Bendell speaks at biz forum

Bruce Bendell has built what started out as a $22,000 partnership with his brother in 1972, into the largest new- and used-car dealerships in the country, with sales in excess of $300 million.
Bendell, the CEO, Chairman of the Board, President and CFO of Major Automotive Companies in Long Island City, delivered the keynote address and shared some secrets to success at Queens College’s final business forum on Friday, February 29.
“We always try to think outside of the box and do things differently than other businesses,” said Bendell, who graduated Queens College in 1975 with a degree in economics and accounting.
In 1985, Bendell purchased Major Chevrolet - a dealership that had $10 million in annual sales - and in less than seven years, he helped build it into the largest dealership in New York State.
During his address, he spoke about customer retention, attracting and keeping quality employees and the location of the dealership as important parts of what helped the business flourish.
“I think Long Island City is critical because it’s in the heart of the city,” Bendell said. “Queens is where we want to be in the future.”
In addition to his success at Major Automotive, Bendell has also been involved in many community organizations including serving on the Queens Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors; a member of the Queens District Attorney’s Business Advisory Council and Chair of the Bell Atlantic Queens County Customer Advisory Board.
The Queens College Business Forum, which began in 2005, acts as a catalyst in the borough by bringing together the business community, local government, academia, and students to provide an opportunity for interaction and growth.
In addition to Bendell, Assemblymember Jose Peralta - who is also a Queens College graduate - talked about the positive impact these forums have and thanked Queens College for taking a leadership role.
“Queens College has always been the jewel of the CUNY [City University of New York] system,” Peralta said.