EAST SYRACUSE -- It's a success story that shows hard work and dedication can pay off.

East Syracuse Chevrolet, on Bridge Street has a new owner. It was sold Thursday to a long-standing employee, Gino Barbuto.

Barbuto was born in Italy and moved to the US when he was 4 years old. When he entered Kindergarten he could barely speak English. He says his latest career achievement embodies his American Dream.

Barbuto started out at the dealership in 1986 as a service advisor. Over the course of 25 years, he worked his way up and he's now the new dealer operator. Only the 4th dealer operator in the corporations 82 year history.

Barbuto says his career is an example to his sons to work hard."It's a lesson to work hard. I started out writing orders and worked my way up," he said.

Barbuto has big plans for the dealership. He wants to expand the used car operation, upgrade the current facility on Bridge Street and revamp the showroom space inside the dealership