Jay Cimino

Jay Cimino was born and raised in Trinidad, Colorado, where after graduating from high school, he joined the Marine Corps. Following his service, he earned an associate’s degree at Trinidad State Junior College, and graduated on the Dean’s List from the University of Denver.

After holding various positions in Chevrolet and Ford dealerships in Pueblo and Santa Fe, New Mexico, Jay joined Phil Long in 1975 as the General Manager, where he ultimately became President and CEO of Phil Long Dealerships. Today, Phil Long is the largest privately held auto dealer group in the state, stretching from Glenwood Springs to Denver, Colorado Springs and Trinidad, and on to Raton, New Mexico.

Jay’s leadership and passion for solid business practices have contributed to the strength of Phil Long, and is the result of Jay’s overall vision of commitment to the community, quality customer service and exceptional value. He was instrumental in developing Colorado Springs’ Motor City, now home to more than 50 dealerships.

Jay has established many business and philanthropic programs to support the development of not only his hometown, but all of Colorado. He believes his greatest accomplishments are founding Mt. Carmel Wellness and Community Center in Trinidad, which provides integrated healthcare to Las Animas County, and Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center in Colorado Springs, which offers several programs to support the military community and their families.

Jay has fostered a multitude of community partnerships, sponsorships and campaigns, including Pikes Peak United Way, the first community partnership he developed in 1947. Also, Jay was instrumental in the campaign to renovate and build a new addition to the Marian House, transitioning it from a soup kitchen to a self-sufficiency center.

He developed a health and wellness program for Phil Long employees and their families, which includes on-site health clinics and fitness facilities.

Jay was inducted into the Colorado Business Hall of Fame in 2020. He has received many awards, including from the American Red Cross, El Pomar Foundation, Ford Motor Company, Regis University. He was Colorado’s nominee for the 2013 TIME Dealer of the Year award. Also, Jay received the Ft. Carson Army Post, which presented him with the highest honor given to a civilian: the Good Neighbor award.