If golf cars could talk, the ones in Rancho Mirage would have some legendary tales to tell. And no one knows those stories better than JR Thomas, who grew up in the middle of it all—engines humming, fairways buzzing, and Hollywood royalty slipping quietly into the family’s showroom.
One of the most famous stories involves Frank Sinatra, who once strolled in alone—no entourage, no fanfare. He paused at a golf car styled like a Rolls Royce and asked Bobby Thomas Sr., JR’s father, “How much is this one?” “$5,000,” Bobby replied. “$5,000?! I didn’t even pay that much for my first house!” Sinatra exclaimed. He chose a modest $3,500 model instead, but just as he reached the door, he turned back and grinned: “and I’ll take the $5,000 one for the old lady.”
Sinatra wasn’t the only star. Leonard Firestone, Lucille Ball, Suzanne Somers, Tom Flores, Spiro Agnew, President Dwight Eisenhower and many more all became clients of the Thomas family business. JR remembers his father’s stories about Phil Harris, Bing Crosby’s sidekick and bandleader, who became a favorite customer. JR himself has his own brush with fame memories: meeting Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell (stars from his all-time favorite movie Overboard). He also reflected on the opportunities he had to play golf with golf greats such as David Duvall, Sam Sneed, and Billy Casper. “It’s pretty cool meeting so many celebrities,” JR said. “This business has given me some incredible experiences.”
Childhood Lessons, Bumps and All
For JR, the journey started early. At just 12 years old, he took one of the company’s three-wheeled models for a spin. The car was squirrelly and had no brakes; JR barreled down a hill, straight into a company pickup truck, snapping a side mirror clean off and leaving a trail of tire tracks. “It was my first crash,” he laughed. “Not a toy! That was a good lesson to learn.”
His father, Bobby Thomas Sr., had started it all in the 1950s. First a caddy at Thunderbird Country Club, Bobby became the area’s first golf car dealer, pioneering an industry that would eventually serve presidents, entertainers, and golf legends alike. At its peak, Electric Car Distributors had 85 employees and nearly $20 million in sales. “My dad focused on sales, and I was more the nuts-and-bolts guy,” JR said. “It was a balance between us. He loved people, and I loved making the cars better.”
Technological Leaps and Bounds
Back then, the cars were heavy, slow, and powered by six acid batteries that tore up golf courses. They were noisy, clunky, and required constant watering. “It took a long time to get as efficient as cars are made today,” JR reflects. Over the decades, he’s witnessed the industry transform.
Now, just one lithium battery can power a golf car smoothly at speeds up to 25 miles per hour. The cars charge faster, last longer, and require zero maintenance. Innovations like “flotation tires” protect the greens, while comfort features like JR’s own Bluetooth sound bars and signature Fresair Top that keeps passengers up to 40 degrees cooler, make the ride a joy. “Hurray, hurray—we don’t need to water our batteries anymore!” JR laughs.
More Than Just Cars—It’s About People
Through it all, one philosophy has stayed the same: take care of people. JR recalls his father offering to repair a car for a customer for free long after the warranty had expired. At first, it baffled him. Why would his dad do that? But he quickly saw the results: that one good deed brought in the customer’s nephew, then a neighbor, then a whole string of new clients. “If you don’t take care of your customer, someone else will,” JR said reflectively. “My dad showed me that what you give comes back to you.”
That philosophy carries on today. JR believes it’s not just about selling cars; it’s about building trust and relationships. “This is a fun business,” he said. “It’s not a grind. It’s not like selling pencils. You meet people, you share stories, and you help them enjoy life a little more.”
A Legacy for the Next Generation
The future of the business is already taking shape with the next generation. JR’s nephew, Kahil, is now handling the company’s social media presence, recognizing that storytelling in the digital age is just as important as face-to-face interactions. “It shows his value, and the family legacy,” JR said proudly. “He saw social media was the next step, and he’s making it happen.”
Kahil was recently honored by the Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce as a board member, and will proudly serve as their representative in the annual Golf Cart Parade, held each year during the last week of October.
Today, at their freshly painted showroom on Highway 111 in Rancho Mirage, JR Thomas Golf Cars continues to honor its past while embracing the future. From Sinatra’s Rolls Royce-styled cart to today’s lithium-powered marvels, one thing hasn’t changed: this is a family business built on stories, values, and a genuine love for community.
In the end, golf cars aren’t just about getting around on the green; they’re about the journeys, the memories, and the legends who ride along the way. JR couldn’t resist sharing one final surprise: “We’re not done yet—air-conditioned seats are on the horizon!”
