Howard M. Van Bortel

I started my first job at Palmyra Motors when I was 18 years old and just out of high school. I was a a little scared at first of Howard since he was my first boss and very tall. I thought is was cool when Howard would sell his Rolls Royce's to people from other countries. I think quite often about my time at Palmyra Motors. Cheryl Bowen Wagner

I just found this guest book and feel compelled to write something, even though it has been almost 4 years since Howard's passing.
To start, I just want to say that Howard was one of the best friends I ever had. He was always there to talk with me during some of the most difficult periods of my life. For many years I spoke with almost everyday. He had a unique way of looking at things, which is what made him a genius at business. I loved he one liners, especially, "If you don't know where...

A sad time, indeed. Howard was easily one of the most intelligent men I have ever met. He knew a fool when he saw one, but I never saw him act in a mean or small-spirited way, because he was not a small man. I often heard people remark on how he would listen, intently, to whatever they had to say. A shame that others sometimes didn't listen to him. Others who did benefited from his insights. I remember one dealer he rescued from the recession of the early '80s. We walked into his showroom on...

My prayers and condolences to George and the Van Bortel family.

I did know Howard and had a lot of respect for him. I worked for him for a short time in 1960 in the body shop. I will never forget Howard running down the steps and opening the door fas. He tried catch us goofing off,but was not fast enough. He is a good man ,and i will miss him...

July 21,2011
I had the privilege to know and work with Howard for a number of years. As His Rolls Royce sales manager, He not only inspired me, but taught me so many life lessons in our years together. Not just lessons about creative marketing and pricing and techinques, but a tutelage on how to be distinct. Set apart from all others. In his view , there was no other place to buy a Rolls or even a Chevy for that matter. He had great discernment about people and wisdom about things of...