous charities throughout his career. In addition, he served on several dealer advisory boards.

ADP and Reynolds and Reynolds (along with every other DMS vendor) probably should credit Toresco for their success as he was one of the first dealers to install a computerized finance system.

You can read more about Donald Toresco here,Toresco Family of Auto Dealerships Mourns Passing of Founder Donald....