Balise Company History
Balise Motor Sales is a fourth-generation new and used vehicle dealer headquartered in West Springfield, Massachusetts with a rich history in Western MA dating back to 1919.
Company founder, Paul E. Balise, grew up on a farm in Hatfield, Massachusetts. In 1919, he purchased a welder and began fixing farm equipment and automobiles from his backyard garage. After seeing a bit of success, he opened the Hatfield Garage and became an associate Chevrolet dealer in Hatfield.
In March of 1929, Paul moved to Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts and opened a Chevrolet dealership and Used Car Outlet. In the early 1930’s, he moved the Chevrolet dealership to Main Street in the South End section of Springfield, Massachusetts. A few years later, Balise Chevrolet moved into a former Dodge dealership on what is now East Columbus Avenue in the South End of Springfield. This move solidified Springfield as the Balise family home and allowed the company to establish roots while developing the moral values that would become ingrained in the fabric of what it means to be a part of Balise.
James E. Balise, one of Paul’s ten children, took over for his father as CEO of Balise Motor Sales in 1958. In August of 1971, under Jim’s leadership, Balise opened one of the first Honda automobile dealerships in North America. Balise Honda originally operated out of the East Columbus Avenue location alongside Balise Chevrolet, but moved to a new facility on Riverdale Street in West Springfield in May of 1985. Although just over the river, West Springfield and Riverdale Street in particular would become another home for Balise.
In 1986, Jim’s son, James E. Balise Jr. (better known as Jeb) became President of Balise Motor Sales and has been the driving force in transforming Balise into one of the largest retailers of new and used automobiles in New England and one of the top automotive groups in the country.
As of 2020, Balise motor Sales employs over 1,500 associates at facilities in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island and is still growing! We look forward to being a part of our communities for years to come.
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