Lloyd Chavez

Lloyd George Chavez was born in 1928 in Denver. He gained footing as a determined individual while playing quarterback for Littleton High School, where he graduated at age 16.

Lloyd briefly attended Colorado A&M College (Colorado State University) before joining the U.S. Navy. After his service, he attended the University of Denver and hoped to land a job with General Motors.

Lloyd’s father was a gardener for Nate Burt; while studying at DU, it was that connection that led the young Lloyd into a used car sales position with Burt Chevrolet. “I had good training through the years from one of the best in the business,” Lloyd said.

Lloyd began buying into Burt’s business in 1966, when he purchased interest in the newly added Toyota operation, and became sole owner in 1987. Lloyd’s Chevrolet store was the largest dealership for that brand in the Rocky Mountain region for many years. For 19 years, his Subaru business was the largest in the world for that brand.

Lloyd rose from humble beginnings to head the Burt Automotive empire in Denver, which became the largest Hispanic-owned business in the country.

He demonstrated every day that he was a genius marketer and a true car guy as he purchased, managed and grew Burt into one of Colorado’s largest auto dealer groups. He was highly respected among his peers and the community.

At one point in his career, Lloyd correctly anticipated a downturn in the economy and bolstered Burt’s fleet operations. From there, he became a leading supplier to the large daily rental car companies, such as National, Hertz, Avis, Alamo and Dollar, as well as to the State of Colorado and U S West/Qwest.

Lloyd was Colorado ‘s nominee for the 1996 TIME Quality Dealer Award. He was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce.

Lloyd passed away at the age 88. He is survived by son LG Chavez, daughters Pamela Held and Denise Chavez-Wilson and spouses, 10 grandchildren and seven great- grandchildren.