Preston Superstore is a prominent family-owned business in Burton recognized for its motto, “The Nicest People Serving The Nicest Guests.” Perhaps less well-known is the family’s civic commitment to education in general and at Geauga in particular.
“Philanthropy has always been a core value in our business,” says Jackie Preston-Franck. She manages marketing, advertising, and customer service at the auto dealership, which was founded by her father, Pat. “We came to this community over 30 years ago and were welcomed and supported, so we made sure giving back to our community was at the top of our list of values.”
As transplants from New Jersey in 1992, the Preston family discovered authentic hometown values and vibrant potential in Geauga County. So they didn’t want to simply operate a business here as if they were a large, disconnected, corporate auto group. They resolved to share their bottom line as a positive community partner. Customers are encouraged when they recognize that their patronage helps to support local causes.
Over the years, Preston Superstore has sponsored fundraising campaigns for Cardinal Local Schools, programs for students with developmental disabilities, local teachers, and Kent State Geauga’s Burton campus and the Twinsburg Academic Center. The family business has given generous annual gifts to the Kent State Geauga building fund, which supports building renovations, including the new nursing lab and the academic learning commons. In the past five years alone, the dealership has donated approximately $100,000, bolstering vital programs for local students pursuing higher education and a brighter future.
“My dad has always been passionate about education,” Jackie shares. “We feel it is so special that we have higher education at our fingertips, right here in our community. The nursing lab and the new student center were fun ventures to be a part of! To see the transformation has been amazing. Any time an entity like Kent State Geauga succeeds and grows, it can only benefit our community as a whole. It gives those that live and work in this area access to world-class education.”
Jackie has taken her civic duty even further, serving on the Kent State Geauga Advisory Board. In this role as a bridge between the community and the college, she says, “I have really enjoyed getting to know the administration and staff. It's also been fun to see all the improvements and exciting things this campus has to offer.”
Preston Superstore’s philanthropy to Kent State Geauga and its legacy of supporting the local community can inspire other local businesses and organizations to follow their lead.
“Kent State Geauga is worth supporting,” Jackie emphasizes. “They take the funds and put them to good use. They are expanding growing majors and investing in their facilities to give their students the step up they need to succeed, not only in their major but in their future.”
The dean of the Geauga Campus, Dr. Angela Spalsbury, adds, “The Preston family possesses a grounded awareness of the importance of community: The collaboration between local businesses and the university is focal to the success of our younger generation. The Prestons provide opportunities to local students who may not otherwise have access to college courses. The campus is grateful for the impact that Preston Superstore has in Geauga County.”
The Prestons recognize, “When other businesses and entities like Kent State Geauga succeed and thrive and grow, it benefits all of us,” Jackie says. “We know that giving is usually contagious, so taking the lead is something we are proud of.”
Anyone interested in becoming a philanthropic partner to Geauga County’s institution of higher learning can contact Rebecca Gierman, Associate Director of External Relations at KSU Geauga/TAC—rgierma1@kent.edu or (440) 834-3761—to build your legacy of supporting local, world-class education. Like the owners of Preston Superstore, you can help to change lives by making higher education accessible, affordable, and attainable at our local Kent State Geauga.