The Scott-McRae Group lost two of their longtime leaders in 2010, Co-Chair Henry H. “Tip” Graham, Jr., and Chairman Emeritus Walter McRae, Jr. Each of them forged a legacy of leadership that has enabled the company to be successful since 1916.
Walter McRae, Jr. joined the business after a stint in the U.S. Army in World War II and graduation from the University of Florida. He turned the company into one of the largest Ford dealerships in the U.S. and served on a variety of automotive and community boards. His list of achievements includes serving as President of the Ford Dealers Merchandising Group of the Southeast Region and Vice Chairman of the National Ford Dealer Council. In his hometown of Jacksonville, FL, he served on the boards of Jacksonville University, Barnett National Bank, and was President of the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce. He was a valued advisor to both Mayor Ed Austin and Mayor John Delaney. For his many honors the Jacksonville Chamber named him Distinguished Citizen of the Year in 2002.
Henry H. “Tip” Graham, Jr., a lawyer and University of Florida graduate, joined the business in 1977 and brought his vision for the business to life. He expanded the number of Scott-McRae dealerships, installed a computer-wide computer system in 1992, expanded the Auto Credit division, and even fostered the idea to build a LEED certified Mercedes-Benz of Gainesville. His innovations included the formation of an Executive Management Council with monthly meetings and a corporation mission that recognized employees, customers and the communities served.
Tip’s community involvement was much like Walter’s in that it would fill a book. He was involved in a variety of environmental activities including the protection of Kingsley Lake and purchase of land for the Alachua Conservation Trust. He also served on the boards of the Museum of Science and History, WJCT, Episcopal High School, North Florida Council Board of the Boy Scouts of America, and the Jacksonville Urban League. He was also Chair of the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and the Jacksonville Zoological Society. He helped establish the Blow the Whistle on Asthma Walk for the American Lung Association of North Florida. His foresight included the formation of the Scott-McRae Foundation and donation of office space so that the ALS Association of Florida could have a Jacksonville office. He even found the time to coach Little League. Tip was honored by Jacksonville Mayor John Peyton this past year when May 25th was named “Tip Graham Day” for his outstanding achievements in the community.
Scott-McRae Group will miss the leadership of both Walter and Tip but know that the company is in a better place because of their leadership.
Scott-McRae Group
701 Riverside Park Place
Jacksonville, FL 32204
(904) 354-4000
Fax (904) 354-5102