The Jim Ellis Story
About Mr. Ellis
All his life, Jim Ellis was a hard worker – long before Genesis of Atlanta opened its doors. He helped with farming, had a milk and paper route, offered construction services, ran a concessions stand at Grant Park, and held down a laundry route – all at the same time. As he studied for a BBA in general management at West Georgia College and Georgia State University, he worked as a prison guard and foreman, sold insurance and IBM machines, dabbled in real estate, and held various other jobs to pay his way through college.
Mr. Ellis then served two years in the U.S. Army. After returning home, he went back to what he knew: working hard. Soon, he found his home in the automotive world by starting a job with General Motors in 1960. During his tenure at General Motors, Jim was asked to relocate to the company's headquarters in Detroit, Michigan, but he chose to continue raising his family in Georgia. In 1965, Jim was hired at Chris Motors Volkswagen in Decatur.
The Beginning of Jim Ellis Automotive
In 1970, Jim Ellis and his wife, Billie, had an opportunity to establish their very own automobile dealership. Taking the biggest financial plunge of their lives, the couple sold several assets, used their entire life savings, cashed in Billie's retirement fund, and borrowed the remaining balance to open Jim Ellis Volkswagen in 1971.
What began as a significant business risk turned into a dream come true for the Ellis family. As a result, the Ellis family has been able to offer employment to thousands of Atlantans over the years. Their dedication has also created a thriving network of dealerships for future generations of the Ellis family to grow into and eventually manage.
Building a Family Culture
Family is foundational to the culture of Jim Ellis Automotive Group. Jim Ellis himself was active in the oversight and management of his auto group until 2015, when he handed the reins to his son, Jimmy Ellis. Jimmy not only continued the legacy of his father, but he also nearly doubled the size of the company in both dealerships and team members during his seven-year tenure as president and CEO.
In late 2022, the company lost both Jim and Jimmy Ellis. This deeply sad time of mourning spurred several family members, many of whom were already active within the automotive group, to step into new or expanded leadership roles. Jim Ellis's daughters, Karen Ellis Black and Kristi Ellis Cohron, both became corporate officers, and other third-generation family members moved into leadership roles as well.
Wes Ellis, Jimmy Ellis's son, became company president and CEO; Stacey Ellis Hodges, Jimmy Ellis's daughter, now serves as Vice President of Group Support Operations and Corporate Directors; and Brooke Ellis Gatlin, Karen Ellis Black's daughter, is the auto group's current Vice President of Human Resources. A few fourth-generation family members have entered the workforce at Jim Ellis Automotive Group as well, including Brooke Gatlin's two children, Tyler and Ivie.
Ivie completed a degree in business management and now works at Jim Ellis Volkswagen of Chamblee as a service advisor. Tyler completed sales training and is a sales consultant at Jim Ellis Ford Sandy Springs. Additional fourth-generation family members are likely to start careers in the organization after completing their education. Extended Ellis family members can also be found working within the company, like Jim Ellis's niece, Mickey Patterson, and her son, Andrew Roper.
The Jim Ellis Promise
Every Jim Ellis Automotive Group success story is born from one simple selling philosophy: We treat every customer like they're a member of our family. Our commitment has become known as "The Jim Ellis Promise," and current and future generations of the Ellis family put this into practice on a daily basis to pay homage to their founder while providing the best possible auto care.
The Jim Ellis Promise emphasizes high-level service, and you can expect it from any of our Georgia dealerships. Choose Jim Ellis for your automotive needs, and our team members will greet you with a warm welcome and work hard to perform their jobs thoroughly and quickly to respect your time. These guiding principles – a natural part of Jim Ellis's personality – have developed into the business philosophy that has guided us through the decades.
55 Years of Excellence and Counting
We're thrilled to announce that, as of 2026, Jim Ellis Automotive Group has been serving Georgia communities for 55 years. Over these generations, the company has grown from Mr. Ellis's singular Volkswagen dealership to a collection of 22 dealerships, a collision center, a service center, and a commercial van center. Our locations are spread across Atlanta, Buford, Kennesaw, McDonough, Marietta, Newnan, Sandy Springs, South Fulton, Union City, and Woodstock.
The Ellis family credits the company's many years of success and growth to its thousands of loyal customers and dedicated staff. We've all watched the world change over the past half-century, but Jim Ellis Automotive Group has remained steady in its values and in its commitment to the customers it serves in Atlanta, GA.
Jim Ellis Automotive Group is the largest family-owned and -operated auto network in Georgia, and it's still growing! We recently added a CDJR store to our group. For 23 consecutive years, we have earned the Consumer Choice Award for business excellence, and we currently employ over 1,700 team members. Our auto group also represents 21 incredible brands: Alfa Romeo, Audi, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Genesis, GMC, Hyundai, Jeep, Kia, Maserati, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Ram, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo.
Ongoing Community Support
From the outset, Jim and Billie's leadership has inspired their children and future generations to give back to their communities. This core principle of service has carried on from generation to generation to become part of the Jim Ellis Automotive Group DNA. Each year, Jim Ellis Automotive Group raises money for local organizations that help underprivileged children and women.
During our annual Holiday Giving Campaign, we typically receive nearly $65,000 from generous donors across Georgia. Through the Jim and Billie Ellis Foundation, the company has donated over $50 million to local organizations, including the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta, the Empty Stocking Fund, the Atlanta Community Food Bank, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, the Atlanta Children's Shelter, and MUST Ministries.
Whether we're supporting first responders and teachers, donating to child education programs, filling local food banks, or helping organizations find shelter for the unhoused, Jim Ellis Automotive Group is giving back to the most vulnerable members of our community.
Looking Toward the Next 50 Years and Beyond
As part of the distinguished Jim Ellis Automotive Group, Genesis of Atlanta is proud to give the residents of Atlanta, GA, a premium Jim Ellis experience. We work hard each day to make everyone feel at home at our dealership. We're extremely proud of our company's 55-year history, but our sights are also set on the future. No matter how large our network grows, Genesis of Atlanta is continually focused on how we can make the process of buying, selling, and servicing vehicles easier for you, our valued customer.
Want a digital tour of the new Genesis lineup before visiting our store? Genesis electric models like the GV60 and the Electrified GV70 are setting new standards in the luxury EV industry. These electric vehicles offer high-capacity batteries, ultra-fast charging, distinctive designs, and premium materials.
Whether you're leasing or financing, Genesis of Atlanta makes it a point to provide our best possible incentives. Online, you'll find an overview of our current Genesis special offers, or you can stop by to customize a lease or loan agreement that meets your financial goals. Our dealership is committed to upholding the Jim Ellis Promise, and we hope you'll visit soon to experience the Jim Ellis difference for yourself.
Thank You to Our Loyal Patrons
As we look toward the future, we want to be sure to celebrate our past. So many wonderful people have played a part in our dealership's and our company's success, and we could not be more humbled by all of your support. From the entire Genesis of Atlanta staff, we sincerely thank you for growing alongside us. If you haven't already, please allow our Jim Ellis Automotive store the opportunity to earn your business when buying or servicing a Genesis vehicle. With over 55 years of excellence at our backs, we're just getting started!