A Family Legacy
The history of Bill Luke runs deep originating with a $100 profit on a used car that Bill repaired. In 1927 $100 was a lot of money. Seeing the potential, Mr. Luke decided to open a used car business. Who would have known that this would lead to the car business as a family legacy! A partnership was on the horizon for Bill, when he decided to join forces with his brother who owned a new car dealership. After all, two is better than one in most cases. Eventually, Bill’s brother decided to sell his portion of the family business. In 1940 Bill Luke became a Chrysler Corporation distributor here in Arizona, Bill Luke Chrysler.
Bill’s son, Don worked for him and grew up in the business. Don got to experience everything from cleaning a building to cleaning parts, working on cars, and getting them ready to leave the dealership. Don mentioned something that stood out when the Grand Canyon Council staff was talking with him. He said he learned to fix things the right way and put them back together. He liked seeing things work again. He fondly recalls a time when things were repaired, not just thrown away. In 1977 Don had the opportunity to enter into a Buy Sell Agreement and in the late 80’s Don became the sole owner of the dealership. Since that time, the Bill Luke brand has expanded.
The family legacy is still going strong today. Don’s three sons are part of the family business.
Chris Luke manages the Service, Parts and Body shop at the Bill Luke Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM Dealership located on Camelback Road in Phoenix and representing Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep & Ram along with used vehicles.
Ryan Luke, the eldest son, runs the Bill Luke Santan Dealership which is located on Speedway Drive in Gilbert and sells used cars, all makes and models.
Eric Luke, youngest of the three, runs the Bill Luke Tempe Dealership located on South Autoplex Loop in Tempe and features Alfa Romeo, Fiat and used vehicles.
Coming Soon: A new Dealership is the Tucson area based on the Santan dealership model.
Don Luke’s – Connection to Scouting
“Scouting provides a lot of good life lessons like camping, working toward a Merit Badge, working as a team to accomplish a goal, and of course leadership”. Don was proud to talk about his sons’ time in Scouting, and his time as Chairman of Pack 107 from 1992 to 1993. From 1993-1994 he helped lead 80 plus kids. Don mentioned that one of his fonder memories was bringing a cook trailer out to camps and cooking for 160 people and the way they came together over a meal.
The Luke family’s dedication to Scouting is still alive and well! The dealership participates in the Annual Friends of Scouting Campaign and hosts the Automotive Maintenance Merit Badge several times a year and greatly enjoys offering the class. Keep an eye out for dates in 2021. Bill Luke is part of the Eagle Society.
The Grand Canyon Council could not do the things we do without the support of community members like the Luke Family.
From all of us at the Grand Canyon Council – Thank you.
