The Founding Fathers
From its humble beginnings in 1970 through to its dynamic visionary facilities of today Joe Duffy Motor Group has always put the customer experience to the forefront of its business goals - "its our people that make the difference" has always been our motto.
Central to the development of this philosophy were the founding fathers of the business over 40 years ago; Joe Duffy & Bill Thompson.
Without the vision and fortitude of these two gentlemen Joe Duffy Motor Group as it is today and the Irish motor industry would not be what they are today.
Below is a brief profile of the men who started it all:
Joe Duffy
Sadly now passed away, Joe began his career at Denis Mahony Ltd. where he rose to become Managing Director. In 1970 he set up the original Joe Duffy Garage on the Ballygall Road East, joined by Bill Thompson who was the financial director at his previous firm. In the initial year Joe began a process of modernisation which is still prevalent today - introducing the first automatic car wash in Ireland, a commitment to first class customer service and new concepts in car servicing techniques. In 1972 Joe was awarded the very first BMW franchise in Ireland, in that year 180 BMW's were sold in the 26 counties, of which 90 were sold by Joe. Joe continued to innovate and successfully grow his business for many years and became one of the best known figures in the motor industry in the country.
Bill Thompson
Bill, as mentioned above had worked closely with Joe Duffy as financial director at their previous company and joined Joe in 1970 as joint managing director of Joe Duffy Motors. Known as much in golfing circles (Bill played golf to an interprovincial standard) as he was in the motoring industry Bill became an expert in the ever increasing financial and taxation issues that evolved as Ireland's motor trade grew. He gladly helped advise generations of Joe Duffy customers looking after the leasing division of the company which incorporated the lease and contract hire of all leading car models.
