The Tom Wood Legacy

Tom Wood's journey into the automotive industry began while he was attending college at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI. He took a position as a car salesman for a Mercury-Edsel dealership and quickly found a love for the industry. After college, Tom continued selling cars until he was offered the opportunity to purchase a small Hillman Sunbeam dealership in Kalamazoo. Within two years, the manufacturer went out of business and Tom was forced to adjust his operation into a wholesale-retail used car lot with a complete auto body shop. He continued this operation until he chose to relocate to Indianapolis in 1967 to purchase Hedges Pontiac at 3125 E. Washington Street.

Tom operated his business by a simple philosophy; "Success is not measured by the number of franchises or locations an organization has; it is measured by the people associated with it." Since the initial business acquisition in 1967, Tom Wood, Inc. has grown to thirteen automotive brands with fifteen dealerships, Tom Wood Collision, Sixt Rental Car, Auto Detail Plus, Big O Tires, Tom Wood Aviation, Tom Wood Powersports, Tom Wood Outdoor Equipment, Integrity Insurance, Quality Leasing, and Premier Acceptance. The Tom Wood family is comprised of over 1,000 employees and continues to grow, while always keeping focused on staff and community involvement.

Sadly, Tom Wood lost a hard-fought battle with cancer in February 2010, leaving an inspiring legacy to his family and the entire Indianapolis community. Following this difficult loss, Tom's son, Jeff Wood, took over as President and Dealer Principal of the company.

Jeff has a long history of serving his country, his community, and causes he is passionate about. After an early start in the car business, Jeff served his country for 20 years as an F-16 fighter pilot, including a tour with the Air Force Thunderbirds. He rejoined his father in the car business in 2008 and has been leading the Tom Wood group and carrying on his father's legacy since 2010. As part of honoring that legacy, Jeff and the entire Tom Wood team have continued the fight against cancer. Since 2010, the Tom Wood Group has been the #1 fundraiser in Indiana for the American Cancer Society. Jeff continues to lead the company with a strong passion for its employees and the community.