LAVIN CARS

ABOUT LAVIN

Born in 1920 in the Cedar Creek area of Horry County, South Carolina, Harry Lavin served his country heroically during World War lI.  As a Captain in the United States Army Air Corps, he piloted 96 1/2 missions.  Unfortunately, before the awful conflict ended, Harry's plane was shot down and he was captured by the enemy, becoming a prisoner of war.  For valorous service during combat, he received numerous awards, including a Silver Star and Purple Heart.

Harry first broke into the car business in 1960 by becoming a successful Ford salesman in the Chicago, Illinois area.  In 1974, he opened his first dealership, representing Ford Motor Company in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

In 1978, after deciding to retire, he moved his family to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  Retirement lasted only four months before Harry got "the itch" to sell cars again.

For a while, he and his son, Howie, worked as salesman and general manager for a local Ford dealership.  Then they had an idea:  Why not open a facility that would sell newer, nicer used cars?  In 1987, Harry along with his sons, Howie and Johnny, did just that and LAVIN CARS was born.  Harry's wife, Nancy, rounded out the day-to-day team.  Presently the "Lavin family" numbers twenty-five and is still growing.

In 1995, the Lavin's added a state-of-the-art service facility and body shop to better serve customer needs.  The hiring of qualified technicians and the purchase of new equipment keeps them on the cutting edge of the automobile service business. 

Harry and Nancy Lavin still contribute greatly to the daily operation of Lavin Cars, but the brunt of the business day is now led by Howie and Johnny.   Howie's sons Scott and Brandon, his daughter Ryan and John's son Grant have also joined the business ensuring that "when you buy a Lavin Car, you buy a car from a Lavin."