When Terry and Cindy Gilmore opened Paradise Chevrolet Cadillac in 1992, they weren’t just building a dealership--they were planting roots in a community they cherished. More than three decades later, Paradise has grown into one of the most respected dealerships nationwide, known not only for the level of sales and service they provide but for its unwavering commitment to people. Terry Gilmore is more than a successful business owner; he is a community leader whose influence extends beyond the showroom floor. His lifelong dedication has earned him the highest accolades, including the title of “Citizen of the Year” four times and the Temecula Valley Chamber’s “Lifetime Achievement Award.” Nationally, Terry has been recognized by Time Magazine as one of the top automotive dealers in the country. From shaping the community to helping shape regional initiatives, Terry’s impact can be felt across Riverside County and beyond. At Paradise the intention has always been clear: “It’s more than cars, it’s about community.”

A proud Chamber member since its inception, Paradise is a Silver Level Chairman’s Elite Circle Member, a Legacy Partner, and most recently the 2024 Platinum Business of the Year recipient. The Chamber has played a vital role in fostering connections that allow Paradise to serve more deeply—acting as a conduit between local businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders. Through this partnership, Paradise has been able to expand its impact not just financially, but with genuine involvement that reflects the heart of the dealership. One of the most recognizable faces in local philanthropy is Becky Young, a 26-year Paradise team member and dedicated board member of the Chamber. Whether it’s a fundraiser for The Boys and Girls Club, Animal Friends of the Valley, or a Chamber mixer, Becky is there—representing Paradise, building relationships, and giving back. Community engagement is woven into the company culture, and it’s common to find several Paradise employees volunteering across the Valley year-long.

Home to over 215 team members, Paradise feels more like a family than a business. Almost half of the employees have been with Paradise for 10 years plus, including Stacey Richards who began as a shuttle driver 33 years ago and is now the company’s CFO. Todd Tracy, the current General Manager, has devoted 23 years to help build the Paradise legacy and will retire at the end of this year. These long-term team members are the soul of Paradise, earning customer loyalty through sincere relationships.

Looking ahead, Paradise is gearing up for a new and exciting chapter. In 2026 Katelyn Gilmore--daughter of Terry and Cindy--will step into the role as General Manager. Raised both in the Temecula Valley and in the family business, Katelyn has spent years watching leadership entrenched with integrity and compassion. Katelyn’s passion is employee culture. “We can have the best process in place for great customer service, but without happy employees we will have no one to execute,” says Katelyn. After years of learning from the best, Katelyn is ready to carry the Paradise legacy forward—honoring the culture that built it, while thoughtfully adding her own chapter to its story. Today, she balances her role in the dealership with her most cherished roles—partner to fiancé Trevor and mom to their son, Sawyer, who remains her greatest inspiration both at work and at home.

Paradise Chevrolet is proud to be the recipient of the Chevrolet Dealer of the Year award every year since 2014—an honor bestowed on only 50 dealerships nationwide. Still, if you ask anyone at Paradise what they’re most proud of, you won’t hear about awards or numbers. Instead, they’ll talk about the customers who’ve become friends, the employees who’ve become family, and the community that’s become home.

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