Daniel J. Quirk
Daniel J. Quirk is the owner and CEO of the Quirk Auto, a company which has 15 car dealerships in Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. For over 35 years, he has been in the automotive business and continues to be an important figure in both the New England auto industry, community, and life.
Background
Quirk was born and raised in Lowell, Massachusetts. His modest beginnings as one of 12 children inspired him towards adapting a hardworking entrepreneurial spirit. At the age of 13, Quirk began working at Geoffroy’s Gulf Service Station as a fuel pump attendant. At 17, Quirk completed Air Force basic training and started a pipefitting apprenticeship. His interest in the automotive world during his childhood prevailed as Quirk bought his first used car dealership in 1973. Four years later, he purchased his first new Chevrolet dealership in Braintree, Massachusetts.[1]
Daniel Quirk continues to achieve success in the industry. He operates 11 dealerships in Massachusetts and 4 in Manchester, New Hampshire. He also runs several other enterprises that collectively support his automotive business. These include Quincy Auto Auction, Quirk Parts, and local real estate holdings. Throughout his 40 years of business, Quirk has earned an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and has been awarded with many industry awards and honors. [2]
Dan Quirk has 13 franchises which include Mazda, Nissan, Ford, Subaru, Kia, Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, RAM and Volkswagen. Quirk staffs about 1,200 company employees.
Fore River Shipyard
One of his most notable properties is the former Quincy Fore River Shipyard. In 2002, Quirk purchased the long abandoned Fore River Shipyard at federal auction. Under his ownership, the Shipyard currently serves as an inventory hub, Quirk Parts warehouse, and a movie studio. The shipyard has been used for hit movies like The Departed, The Company Men, R.I.P.D., The Equalizer and The Finest Hours. [3]
Community involvement
Quirk has made giving back to his local community through various charitable activities a priority throughout his career. Quirk is consistently involved with causes pertaining to health care and veterans. Every year in December, Quirk donates children’s toys and necessities to the Toys for Tots program.[4]
With the ever-changing trend in technological innovation, Quirk created "Tech Teams" consisting of local Massachusetts and New Hampshire youth. The teams teach customers how to use all of the technological capabilities that their vehicles offer. The program enables these local middle and high school students to learn about the automotive business, technology, and how to interact with people. Quirk also believes that the program offers a great opportunity for employment. [5]
Recent efforts to remodel the Marshfield Skate Park have been supported by Quirk Auto Dealers, who became a premium partner, donating $55,000 towards the construction of the new park.[6]
In 2015, Quirk was fined $60,000 for funneling $19,500 through his dealership to make illegal campaign donations to four candidates including Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch, Quincy City Councilor Brad Croall, Gov. Charlie Baker, and former attorney general candidate Warren Tolman.
References
- ↑ ""Daniel Quirk, president of Braintree-based Quirk Automotive Group, has a passion for cars – and entrepreneurship".".
- ↑ "BBB Business Review.".
- ↑ "The curtains rise on the Fore River Shipyard's new act as a movie studio".
- ↑ Cambridge PR Group (Nov 23, 2010). "Quirk Auto Dealers Team with Toys for Tots this Holiday Season". Read Media.
- ↑ Bill Griffith (July 12, 2014). "Dan Quirk: 17 Dealerships and a Passion for Automotive Quality". boston.com.
- ↑ "Marshfield Skate Park".