A native of Akron, OH, Eugene D. Graham's career in the automotive industry began in his hometown in 1953 as a salesman. Then, in 1962, Graham became owner and operator of his first dealership, Graham Ford in Akron, OH. Mr. Graham was the forerunner of owning multiple dealerships and owned eight all at one time during his career: Graham Ford (Akron, OH 1962), Graham Ford (Schenectady, NY 1966), Botzum Lincoln Mercury (Akron, OH 1967), Kent Lincoln Mercury (Kent, OH 1969), Graham Ford (Mentor, OH 1974), Graham Chrysler/Plymouth (Akron, OH 1975), Graham Lincoln Mercury (Dayton, OH 1976) and Graham Ford (Columbus, OH 1970).

In 1970, Graham purchased Beasley Ford in Columbus, OH. Ford Motor Company had approached him with an offer to sell him the store since he already owned several dealerships. From that time on, the most rewarding experiences in Graham's automotive career has been training and developing employees and then watching them grow and become successful. The business also has the good fortune of counting 2 son-in-laws as members of the family dealership.

Graham's most meaningful and important civic achievement was becoming Chairman of the Board of Trustees at the University of Akron. It gave him the opportunity to help direct his alma mater, which had given him so much, including an Honorary Doctorate Degree. Receiving an Honorary Degree from the University of Akron was significant because Graham had originally worked nights in order to obtain his Bachelor of Science degree. In his mind at that time, a Doctorate Degree, even honorary, was unattainable.

Graham was elected as the TIME DEALER OF THE YEAR in 1973 and 29 years later also recognized as a nominee for the 2002 TIME Magazine Quality Dealer Award. Graham was one of only 66 dealers, from more than 19,400 nationwide, nominated for the 33rd annual award. The TMQDA program recognizes outstanding new car dealers from exceptional performance in their dealership and distinguished community service.