History of the Whitten Brothers

History of the Whitten Brothers

Who Are the Whitten Brothers?

The Whitten Brothers are a well-known name around Richmond. For more than 100 years, four generations of the Whitten family have operated dealerships throughout the region, serving local families and contributing to the community through changing economic times.

The four generations include Harrison Whitten Sr., Jimmy Whitten, Bobby Whitten, and Harrison Whitten. Each generation brought new ideas and leadership that helped the company remain relevant and successful throughout its history.

Today, operations are led by Harrison Whitten and Zack Cochran. Harrison focuses on sales and customer experience, while Zack oversees service, parts, and collision repair. Together, they remain committed to providing exceptional service across all locations.

Historic Whitten Brothers

The History of Whitten

The Whitten Brothers established their presence in Richmond during the 1920s, a period of rapid growth for the city.

The company began when Harrison Whitten Sr.'s father opened a small tire shop on March 8, 1920, at 1500 W. Broad Street.

The Growth of the Whitten Brothers

What began as a small automotive accessories and service shop steadily expanded through a commitment to customer service and community relationships.

By 1937, the business had grown into a franchised dealership.

The Whitten Brothers Take a Leap

The Ashland acquisition occurred during the economic recession of 2008, one of the most challenging periods for the automotive industry.

Despite the risks, the Whitten Brothers moved forward with their expansion plans and successfully weathered the recession.

Whitten in the Community

Through four generations of leadership, the Whitten family has remained deeply involved in the Richmond-Petersburg community.

Organizations supported include Connor's Heroes, James River Association, Ronald McDonald House, Ducks Unlimited, Ashland Little League, and Gordon Elementary Athletic Association.