Established in 1970 by Alan B. Sverdlow, Jeffrey Allen Inc. has evolved into a prominent third-generation, family-owned golf car dealership and service provider. Initially focused on distributing deep-cycle batteries to the golf course industry, the company underwent a transformative phase under second-generation CEO Jeff Sverdlow, who, driven by his love of golf, helped Jeffrey Allen Inc. become one of the largest and most successful factory-authorized commercial dealers of Club Car Inc. in Florida.
In the 1990s, the third-generation brothers, Ben and Craig Sverdlow, assumed key roles in the business. Recognizing untapped opportunities in the commercial marketplace, they strategically expanded the company’s offerings beyond the golf industry.
With locations in Tampa, Orlando, and Ft. Lauderdale, Jeffrey Allen Inc. also rents HuntVe electric UTVs, Westward utility vehicles, Madjax electric vehicles, and Garia luxury golf cars and owns one of the largest fleets of rental vehicles in Florida, in addition to its golf car sales. The company also just entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with Bolt Energy USA.
Ben Sverdlow, Owner and President, explains, “Over the last 10 years, the focus shifted once again to selling consumer golf cars (Note — although most people still call them golf carts, Sverdlow and his employees call them golf cars because of the years of dramatic improvements in the performance of the vehicles) used for recreation and aftermarket lithium battery development and sales. Most recently, we’ve launched a new division selling aftermarket lithium batteries. Bolt Battery USA has been launched and is gaining a lot of traction. Bolt products were designed for the harsh workload required to power high-performance golf cars.”
Jeffrey Allen Inc. allows clients to customize their dream golf cars in person or conveniently online. When a customer “builds” a golf car online, they have to select a dealer. Jeffrey Allen Inc. then works with them on building, customizing, financing and delivering their new vehicle. Customers also have the option to pick up their golf cars with their own trailers.
Carlos Roque, Jeffrey Allen’s VP of Sales, describes what separates the company from its competitors.
“As one of the largest dealers in the nation,” Roque says, “our brand and reputation are very important to us. With all the new golf cars entering the market, selling the product is secondary to quality service after the sale.”
He adds that today’s customers seek top-notch service when shopping for their golf car brands. “Parts availability, serviceability and support from the manufacturer are important features we hone in on when selecting new products to represent,” Roque says. “Our customers have supported us for over 50 years because of our commitment to them. ‘The customer comes first’ is not just a catch phrase at Jeffrey Allen Inc.; it is part of our core values and our decision-making process. Simply, if it’s not good for our customers, it is not good for our company.”
Sverdlow and his team work hard to keep up to date with the latest trends and technological advancements in the industry.
“Fortunately, our primary brands of vehicles we represent are all ‘tip of the spear’ when it comes to innovation,” Sverdlow says. “We also participate in best practice groups, read every trade publication available and are quick to test and vet new products as they become available. We are very cautious about what brands we sell. All products we represent must be of the highest quality for our clients.”
As an industry expert, Sverdlow offers new golf car customers some advice.
“Golf cars are equipment, and all equipment eventually breaks,” he says. “We highly recommend you purchase an American-made vehicle where parts availability is good and there are many servicing dealers who can support you down the road.”
Promising fair and transparent pricing, the company services most makes and models and offers mobile repair field technicians in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Hardee, Hernando, Polk, Manatee and Sarasota counties. If the repair can’t be completed at your location, the golf car will be transported to the shop at no additional cost.
Satisfied customer Christian de Paulsen left one of the hundreds of five-star Google reviews you’ll find of his experience with Jeffrey Allen Inc.
“I just took delivery of my brand new 2024 Club Car Onward golf car, and I have to say it was well worth the wait!!! The team at Jeffrey Allen Inc. Tampa went above and beyond, ensuring an outstanding buying experience…Of course, I can’t forget the team that built our car to exactly our customizations. The entire team did an amazing job! I would highly recommend to anyone looking to buy a golf car to go by and check out Jeffrey Allen Inc. You won’t be disappointed.”
Not only does the company sell golf cars and batteries, it also offers rental golf cars for commercial and special event purposes.
Commercial golf cars are built to withstand heavy-duty usage for most commercial applications. They are used in many industries, such as resorts, hotels, building and lawn maintenance, municipalities and educational institutions.
“Golf cars have become very important tools at commercial facilities,” Sverdlow says. “These operations simply don’t function without their utility vehicles. Our commercial golf and utility rental team provides services for many types of events. Our golf cars are used for things like event set-up, material handling, transporting personnel, security, refuse removal, engineering and administrative purposes.”
For special events, 2-, 4- and 6-passenger rental golf cars have become popular for weddings, church events, corporate and nonprofit events, parades, fairs, festivals, concerts, sporting events and golf tournaments.
“Especially in Florida, golf cars have become part of the lifestyle,” Sverdlow says. “Many communities have embraced them as excellent modes of transportation and have reduced the need for parking. We believe that more communities and municipalities will continue this trend, drafting rules and laws that are favorable to this small wheel-powered vehicle market.”
He adds, “Consumers have embraced the golf car to ‘have fun’; it’s become part of our culture here in Florida. Our consumer golf cars are custom-outfitted by the customer. Whether it’s a paint job, reupholstered seats, or speed modifications, the options are endless.”
The company also takes accessibility into consideration with each car.
“We work closely with our manufacturer to design ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance and other specialty vehicles, such as accessibility for wheelchairs and emergency vehicles used by first responders,” explains Roque.
Jeffrey Allen Inc.’s success is measured in business milestones and the stories of families creating enduring memories through shared experiences with their golf cars. The company actively engages in philanthropic initiatives, supporting local activities for veterans, children and food drives, underscoring a commitment to community impact.
Sverdlow says the favorite stories the company hears are how often their golf cars have brought families together, allowing them to enjoy outdoor activities.
“The simple trip to the grocery store becomes an adventure for young kids and teens when they ride in the golf car with their parents,” he explains. “An evening ride around the neighborhood, a ride to the community pool and social events are just a few ways our customers enjoy their golf cars. (They spend) quality time talking, laughing and making memories on our products.”
The West Coast division of Jeffrey Allen Inc. is located at 4401 U.S. Hwy. 301, Tampa, and is open Mon.- Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m., and on Sat. by appointment. For more info, call (800) 282-6256, visit JeffreyAllenInc.com/west-coast-greater-tampa.