For Tom and Amy Buckley, the road to building one of Utah’s premier luxury automotive dealerships didn’t begin with a grand plan—it started with grit, long hours, and a shared belief in what hard work could create.
“Tom started selling Chevrolets in Memphis, TN in 1991 to pay for college,” Amy recalls. “I started working as a receptionist at a Toyota, BMW, and Mercedes dealership in Florida in 1993.”
Their personal and professional lives quickly intertwined. Married in 1995, both climbed steadily, learning every department in dealerships. Today, those experiences are the foundation that defines their hands-on leadership style.
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Spending nearly every moment together—at work and at home—might challenge most couples. For the Buckleys, it’s their greatest strength.
“Working together is all we’ve ever known,” Amy laughs. “We bounce back and forth between work, life, and kids all day long. We discuss the kids and grandkids at work, and we also discuss work when we’re at home.”
Their four children are spread across the country—from Idaho to Tennessee to Virginia—and their growing family now includes two young granddaughters.
Their family and constant working connection has shaped a partnership that’s defined by immense respect for one another and each other’s talents. And after decades together, their relationship is one of trust and instinct.
Behind the Wheel of Salt Lake City Motorcars
With more than 65 years of combined dealership experience, launching Salt Lake City Motorcars in July 2021 was a calculated next step. Paired with what they describe as an “incredibly intense work ethic,” that confidence helped them establish a dealership that feels as personal as it is prestigious.
Their long-term working relationship with Bentley proved pivotal, ultimately helping them secure both Bentley and Lamborghini franchises that’s positioned them among an elite tier of automotive retailers in Salt Lake City. They added Lotus and Aston Martin to their offerings as well.
But for the Buckleys, success isn’t defined by the brands they carry—it’s measured by how people feel when they walk through the door.
Redefining the Dealership Experience
Step inside Salt Lake City Motorcars, and the difference is immediate. “Whether it’s a teenager who is excited about the brands or a seasoned Bentley owner, we want everyone who walks through the door to feel like a friend,” Amy says.
It’s less showroom and more an experience in southern hospitality and genuine connection.
“It’s not uncommon to see us on the sales floor helping customers find their dream cars, under a hood in the service department, or problem solving alongside our staff,” she explains. “Our priority is to set the highest customer experience and ensure every customer interaction is unparalleled,” Amy continues.
The Emotional Pull of Cars
For Tom, the love of cars began with a single image of a 1989 Lamborghini Countach photographed by Brad Wagner under the Golden Gate Bridge.
The lasting impression it left on him is something he recognizes in customers today and it’s what draws people to certain vehicles.
While the automotive industry continues to evolve, Tom remains passionate about an earlier era. “Naturally aspirated V12s before digital technology came on the scene were a true driver’s car,” he muses.
At the same time, he’s not immune to innovation. “The performance and technology of Pininfarina is mind blowing and unexpected,” he adds, pointing to the future of high-performance design.
Those features are shifting the luxury automotive world rapidly. “Luxury customers are demanding more technology and performance upgrades than ever before,” Tom says.
At the same time, a new generation of buyers is entering the market. “As more people enter their 40s and 50s and have the ability to buy their teenage dream car, the collector’s market has grown exponentially.”
Precision, Power, and Purpose
Despite working in the world of luxury automobiles, the Buckleys’ perspective remains grounded in community.
“The City of South Jordan has been so welcoming, accommodating, and supportive to our business and customers,” Amy says. And the Buckleys take every opportunity to give back through support of children’s causes, service members, and first responders.
Last year, South Jordan City presented its 2025 South Jordan Corporate Citizen Award to Tom for their active involvement in the community.
“The largest private contribution to our Gold Star Families Memorial Monument came from Salt Lake City Motorcars,” Mayor Dawn Ramsey stated. “They’ve always been so generous and have been warmly embraced by the community.”
Driving Utah’s Luxury Market
The Buckleys people-first mindset has helped shape the way they hire, lead, and grow, influencing everything from client relationships to long-term strategy.
“We would love to add a few more franchises to the portfolio and expand our facility,” Amy says of the next five to ten years.
With a loyal clientele and a team that reflects the standards they value most, they’ve built their reputation on trust, consistency, and the belief that exceptional service begins behind the scenes.
As the couple looks ahead, growth remains part of the vision, but only if it aligns with the culture they’ve worked so intentionally to create.
“A successful business is built on culture and its people,” Amy concludes. “If you take care of your employees, they will take care of the clients.”
Ultimately, success for the Buckleys isn’t just about cars. It’s about the journey, the people, and the partnership that’s been driving it all along.
“Whether it’s a teenager who’s excited about the brands or a seasoned Bentley owner, we want everyone who walks through the door to feel like a friend.”