That was the kind of man José Arredondo was—a visionary with a big heart, a bold voice, and a belief in lifting others higher, especially when they couldn’t yet see their own potential. 

 

Though José passed away in 2019, his legacy is anything but gone. It continues to shape lives, guide a growing business empire, and inspire an entire community through the work of his brother, Sergio Arredondo, and the dedicated team behind Arredondo Ventures and Family Motors Auto Group. 

Born in Michoacán, Mexico, José immigrated to the United States with little more than grit and a dream. He got his start as a car salesman in the San Fernando Valley before moving to Bakersfield, California, in the early 1990s, where opportunity knocked—and José answered with drive and determination. By 1993, he founded his first dealership and began building what would become one of Kern County’s most respected auto groups. 

 

Family Motors Auto Group now includes major General Motors dealerships in Delano and Fresno. But the Arredondo name stands for far more than just car sales—it stands for trust, generosity, and transformative community impact. 

 

José never forgot his roots. As his business flourished, he poured his energy into uplifting others: supporting employees, donating scholarships, funding churches, and quietly changing lives behind the scenes. Whether it was a waitress with worn-out shoes or a young employee who didn’t believe in themselves yet, José always found a way to serve. His approach was simple but powerful: “If you can change, we can change.” 

 

He also created Arredondo Ventures, a real estate and lease-holding company with its corporate office in Bakersfield. This entity allows the Arredondo family to continue giving back to Kern County through strategic investments, nonprofit partnerships, and sustained community support. 

 

Organizations like Garden Pathways and Cal State Bakersfield’s Scholarship Program have benefited directly from José’s vision, and those partnerships continue strong today. 

 

After José’s tragic passing, his brother Sergio Arredondo stepped up to lead the charge, becoming CEO of Family Motors Auto Group and President of Arredondo Ventures. Alongside Sergio is Ali Dhain, Vice President and CFO, and Laura Arredondo, who continues José’s community work and handles customer relations. Oscar Jimenez, Executive Manager, and Dora Cardenas, Office Manager for Arredondo Ventures Inc., have been working with the company for over 25 years. Oscar has worked at nearly every dealership José ever owned and is a major part of the organization, while Dora has played a key role in Arredondo Ventures’ growth and success. Together with Araceli Dorado and a tight-knit team of five at the corporate office, they are committed to keeping José’s spirit alive in everything they do. 

 

“It’s hard to look forward sometimes,” admits Ali. “People still call or send us Bible verses or pictures of José. Five years later, we’re still talking about him like he was just here yesterday.” 

And it’s no surprise. José was a force. He may not have finished high school, but when he entered a room, he owned it. As a keynote speaker, especially at Bakersfield College graduations, he mesmerized crowds with his raw, heartfelt storytelling. No script. No polish. Just real life, told with humor, heart, and faith. 

 

“He changed a lot of lives in our company,” says Ali. “He believed in people before they believed in themselves. He helped me grow as a leader. And Sergio does the same thing today.” 

 

The Arredondo brothers share a unique dynamic—different personalities, but the same unwavering commitment to people, purpose, and faith. It’s what has shaped their goals from the start: stay grounded, lead with integrity, and build something that outlasts you. 

 

The future of the group is rooted in legacy and faith. While they’re still waiting for justice in José’s case, the team presses forward, anchored by the values he lived by. Plans for growth continue, but never at the expense of people. Community service remains central, and mentorship within the company is a top priority. 

 

“We want every employee and every client to feel like an extension of José’s heart,” says Ali. “That’s how we grow—not just in numbers, but in purpose.” 

 

And that’s the magic of this story: Family Motors isn’t just a business. It’s a family. One that believes in second chances, servant leadership, and showing people who they can become—often before they can see it themselves. 

 

José Arredondo may no longer walk through the doors of his dealerships, but his impact echoes in every handshake, every scholarship, every promotion, and every act of kindness his team carries out today.