Legacy

Innovation has been a hallmark of both The Reynolds and Reynolds Company and Universal Computer Systems, Inc. (UCS). Reynolds has evolved from a business forms manufacturer into one of the world's leading information management companies serving the automotive retailing industry. UCS has grown from a regional data processing service to a complete dealer services provider, often being the first to introduce many of the dealership software applications available today.

The merger of Reynolds and UCS, completed in 2006, creates the world’s pre-eminent dealer services provider. The new Reynolds and Reynolds Company brings together two distinguished companies, both rooted in a legacy of innovation, now working together to create solutions and services designed to help retailers sell more cars, reach more customers, and improve their profitability.

1866 – The legacy of Reynolds began when Gardner & Reynolds was founded in Dayton, Ohio, by Lucius D. Reynolds, and his brother-in-law, James R. Gardner. Their small manufacturing company was one of the first to print standardized business forms. The firm became Reynolds & Reynolds in 1867 when Gardner sold his stake in the business to Ira Reynolds, Lucius Reynolds' father. In 1889, the firm was incorporated as The Reynolds and Reynolds Company.

1920s – Reynolds created the first standardized accounting forms and a paper-based accounting system for Chevrolet and its retailers. The innovation also laid the groundwork for Reynolds to become the major forms and systems provider to the automobile retailer market.

1960s – Reynolds became the first to offer computer services to automotive retailers throughout the nation – a key step in transforming the way individual retailers and car companies managed their businesses.

1970 – Universal Computer Systems, Inc. began as a regional data processing service bureau, providing local dealerships with weekly reports of their parts inventory.

1980s –Reynolds and UCS both offer business forms to automotive retailers and market in-house dealer management systems integrating all areas throughout an enterprise from the business office to the parts department, service department and showroom floor.

2000s – Reynolds and UCS both harness the power of the Internet by providing comprehensive customer relationship management solutions, Internet-enabled applications and advanced dealer management systems. With these solutions, dealerships are able adjust to a new technology-driven environment and capitalize on every customer interaction.

Today – The merger of Reynolds and UCS on October 26, 2006, enables the combined companies to leverage years of innovation and experience to refine and develop market-leading solutions and award-winning sales, service and support teams. The new Reynolds and Reynolds Company is now well-positioned to uphold the legacy of customer-driven innovation and customer-focused service with more strength than ever before.