Prepared for What Matters Most: How JM Family Prepares Associates, Facilities and Operations for Hurricane Season

In the Southeast U.S., hurricane preparation is not a question of if, but when. For JM Family, that reality carries added weight. With the majority of its primary business locations positioned in hurricane-prone regions, the company’s preparedness efforts directly impact thousands of associates and their families every year.

This responsibility shapes a proactive, enterprise-wide approach to disaster preparedness that is grounded in prioritizing associate safety while sustaining the operations on which our business partners depend. Long before a storm appears on the radar, emergency preparedness teams are aligning plans, resources and communication strategies to ensure readiness at every step. At the center of this effort is strong coordination across the business. As hurricanes develop, leaders begin assessing potential impact with precision, identifying which locations may be affected and mobilizing support accordingly.

“When a hurricane is coming, we focus on identifying where our associates may be affected,” said Jason McMahon, sr. business continuity analyst for JM Family. “That allows us to prioritize their safety first, while also evaluating risks to our sites so we can continue supporting our business partners.”

From there, the organization activates structured planning processes to prioritize continuity. Critical business functions are identified through established incident planning frameworks, ensuring essential operations remain running even in uncertain conditions. Whether that means relocating associates to a workplace recovery location or preparing on-site accommodations, the goal is clear: maintain resilience without compromising safety. “We determine what needs to continue operating, reach out to those teams and understand their needs,” McMahon explained.

At its core, this planning is shaped by the people-centered lens JM Family applies to every business decision. Communication is continuous and intentionally centered on associate well-being. Risk reports are distributed multiple times a day to keep associates and leaders informed about developing conditions and business impacts. These updates, paired with localized decision-making through Crisis Management Teams help ensure each location can respond in the best interest of its people and the communities where they live and work.

Equally important is real-time connection during and after a storm. Through the JM Alert System, emergency messages are broadcast simultaneously, enabling rapid communication of safety instructions, scheduled updates and next steps. “An associate check-in is an accountability measure,” said Stu Moore, business continuity manager for JM Family. “We care about our associates and want to know very quickly following a crisis event that they’re okay and if the company can assist them in any way.”

Flexible tools, including remote working capabilities, further support continuity while prioritizing safety. In severe scenarios, additional measures for critical personnel are often deployed—from fly-out options to on-site sheltering. At JM Family’s headquarters in Deerfield Beach, Fla., the building that houses the company’s IT operation can be converted into temporary shelters equipped with food and essentials for overnight stays. These actions reinforce a simple but powerful commitment: ensuring associates are supported before, during and after the storm.

Behind the scenes, facilities and business teams in Georgia and Florida prepare multiple Vehicle Processing Centers (VPCs) and Parts Distribution Centers (PDCs) to withstand potential disruption to operations by securing assets, managing inventory flow and coordinating logistics contingencies. Every detail is considered, from infrastructure readiness to supply chain continuity, a reflection of the intention and precision behind each JM Family decision.

Preparedness also means readiness isn’t theoretical; it’s practical. Scenario-based planning helps teams anticipate a range of outcomes, allowing them to act decisively when conditions change. Whether it’s a projected landfall, a sudden shift in a storm tack, or an unexpected disruption, teams are equipped to pivot quickly. “We would handle it the same way, just on an expedited schedule,” noted Moore when describing how the company responds to unplanned emergencies. “That consistency ensures confidence across the organization when it matters most.”

The result is preparation paying off in real time. Associates know what to expect, leaders are aligned and partners can rely on continuity even in challenging circumstances. It’s a model built not just on process, but on purpose—recognizing that business resilience begins with taking care of people.

Year after year, JM Family’s commitment remains steady: protect associates, support partners and deliver operational excellence no matter the conditions.

About JM Family Enterprises
JM Family Enterprises was founded by automotive legend, Jim Moran in 1968. It is a privately held company with $24.7 billion in revenue and more than 5,500 associates. Rooted in automotive and united in its strong culture and core values, JM Family is invested in its companies, associates and communities. Driven by exceptional performance, current subsidiaries are in the automotive, financial services, franchising and specialty distribution industries. Its family of companies includes: Southeast Toyota Distributors, JM&A Group, World Omni Financial Corp. (dba Southeast Toyota Finance), JM Lexus, Home Franchise Concepts^®, Futura Title & Escrow and Rollease Acmeda. Interact with JM Family on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.