Our History

Ed Fitzgerald

San Francisco-born Edward J. Fitzgerald arrived in Phoenix in August 1955 from Los Angeles, where he had worked with R. Mitchel McClure. Together, they began Courtesy Chevrolet, an Arizona corporation, in an old farmhouse at 1521 East Camelback Road, which had a tin shed out in the back, which was used as a makeshift garage and make-ready area. At this time, Courtesy Chevrolet was located on the outskirts of town, especially as far as the business was concerned. In those days, the Phoenix, Arizona, city limits were located at the Grand Canal, which passes a half-mile south of the dealership.

While the business was getting underway, properties were being purchased a few blocks to the west, architects’ plans were drawn, and eventually, building was begun. In 1957, Courtesy Chevrolet moved down the street to the present facility at 1233 East Camelback Road, and since that time, it has prospered and grown. In late 1963 and early 1964, the second-floor addition was completed, and in 1978, the building was completed to house recreational vehicles, where the Commercial Fleet Department is presently located. 1985 saw the completion of the new Parts Department at 1230 East Pierson Street, on the site where Mr. McClure’s home and stable used to be. From 1999-2001, property was acquired on the south side of Pierson, and make-ready and reconditioning have been moved there, along with some additional room for vehicle storage. Another building project saw the completion of the doubling of our service bays during this time. During 2001, the Used Car Department expanded onto Bell Road, near 16th Street, to further expand the resale vehicle business. Currently under development is a new and used vehicle get-ready facility.

In February of 1969, Mr. Fitzgerald purchased Mr. McClure’s share of this fine business.

Bill Gruwell

In March of 1981, Mr. Fitzgerald included Mr. William R. Gruwell as a partner in Courtesy Chevrolet, where Mr. Gruwell today is the Vice President and Dealer Operator. Upon the passing of Mr. Fitzgerald in 2000, Mr. Gruwell became a partner with Mrs. Fitzgerald. Bill was voted Times Dealer of the Year for Arizona in 1995.

Scott Gruwell

Scott Gruwell currently serves as the President and CEO of Courtesy Automotive Group now. With over 29 years of hands-on experience, Scott began his career at Courtesy Chevrolet as a retail salesperson working alongside his father.

Scott has helped grow Courtesy Automotive Group from one store to a multi-brand, seven-dealership operation. He’s worked hard to manifest the Courtesy Way daily at the stores and helped ensure the company remains family-oriented, working alongside his Brother-in-Law, Jason, and Nephew Tommy.

Jason Church

Jason Church joined the family business in 2008, just in time for the great recession. Jason was born in Africa and married Jennifer Gruwell in 2001. They then moved to London and relocated to Arizona. Jason brings with him a P&G background working in FMCG in the UK and South Africa. Jason was proud to build and grow our first new dealership, Courtesy Volvo Cars of Scottsdale. A new point that has grown to be the number one Volvo dealer in the state. Jason also serves on the Retail Advisory Board for Volvo, and in 2025 became Chairman of the Board.

Courtesy Today

Today, Courtesy has entered its Fourth Generation of Family working within the Courtesy Automotive Group. The Group now proudly represents industry-leading brands including Chevrolet, Isuzu Truck, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM, Nissan, Kia, Polestar, and Volvo, serving tens of thousands of customers throughout Arizona and Southern California. Courtesy still remains true to its name. With a focus on our employees, we deliver fantastic customer experiences that keep our Courtesy family of customers coming back. Something we call – The Courtesy Way.