If you’ve spent any time driving through the backroads of South Mississippi or the Gulf Coast, you’ve definitely seen the name. It’s on the chrome badges of countless Sierras and Silverados. It’s on the license plate frames in Hattiesburg and the massive signs in Lucedale. Walt Massey Automotive Inc isn't just another car dealership—it’s kind of a regional institution at this point.
But honestly, most people just see the shiny showrooms and the "Everything Matters" slogan and assume it’s some massive, faceless corporate machine. It isn't.
Actually, the story of how this group grew from a single struggling store in 1993 to a multi-state powerhouse is a bit of a wild ride. It’s a story about a guy who started cutting grass and washing cars at eight years old. It’s about a family business that actually stayed a family business, even as it scaled to eight locations and counting.
The Lucedale Gamble That Started It All
Walt Massey didn't inherit a polished empire. Far from it.
Back in 1993, his father bought a dealership in Lucedale, Mississippi, that was—to put it lightly—struggling. Walt was in college at the time. He dropped everything to go run the place. Imagine being 21 years old, 13 days shy of your 22nd birthday, and suddenly you're responsible for an entire dealership's survival.
He took the challenge. He worked the floor. He learned the mechanics.
That single Chevrolet-GMC store became the foundation. Today, Walt Massey Automotive Inc operates across a massive footprint:
- Lucedale, MS: The headquarters, featuring Chevrolet, GMC, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM.
- Hattiesburg, MS: Home to the flagship Chevrolet location.
- Columbia, MS: A hub for Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, and the Mopar brands.
- McComb, MS: Where the group handles the Kia side of things.
- Chatom, AL: A key Chevrolet outpost across the state line.
- Marianna, FL: Expanding the reach into the Florida Panhandle with Nissan.
- Marion, AR: Stretching the Massey name even further north with more Chevy inventory.
Why Does Walt Massey Automotive Inc Keep Winning?
It’s easy to say "customer service" because every dealership says that. It’s basically a requirement in the industry handbook. But when you look at the actual data from 2025 and early 2026, something different is happening here.
Just this month, in January 2026, the Hattiesburg location was officially named the #1 Chevrolet Dealer in the State of Mississippi. That’s not a participation trophy. It’s based on raw sales volume and customer satisfaction scores that are notoriously hard to keep high in a world where everyone loves to complain online.
One thing they do that’s sorta unique? The "250-mile delivery."
Most dealerships want you on the lot so they can "grind" you on a deal. Massey’s crew has basically embraced the digital age. They’ll deliver a vehicle to your doorstep if you live within 250 miles of the store. That covers a huge chunk of the Southeast. They also do free pickup and delivery for service appointments.
In a world where everyone is time-poor, that’s a massive flex.
The Leadership Behind the Scenes
While Walt Massey is the face and the owner, the day-to-day operations involve a heavy-hitting leadership team. We’re talking about people like:
- Steven Jarrell (CEO): Steering the high-level strategy.
- Brandon Walker (COO): Managing the nuts and bolts of the eight-store operation.
- Marc Kubicki: The GM who pushed the Hattiesburg store to that #1 spot.
The Community Factor (It's Not Just PR)
Look, we've all seen the cheesy "community-focused" commercials. But Massey actually puts money where the mouth is. Walt himself was the 2020 TIME Dealer of the Year nominee for Mississippi.
Why? Because when Hurricane Michael trashed Florida in 2018, he didn't just write a check. He sent 25 of his own employees down there to help clear debris. When Hurricane Irma hit South Carolina, he was personally involved in transporting generators to victims.
They also bankroll Mercy House Ministries, which provides no-cost rehab for men struggling with addiction. They don't just give them money; they often provide jobs to the men in the program. That’s a level of involvement you don't typically see from a guy who owns a bunch of car dealerships.
What to Expect If You Actually Walk In
If you're looking for a vehicle, you need to know that Walt Massey Automotive Inc isn't a "one-price" store like CarMax, but they aren't the old-school "let me talk to my manager" sharks either.
The vibe is generally described in reviews as "patient." In late 2025, customers specifically called out salespeople like Tommy Davis and Latisha Goff for not being "yes men." They match the energy of the customer. If you're in a hurry, they move. If you want to spend four hours looking at every stitch in a Tahoe’s interior, they’ll sit there with you.
A Few Realities to Keep in Mind
- Service Wait Times: Like every shop in 2026, parts shortages can still happen. Some reviews mention that while the staff is friendly, major repairs can take a minute if a specific sensor is backordered.
- Communication: They use a lot of automated reminders. Some customers love the texts; others find the frequency a bit much. You can opt out, but be prepared for a very "connected" experience.
- Inventory: They are heavy on trucks. If you want a specialized EV or a very specific European trade-in, their Lucedale and Hattiesburg lots are your best bet.
Actionable Insights for Your Next Visit
If you're planning on doing business with Walt Massey Automotive Inc, don't just wing it. Here is how to actually navigate the experience to get the best result.
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1. Leverage the "Live Market Pricing"
The group uses software to price their used inventory against everyone else within a 300-mile radius. Use this. If you find a similar truck in Mobile or New Orleans for less, show them. They generally pride themselves on being at or below market value to keep the "volume" model moving.
2. Use the "Shop-at-Home" Tools Early
Don't wait until you're on the lot to do your credit app. Their website is actually robust. You can value your trade and get a firm financing offer before you even drive to Lucedale or Columbia. This cuts your "dealership time" down from four hours to about forty-five minutes.
3. Ask About the "Massey Advantage"
They often have specific perks tied to their service department, like loaner car programs or specific warranty extensions on used vehicles that aren't always front-and-center on the sticker. Ask your salesperson to lay out the "after-sale" benefits clearly.
4. Target the End of the Month for New Chevys
Since they are fighting to keep that #1 spot in Mississippi, the sales managers are often highly motivated to hit their volume targets during the last three days of the month. If you're looking for a deal on a new Silverado or Equinox, that's your window.
At the end of the day, Walt Massey Automotive Inc has survived thirty-plus years in a brutal industry by being more than just a place to buy a car. They’ve become a part of the local geography. Whether you're in McComb or Chatom, the reputation is built on the fact that the guy whose name is on the building started out by mowing the grass. That kind of history is hard to fake.
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Next Steps for You:
Check the current "Featured Specials" on the Walt Massey website for the specific location nearest you, as the incentives in Florida (Marianna) often differ significantly from the Mississippi (Hattiesburg) regional offers. If you are trading in a vehicle, use their online KBB tool to get a baseline value before visiting the showroom to ensure you have a firm starting point for negotiations.