05/08/2026
Member Spotlight: Franklin Motors and Garage, formally Bowers Used Auto
The Pendleton County Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Franklin Motors and Garage, formally Bowers Used Auto Sales as this July’s Member Spotlight. Located at 14 North Main Street in downtown Franklin, the locally owned dealership is entering an exciting period of growth as it has rebranded and is expanding beyond vehicle sales to offer mechanical repairs, maintenance, tires, detailing, and other automotive services.
The dealership is owned and operated by Justin and Melinda Bowers.
The story behind Franklin Motors and Garage is rooted in more than two decades of automotive experience. A Pendleton County native, Justin began working with Ford Motor Company in December 2004 and spent more than 20 years building a successful career in vehicle sales. During that time, he sold thousands of vehicles, developed a loyal customer base, and became one of the leading Ford salespeople in the Shenandoah Valley.
That experience provided Justin with more than an understanding of vehicles, financing, and sales. It also allowed him to build an extensive network of mechanics, bodywork professionals, tire suppliers, windshield technicians, dealerships, vehicle transporters, and other trusted automotive contacts.
Franklin Motors and Garage now brings those relationships and that experience home to Franklin.
“I think the harder I work, the luckier I get,” Justin explained during our interview. However, he is also quick to credit the employees, customers, vendors, friends, and family members who have supported the business and helped it grow.
Justin gives particular credit to his wife, Melinda, who manages much of the administrative side of the dealership. She handles financing documents, title work, and coordination with the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, helping customers complete the necessary paperwork and get on the road in their new vehicles as quickly as possible.
“It takes a village,” Justin said. “I’ve got a great village.”
Helping Customers Find the Right Vehicle
Franklin Motors and Garage offers a broad selection of pre-owned cars, trucks, and SUVs, but customers are not limited to the vehicles currently sitting on the lot.
Through relationships developed over more than 20 years in the automotive industry, the dealership can help locate specific vehicles based on a customer’s needs, preferences, and budget. Whether someone is searching for an affordable first vehicle, a dependable family SUV, a work truck, or a nearly new model, the team can use its dealer network to help find the right fit.
The dealership also accepts trade-ins and places particular value on clean, well-maintained vehicles that can be prepared for the next owner without extensive repairs or reconditioning.
For the team at Bowers, the goal is not simply to complete a sale. It is to build relationships that keep customers returning for years to come.
Qualifying vehicles may be offered with warranty protection through an outside warranty provider, including roadside assistance. Extended warranty options may also be available to customers who did not originally purchase their vehicles from Bowers.
Even carefully inspected used vehicles can occasionally experience an unexpected mechanical issue. When that happens, the dealership’s approach is to help the customer find a solution rather than leave them to manage the situation alone.
That commitment may include coordinating warranty repairs, providing transportation assistance when possible, or working directly with the dealership’s mechanic to diagnose and address the problem.
“I’m going to do what it takes to keep the customer and take care of the people who do business with us,” Justin said.
Expanding Into Mechanical Services
One of the most significant recent developments at Franklin Motors and Garage is its expansion into automotive repair and maintenance.
The mechanical side of the business initially developed from the dealership’s own need to inspect, maintain, and prepare vehicles for sale. Local repair shops provide valuable services, but high demand can sometimes result in customers waiting days or weeks for an appointment. Having an in-house mechanic allowed Bowers to service its inventory more efficiently and get vehicles safely back on the road.
It did not take long for customers to begin requesting the same services.
What began as an internal operation has quickly grown through word-of-mouth recommendations. Customers from Pendleton County and the Shenandoah Valley are now bringing vehicles to Bowers for maintenance and repair work.
Current automotive services include:
Tire sales, mounting, and balancing
Brake service
Air-conditioning service
Engine diagnostics
Preventive maintenance
General mechanical repairs
Automotive detailing
Service for many extended warranty plans
These mechanical services are available to the public, not only to customers who purchased a vehicle from the dealership.
The business has also placed a strong emphasis on affordable tire pricing. By using wholesale relationships developed through years in the automotive industry, Bowers can offer competitively priced tires along with mounting and balancing services.
Mechanic Dennis Huffman has become an important part of the operation. His ability to work on a wide variety of makes and models has allowed the dealership to broaden the services it provides and handle repairs that might otherwise require customers to travel outside the county.
As demand continues to increase, Franklin Motors and Garage hopes to expand its mechanical team and create additional employment opportunities.
Bringing Automotive History Full Circle
The next stage of the business’s growth carries special historical significance for Franklin.
Franklin Motors and Garage is expanding into the neighboring building that once operated as a Ford dealership. Decades ago, local mechanics and salespeople worked from the same property, serving generations of Pendleton County residents.
The building still contains pieces of that history, including old records and vehicle sales documents dating back several decades. The business hopes to preserve and display some of those materials as it brings automotive sales and service back into the former dealership.
For Justin, who spent more than 20 years working with Ford, moving into Franklin’s former Ford dealership brings his career full circle.
The expansion also represents something larger for downtown Franklin. It places an active and growing business inside a historic commercial property while creating additional services, employment opportunities, and reasons for customers to visit the community.
Investing in Local People
Franklin Motors and Garage is interested not only in hiring experienced automotive professionals, but also in helping younger residents develop valuable skills and careers.
The business has discussed opportunities to work with local high school students through work-based learning and internship programs. The goal is to give young people hands-on experience while creating a potential pathway into a well-paying automotive career without requiring them to leave Pendleton County.
Justin recognizes that skilled mechanics are in high demand throughout the region. By investing in training, competitive wages, and local employment opportunities, Bowers hopes to help keep more of that talent here at home.
Looking Ahead
Franklin Motors and Garage is continuing to grow its vehicle inventory, mechanical operation, and presence in downtown Franklin. The business expects to add more technicians as space and demand allow while continuing to help customers find vehicles that meet their needs.
Behind that growth is a straightforward philosophy: work hard, surround yourself with dependable people, treat customers fairly, and stand behind your work.
With more than 20 years of automotive experience, a loyal customer base, expanding mechanical services, and a renewed presence in one of Franklin’s historic dealership properties, Franklin Motors and Garage is helping bring new energy and opportunity to downtown Franklin.
The Pendleton County Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Franklin Motors and Garage and looks forward to watching the business continue to grow and serve our community.
Connect with Franklin Motors and Garage
Location: 14 North Main Street, Franklin, WV 26807
Phone: 304-902-9155
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BowersUsedAutoSales
Website and Current Inventory:
Used Cars Franklin WV At Bowers Used Auto Sales, our customers can count on quality used cars, great prices, and a knowledgeable sales staff.
