Houston, TX – June 13, 2025
The Greater Houston Black Chamber (GHBC) proudly hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to welcome Tony T Gulfgate Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram into the Chamber family. The celebration marked not only a new chapter for the dealership but also a historic continuation of Black ownership in the automotive industry — a sector where such representation remains rare.
The dealership, formerly under the leadership of James Davis, a longtime supporter and friend of GHBC, is now owned and operated by Tony Thomas, a veteran automotive executive with over 15 years of experience. Mr. Davis, who built Gulfgate Dodge into one of Houston’s top-performing and community-centered dealerships, passed the torch to Thomas earlier this year in a milestone moment during Black History Month. With the transition, Tony T Gulfgate became the largest African American-owned franchise dealership in Houston.
During the event, GHBC President & CEO Dr. Asheli S. Atkins addressed the crowd, highlighting the significance of this moment. “We are honored to celebrate Tony Thomas and welcome him as a GHBC member. His story is a powerful reminder of the legacy and leadership within our community. We are proud to support Tony T Gulfgate, one of the very few Black-owned dealerships in the state of Texas.”
Thomas, who began his career in automotive sales at Gulfgate Dodge and worked his way up through the ranks, now owns and operates multiple dealerships across the country, including in South Carolina and Arkansas. His leadership style is defined by community investment, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to mentorship and philanthropy.
Reflecting on his journey, Tony Thomas shared:
“Owning a Black owned business and being rooted in the community is both a privilege and a responsibility. It’s more than just entrepreneurship, it’s about representation, resilience, and reinvestment. As a Black business owner, I’m not only building economic stability for myself and my family, but I’m also creating space for others to see what’s possible. My presence challenges stereotypes, inspires the next generation, and often fills gaps in services or support that larger systems may overlook. Being a part of the community means being deeply connected to its needs, struggles, and victories. I see my neighbors not just as customers, but as partners in progress. Every decision I make, who we hire, how we show up, what we give back, reflects our commitment to uplifting those around us. There’s a deep pride in knowing my success is shared, and that I’m contributing to a legacy far greater than myself.”
With live music, local partners in attendance, and remarks from community and business leaders, the ribbon cutting was a festive affirmation of progress and promise. GHBC looks forward to deepening its partnership with Tony T Gulfgate and celebrating continued milestones in representation, ownership, and excellence.
For more information about Tony T Gulfgate CDJR, visit www.tonytauto.com.
