This is the story of the company behind Stocker Subaru in State College, PA, a member of the Stocker Auto Group. It's the story of three generations that have always taken the high road. A company that believes in hard work, family values, and community service. These are the principles that have guided us since 1961.
How It All Started
Wilbur E. "Gene Stocker, Sr. started his automotive career as a technician. Through long hours and hard work, he became General Manager of Addison Chevrolet in Washington, D.C. He rose from the service department to senior leadership, learning the business from the ground up. Mr. Stocker established the principles that would guide the Stocker family for generations: Respect every job, earn responsibility through effort and integrity, and no job was beneath a leader.
How a Dream became a Dealership
In 1961, Gene moved his family to Central Pennsylvania and bought Keckler Chevrolet in Bellefonte, and it became the beginning of Stocker Chevrolet. The foundation was strong because Gene focused on practical automotive knowledge, personal customer relationships, family participation, and a willingness to do whatever it took to serve the customer. The words he lived by: Work hard. Treat people fairly. Keep your word.
A Permanent Home
Stocker Chevrolet expanded to State College and established its home at 701 Benner Pike, where the dealership operates today. Gene became a respected automotive and civic leader, building on the foundation he had already established. His leadership extended into the Pennsylvania automotive industry, church, civic organizations, aviation, and transportation planning. He supported organizations like St. John's Catholic Church, local civic groups, the Civil Air Patrol, and Penn State athletics.
The Second Generation
Wilbur E. "Gene" Stocker Jr. joined the family business in 1972. Working in partnership with his father, he learned dealership operations the way his father had: from the ground up. In 1983, the father and son team secured the Subaru franchise, transitioning from a Chevrolet store into a multi-brand automotive business. In 1985, Gene Jr. took the helm, guiding the company through its next chapter while guarding its reputation for customer service, employee loyalty, family values, and a commitment to local communities.
A Legacy of Healthcare Support
In 1991, Gene Jr. had a vision for a golf tournament that could generate meaningful support for Centre Community Hospital, serving communities like Centre Hall and Mill Hall. He approached hospital leadership and was introduced to Dr. Jack Purnell, who had a similar vision. Together they launched the Centre Community Hospital Golf Tournament, now the Mount Nittany Medical Center Golf Classic. A local effort to create income for community healthcare grew into a lasting regional tradition that's generated millions of dollars for healthcare projects.
The Third Generation
Before joining the dealership, Cory Stocker built experience outside the family business. He was an undergraduate manager for Penn State Football, graduated from Penn State in 2003, and worked with Cintas Corporation and Sentry Insurance. In 2009, Cory joined the family dealership as General Manager, bringing a valuable outside perspective in sales, operations, insurance, risk management, and customer service. Cory realized that the family name didn't automatically make anyone a leader. Trust had to be earned every day.
Recognition and Reinvestment
Stocker Chevrolet earned the GM Mark of Excellence Award, reflecting the dedication of the dealership team to sales performance, customer satisfaction, and facility standards. In 2020, Cory completed the acquisition of the Buick, GMC, and Cadillac franchises, with operations beginning at 273 Benner Pike in 2021. In 2024, Cory bought the dealership from Gene Jr. and became the third-generation owner. Gene Jr. remained involved as Vice President, preserving the experience and perspective of the second generation while Cory assumed responsibility for leading the organization forward. He opened the Stocker Collision Center in 2025, serving communities like Philipsburg.
The Stocker Vision
Cory introduced the Stocker Advantage into dealership operations in 2016, including an Engine Guarantee, as a demonstration of the dealership's commitment to stand behind its valued customers. Like previous generations, his commitment to the community never wavered. He served as a board member on the Centre County Youth Service Bureau (YSB) and became Chairman of the Board. He helped start the YSB On the Green Golf Tournament and supports the organization through volunteerism, committee work, leadership, sponsorships, and financial support. Today, we continue to believe in taking the high road for our employees, our customers, and our community.
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Stocker Subaru
1454 Dreibelbis Street
State College, PA 16801
- Sales: 814-954-7320
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