Grandson of Woodmere car dealer drives the family tradition

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Inspired by his grandfather Theodore Brodlieb, who once owned Brodlieb Motors in Woodmere, Oliver Brodlieb, a fourth-generation car dealer, was elected chairman of the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association, which represents and advocates for more than 400 franchise new car dealers across the metropolitan area.

Oliver, president of East Hills Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram in Greenvale, was selected by his peers at what the industry is calling a crucial time as it seeks to recoup from the financial losses of the coronavirus pandemic and embrace new technologies, including electric vehicles.

Theodore started in the car business shortly after World War II, working at his uncle’s Desoto dealership, Marathon Motors in Brooklyn. Theodore moved on to open Idlewild Motors in Springfield Gardens, Ted’s Ford in Far Rockaway and then Brodlieb Motors. He died in 2011.

“Our industry has a bright and prosperous future, and we need talented young women and men to carry us forward as we enter a more technologically advanced age for vehicles,” Oliver said in a news release. “As we saw during the pandemic, personal vehicles are more important to people than ever, particularly here in downstate New York, and the importance of retail auto dealers has been so clearly demonstrated. I am delighted to be able to work with my colleagues to support one of the most critical industries for our state.”

His first official duty will be opening the 2021 New York International Auto Show, rescheduled because of the pandemic for Aug. 19 to 29 at Manhattan’s Jacob Javits Convention Center. The show is the oldest and largest public auto show event in North America. It was postponed in April of 2020 and will be held in August for the first time in its 121-year history.

The Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association represents an industry that supports more than 72,000 jobs, generates more than $53 billion in economic activity and is the fifth largest retail employer in the 12 counties its member have their businesses, from New York City to Long Island to Westchester County and points north.

Oliver has worked at East Hills dealerships for nearly 25 years, holding virtually every position, including service adviser, salesman, sales manager, finance manager, and others. In 2007, he became partners with Ken Brodlieb, who is his uncle and founder of the East Hills Auto Group.

Along with Tim Brodlieb, the group consists of three Chevrolet franchises and one Subaru franchise. Oliver has another uncle, Marc Brodlieb, who owns and operates a Honda and another Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram franchise.

Oliver lives in Cold Spring Harbor with his wife, Taryn, and two children, Bo and Charlie.