Celebrating 50 Years of Community Impact with the Ben Mynatt Family

Some businesses become more than businesses. They become part of the story of a community.

For 50 years, the Ben Mynatt family of dealerships has been exactly that in Cabarrus County. Their name is not only recognized through their work in the automotive industry, but also through decades of community involvement, leadership and service.

Recently, United Way of Greater Charlotte had the opportunity to attend the Cabarrus County Chamber networking event hosted by the Ben Mynatt family as they celebrated this incredible milestone. The event brought together local business leaders, elected officials, nonprofit partners and community changemakers to recognize the impact the family has made across the region.

One of the most memorable moments of the evening came when Concord Mayor Steve Morris presented an official proclamation recognizing May 12 as a day of celebration honoring the Ben Mynatt family’s 50th anniversary in business. It was a meaningful reflection of the lasting impact the family has had on Cabarrus County and the respect they have earned throughout the community; but what stood out most throughout the evening was not just the success of the business. It was the story behind it.

In 2010, General Motors attempted to close the dealership. It was a difficult and uncertain time for the family, employees and community. But according to those closest to the situation, Cyndie Mynatt “put on the gloves and went to work,” reaching out to customers, community members and supporters.

What happened next became a reflection of the relationships the family had built over generations. Calls, letters and public support began pouring in. Community members did not only rally around the dealership locally. Many reached out directly to General Motors, wrote letters to newspapers and shared testimonies about what the Mynatt family meant to Cabarrus County.

The dealership remained open because the community fought alongside them. That spirit of connection and compassion continues to define the Mynatt family today. When people describe Cyndie Mynatt, one word comes up again and again: compassionate. Compassion for the community. Compassion for employees and their families. Compassion for doing the right thing.

Over the years, members of the Mynatt family have served on countless nonprofit and community boards, including involvement with United Way, Rotary, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, Habitat for Humanity, the Salvation Army and many other organizations across the region. Their impact can also be seen in the traditions they have created.

For more than 50 years, the family has hosted its annual Christmas Breakfast, a tradition that began with a Coleman stove and country ham in a service department years ago and has grown into a beloved community gathering. Employees from all three stores volunteer early Christmas morning to cook and serve breakfast to customers, first responders, families and neighbors.

As many attendees say, once you come, you become family. That same spirit carries into their annual Customer Appreciation Day, local sponsorships for youth sports teams, blood drives, charitable giving and continued investment in Cabarrus County organizations and events.

At United Way of Greater Charlotte, we know lasting change happens through relationships, trust and people who continually choose to invest in their communities. The Ben Mynatt family’s legacy is a powerful example of what that looks like over time.

We are grateful for the opportunity to celebrate alongside them and recognize the impact they have made throughout Cabarrus County for the past 50 years.

Congratulations to the entire Ben Mynatt family on this incredible milestone and thank you for continuing to serve the community you call home. 💙