Jack Kain, legendary Ford dealer, founder of Kain Family Ford, and former Chairman of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), passed away March 26, 2024 at the age of 94 after a battle with cancer, family members say.
Kain was a visionary member of the retail automotive community but always kept family, community, and service at the forefront of both his personal and professional life. Acquiring his first dealership in 1953, he would go on to earn the attention of Ford, with whom he opened a brand new Kentucky location in 1961. That would become the first of many Ford storefronts managed by the Kain Family auto group, which over the years would go on to accrue Nissan, Chrysler, and Chevrolet franchises as well. One of Kain’s first dealerships, Jack Kain Ford, located in Versailles, Kentucky, remains there to this day, still operated by the Kain family, who have served over 70,000 customers since the 1980s.
In 2005, Jack Kain would become Chairman of the NADA, a position he would leverage to support dealers as the automotive industry adjusted to the digital-driven world of the new century. In 2013, Kain was honored with Ford’s Salute to Dealers award, recognizing him for his dedication to the car business, high standards of customer service, and passion for giving back to his community.
David Kain, son of Jack Kain, founder of Kain Automotive and host of Kain & Co.
Kain is survived by his children, Bob, Vickie, Pat, Bill, and David, who continue to work in the retail automotive industry. David Kain is also the founder of sales, service and BDC training firm Kain Automotive and hosts the popular Kain & Co. show here on CBT News.
Jack Kain is also remembered for his impact on the Kentucky community, his support for education, medical care and research, and other charitable efforts. The retail automotive community will also continue to remember him for his hard work ethic, transparency, and sincere care for car buyers and those in need. The family has confirmed his passing on Facebook but is still working on funeral arrangements.
