Over the years, the GRUBB family's reputation for integrity and unique customer service has made them one of the most trusted names in vehicle sales in the history of greater Phoenix area. It's a history that began in 1945, when Dan's father, Lou Grubb, came to the Valley of the SUN with just $27 in his pocket.

After trying a variety of jobs, he began working for Read Mullen’s Consolidated Motors, where he quickly learned the business and eventually founded Grubb Automotive in 1972. Valley residents appreciated his honest approach to vehicle sales and rewarded him with the kind of customer loyalty that's a rare commodity in any business.

Just a few years later, in 1979, the original Pioneer Ford opened at 27th Avenue and Van Buren, developing a reputation with its customers for reliability and trust, as well as community involvement. Though originally competitors in the automotive sales world, the two companies’ owners both valued integrity and loyalty in their sales approach.

Lou was well known for his " Take Five " radio commercials, charming listeners with homespun stories and advice rather than the typical hard sell.

In 1997, Lou sold the company to AutoNation and stayed on for eight years as a legacy dealer.

As a teenager, Dan learned the family business from the ground up, beginning with sweeping the parts department floor. After managing a Grubb dealership in California, he returned home to help manage Grubb Automotive in 1988, and ultimately became president and chief executive officer. When the dealerships were sold, Dan became part of the AutoNation management team.

After more than six years with AutoNation, Dan left his corporate position and began focusing on other auto dealership interests in California, as well as planning his return to the Phoenix automotive business. One of his first ventures was the new Pioneer at I-10 and Litchfield Road, formerly Pioneer Ford West. This venture unites two entities with reputations built upon respect, trust and loyalty. His partners in the new business are friends he worked with over the years.

All of Dan's vast automotive experience confirms what his father, Lou Grubb, knew to be true: " We respect our customers. We will always treat the customer right and continue to go the extra mile because it's the relationship going forward that's important. It's my job to make sure the customer has a great buying experience."